On 30 September 2018, after performing the rite of great consecration of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in the city of Bolgrad, His Beatitude Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa noted in his homily that he had come to Ukraine to show his love and that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is the only canonical Church in Ukraine, the UOC Department for Information and Education reports.
“I lived here and shed tears for this country, and now I have come here to say that I am always with you,” the Patriarch of Alexandria said and added that he would tell the Patriarchs of All the Local Orthodox Churches about the situation in Ukraine, as he saw it with his own eyes. “I will also say to all the Patriarchs that the Church does not bow down to politicians. There are apostolic canons in the Church, and the canonical Church is guided by the canons. It has lived and will live in accordance with the canons,” the First Hierarch emphasized.
Addressing all the present archpastors and laypeople, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria wished them to remain faithful to the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
“The church life is not always peaceful: there are distempers, there are schisms <…> Let us never accept what devil dictates, for he wants to sow discord between us! We are praying for Ukraine!” Patriarch Theodore added.
The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria wished His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry as the head of the canonical Church in Ukraine patience and longevity. “Clouds will disperse, and the light of the Resurrection will shine again,” His Beatitude said in conclusion.
