Managing the Affairs of the UOC Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary.
Defending the Church, it is important to monitor themselves, because the struggle for truth is not exempt from the rules of Christian life, recalled Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich).
“You better let us the world will hate the truth than love a lie, and it is better we stay alone with truth, than in the crowd, but with lies and delusion,” called the believers managing the Affairs of the UOC Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary in their spiritual instruction, published by the portal “Orthodox life”.
According to Vladyka Anthony, the unceasing talk of Tomos and the newly established Church structure is not worth as much attention as similar events in different variations have often occurred in history. Thus, the objective reality is that the vast majority of the faithful remain faithful to their Church, no matter what life or political circumstances.
He recalled that the current situation is one in a repeat scenario of the 90-ies, when “in the current political situation was created the project “Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate””.
“With the true Church were all monks and all Church people, the people who regularly attend the Church, confessed and took communion, lived the life of the Church. People are not fooled! In splitting the Church left only those who policy and national interests are placed above Christ and His Church, who did not go to the temples, and used to go on holidays, because “so accepted”, who have succumbed to political propaganda. (…) Have certainly been cases of violent seizure of churches. But violence the Church will be built”, – said the Bishop.
The Bishop warned that now that the information field has expanded significantly, and warned against participating in virtual battles, because “there is a danger that the war of individual believers in the virtual plane will lead souls from the real struggle is internal”. It also includes various “analysis” and predictions, often based on their own conjectures, fears and rumors and have no relation to real events, but only confuse and scare people.
Separately, the Archbishop said those who spread unverified rumors scary: “causing panic worse enemies. Enemies come out openly against the Church, and the alarmists undermine its unity from within, to weaken the spirit of the believers.”
“Defending the Church, it is important to take care of yourself. As the fight for the truth does not exempt us from the rules of Christian life. For the truth to fight, of course. But at what cost – matters. Turning to insults, slander, speculation, humiliation of others, we sink ourselves. It is not Christian and not human”, he explained, adding that the protection of the Church shall be exclusively under the leadership of the pastor or the Church.
“As for the disputes and controversy in social networks, it is worth remembering that to win the argument is often impossible. The truth is born in dispute. This is a misconception. Absolute truth, she was, is and will be. (…) The truth is God,” added Bishop Anthony and stressed that the role of the believer is not to argue, and to testify of Truth and “reveal, if possible, slandering the Church and Its Ministers.”
He stressed that the main proof of the truth and the only way of serving her is a life in Christ.
“Troubled times characterized by the fact that the increase of temptation, internal attacks, acute spiritual struggle. The task of the enemy – with the help of external factors to distract people from work. Our passions tear us, strengthen its power and effect. Therefore, it is important to keep the peace in the soul (…) to focus on their sins, to reveal them honestly to admit in them, sincerely repent and improve. His inner work we will balance the harmony in the world, will help good to prevail over evil. Our heart should be the area where will be the most important battle, because God’s judgment we will stand by themselves, without any support, one-on-one with God, with his personal story of the spiritual war and only for their victories and defeats will answer”, – concluded the Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary.