Directions from His Beatitude Sviatoslav: Regarding the Attitudes and Behavior of the Clergy in the Present Socio-Political Situation in Ukraine (ENG/UKR) | Edmonton Eparchy - Official Website

The crisis is far from over in Ukraine and everything will be demanded of Christians' Christianity, if they are truly to be obedient to the voice of Christ, coming in His Kingdom and calling to His people.

Thus Patriarch Sviatoslav has issued the following call to Peace, Holiness and Unceasing Presence among their people:

1. The Church – is a community of the children of God, united in faith in the Triune God, and the priest is a servant of this community, the image of Christ – the Good Shepherd, actively present among his people.
2. Each representative of the clergy is the face of the Church and must accomplish his calling according to its public teachings. Our hope is in God!
3. The primary task of the priest is to preach the Word of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to administer the sacraments, and to lead the people in prayer, fasting, and serving the needy.
4. The Church is an active participant of societal and not the political processes. Hence, the priest has no right to be a leader in political actions or deliver political homilies.
5. The church pulpit should be used only to preach the word of God and Christian morality.
6. The priest, under all circumstances of life, is to be a peacemaker, and especially in a civil conflict. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to proclaim calls to violence.
7. The calling of each priest, in all frightening circumstances – is not to abandon his flock and to be with them. “ The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. “ (Jn 10:11).
8. Setting aside all fear, a priest is called  to be a witness to Christ and His truth.  ”Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Mt 24:35).
9. All members of the clergy must remember, especially in the present circumstances, the importance of obedience to the church leadership.

Dear Bishops and Fathers! In brotherly love, I embrace all of you and with you I suffer all the wounds of our people, support your priestly zeal and closeness to your flock. In these difficult times, it is so important for us to be united with God and with our neighbor through prayer and service.

May God’s blessing rest on our Church and our people!


 † SVIATOSLAV



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Directions from His Beatitude Sviatoslav: Regarding the Attitudes and Behavior of the Clergy in the Present Socio-Political Situation in Ukraine (ENG/UKR) | Edmonton Eparchy - Official Website