I have recently received a touching letter from one of the proto-abbots of our monastic orders, in which he wrote: "No matter what happens, our monasticism will always be with its people." In the current threat of war, when the rich are fleeing from Ukraine, I reminded myself that those who vowed purity, poverty and obedience are the last hope of his people. His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Father and Head of the UGCC emphasized during the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy in the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ on the occasion of the Day of Consecrated Persons which is celebrated on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple.
“On the day of the Presentation of our Lord at the Temple we celebrate the feast of consecrated persons. We congratulate our monasticism. It is a celebration of those people who have died for the world, for this temporary, transient life. Their presence among us is a revelation to each of us of what awaits us after death”, mentioned the Head of the Church.
“Today we thank the Lord for everyone who dedicates at least a part of his life, his time, his attention to God, - the Archbishop said.
The Head of the UGCC also added that we can notice how today Ukraine is becoming an object of trade between the great and powerful countries of the world, as if our history and our lives are not in our hands, which is not true.
“In today's holiday, God seems to be returning destiny to the hands of Ukraine. And now, more than ever, we understand that no one will build our home or our state instead of us, protect it or build a better future for our children”, the Head of the UGCC stressed on.
Congratulations on this holiday! May these consecrated candles, which you will take out of the temple today, be a symbol of God's life, which is present amidst darkness, fear, death of this moment of our national existence.