Testament of Vladika Nikodim: Our task is to stand guard over Orthodoxy (VIDEO)

On May 27 and 28, celebrations on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Kharkov Council of Bishops were held in Ukraine. Believers with special gratitude recalled Bishop Nikodim (Rusnak), whose chair hosted the Council. Not long before his repose, Metropolitan Nikodim gave a short interview.

"Only commitment, unchangeable and uncorrupted commitment to the Holy canonical Orthodoxy, but not imaginary and alleged, is required of us," said Vladika Nikodim. "Our task is to stand guard over faith, and the Lord will do his part both tomorrow and in the ages to come." We must know our people, know its soul. Not only bark and spit in this suffering soul, but know and be its co-partaker! In all circumstances! And so it will be. You won’t see Holy Rus, canonical and Orthodox, fall. If it is wiped out, world Orthodoxy will disappear. The triumph of the canonical Ecumenical Orthodox Church is eternal and undefeated. Glory to Christ for His help!"

Metropolitan Nikodim was the oldest hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church at the time of his death.

He passed away on the evening of September 15, 2011 at the age of 91. The body of the reposed archpastor was buried near the side-altar in honor of St. Meletius in the lower church of the Holy Annunciation Cathedral of Kharkov.