Macedonian Primate on Russia–Ukraine war: We see suffering brothers
Archbishop Stefan. Photo: utrinskivesnik
In a Christmas interview with the newspaper Nova Makedonija, Archbishop Stefan, Primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, spoke about the tragedy of war between Orthodox peoples and urged Christians to see in their opponents suffering brothers.
“The pain inflicted by every war is immeasurable – all the more so when mutual misunderstanding forces Orthodox peoples to stand against one another,” Archbishop Stefan said, answering a question about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The primate emphasized that the call to peace on earth and goodwill among people is the foundation of the Christmas message and is deeply rooted in the Christian spirit. “All Christians are called to spread love, not pain – because a living faith in God should heal, not wound; save, not harm,” he noted.
Archbishop Stefan recalled a central Christian truth: “Every person without exception is an icon of God, and no historical or political disagreements can or should erase this truth.”
“Where the world sees enemies, the Christian is called to see suffering brothers – to build unity and do good, to bear witness to peace and to establish peace,” the head of the Macedonian Church stressed.
Quoting the angelic hymn of the Nativity – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men” – Archbishop Stefan urged the faithful to be peacemakers. “The only war we must wage is the war against our fallen nature – against our personal sins and passions,” he said. “Therefore, in these Christmas days we pray with particular fervor that lovelessness may retreat before love, and that peace may drive out discord.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Shevchuk criticized Trump’s “so-called peace plan.
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.