AFU soldier: Primate of the UOC blessed us to defend Ukraine
The soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine declared that he was fighting for his country and the Church. Photo: screenshot of the First Cossack YouTube channel video
Serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Dmytro Rastorguev turned to the persecutors of the UOC and reminded them that His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry blessed everyone to go to defend the territorial integrity of the country in the first days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The video of the appeal is published by the First Cossack YouTube channel.
The soldier noted that, together with his brother, he joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the first days of the invasion.
“I have a family – two children, a wife, a good job, a good team, and I left all this because I love my country, I love Ukraine, for me it is the best. I also love my faith, my Ukrainian Orthodox Church, whose Primate is His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. He blessed all Ukrainians to defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine. So please calm down. However, if someone is guilty of something, if there are collaborators who do not fulfill the blessing of the Primate, then these are criminals. They have names and surnames, and they need to be judged and punished for this. But the whole denomination should not suffer from this,” said Dmytro Rastorguev.
The soldier urged everyone to unite for victory.
“We need help! And then we will return and discuss all the issues,” the soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine assured.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to the soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the one who fights with the believers of the UOC in the rear is an occupier.
Read also
Archbishop Atanasie Enthroned as First Romanian Orthodox Bishop in the UK
In a historic ceremony marked by royal and patriarchal blessings, Archbishop Atanasie assumes leadership of over 1.4 million Romanian Orthodox faithful in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
A Bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church Serves in the Birthplace of Saints Cyril and Methodius
May 10, 2025—Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki celebrated the Divine Liturgy together with Bishop Jovan of Pakrac and Slavonia from the Serbian Orthodox Church, at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Thessaloniki.
Abp. Elpidophoros Approves "Food-sensitive" Eucharist
When Accessibility Crosses the Line: A Call for Faithful Integrity in Liturgical Practice
Kenyan Orthodox Priest Targeted, Guard Severely Wounded in Machete Attack
"We must not repay violence with violence." —Fr. Antipas
Procession of the Icon of the Theotokos at the Holy Monastery of Iveron on Mount Athos
Monks and pilgrims accompanied the Iveron Icon in a solemn procession around the Monastery and along the shore on Bright Tuesday.
The Mystery of Christian Love - Eulogy for the Funeral of Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon
In his eulogy, Igumen Gabriel, Abbot-elect of Holy Cross, spoke of Fr. Panteleimon’s legacy and spiritual testament.