UGCC hierarchs gave last warning to authorities, and asked Ukrainians not to fall in despair
Synod of the UGCC hierarchs appealed on February 4 to public officials, politicians and civil community in Ukraine with the last warning to the authorities and urged Ukrainians neither get disappointed nor fall in despair: “Now it is the deadline for authorities to change their minds in order to pass the point of no return, at which one can build a truly independent country without the devastating effects of the post-Soviet traumas.”
UGCC hierarchs stress that Ukraine needs leaders who are able to take responsibility for embodying the aspirations of Ukrainian people. In particular, the signs of the state-level obstruction of reforms, which are needed and requested by society, raise particular concern of the UGCC. As the hierarch stressed, the growing frustration and anxiety in society are visible to the naked eye.”
“We, as pastors, ... share the opinion of our faithful and society and the urgent need for reforms that essentially should ... become a guarantee of social justice and realization of Ukrainians’ aspirations for worthy life for themselves and their descendants.”
The UGCC stress the need of special responsibility to approach the constitutional changes.
“Unreasonable delay or postponement of reforms hinders the development of our society. Corruption interests and actions of some politicians and groups pose an even greater threat to this development because they destroy faith of the Ukrainians in the possibility of essential changes. In addition, they also destroy public confidence in government institutions, which in the current situation can be advantageous only to our enemies,” the UGCC hierarchs state with anxiety and warn the authorities, “Ukrainian society wants to see the result of their struggle for a worthy life for which our people have paid and continue paying such a high price of fatalities on Maidan and in eastern Ukraine.”
UGCC Bishops warn the authorities of double standards: “When people pay with blood for the independence of the state on the battlefield, it is unacceptable to bring to naught its exploit by hindering changes through internal strife and trade its good name in the international community.
Society expects fair rules from the new government which it must follow, as well as the responsible and transparent actions that will give grounds for confidence and hope.”
The main appeal today to the bishops of the Church authorities is: “Do not place personal, business or party interests above the national. Concern for the common good and focusing all healthy forces in defense of human dignity and the establishment of social justice in our nation should be the consolidation factors for society and its leaders. Today it is the high time for the authorities to change their minds in order to pass the point of no return at which one can build a truly independent country without the devastating effects of the post-Soviet traumas.”
The hierarchs made a separate appeal to the Ukrainian people: “Dear compatriots! After Maidan, in the context of foreign military aggression against our country, Ukrainian society has no right to turn into a society of disillusioned or desperate people. That would be the biggest defeat for everyone. We need to keep cool and calm in order not to destroy the gains, which we have achieved such a great price by some feverish actions or rash steps.”
UGCC hierarchs call all the faithful for intensified prayer for our nation, government and soldiers.
