Metropolitan Onuphry congratulates AFU soldiers on their holiday

Metropolitan Onuphry anoints a soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with holy oil. Photo: news.church.ua

On December 6, 2023, on the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, congratulated Ukrainian servicemen on their professional holiday. The Primate's address was published on the UOC website.

According to His Beatitude Onuphry, every day the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine testify to their sacrificial love for their neighbors, demonstrate courage, and professionalism in defending Ukraine from a cunning enemy.

"Despite the unbearable heat and pouring rain, the severe cold, and the bitter frosts, you bear your service worthy, resolutely defending the territorial integrity of our homeland and protecting all of us – citizens of Ukraine," he said.

The Primate reminded that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church expressed full support for the Ukrainian army on the first day of the full-scale Russian invasion, and today prayers for the AFU are incessantly offered in the temples and monasteries of the Church.

"Today we ask the Lord to help all of you, respected servicemen – Armed Forces of Ukraine, with His almighty right hand, blessing you with good health and giving you stamina and inspiration for further military feats for the good of our homeland," noted His Beatitude.

"On this day, we also offer our prayers for the fallen heroes and heroines who laid down their own lives for the sake of the lives of relatives, loved ones, compatriots, and for our country. The Holy Church prays to the Merciful God for the blessed repose of all the fallen heroes, whose feat will always be an example of love for neighbors and self-sacrifice for the homeland," he added.

As it was previously reported, the Primate of the UOC consecrated another vehicle for evacuating wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

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