UOC bishop on standing at VR: It's not a policy but a miracle-hoping prayer

Bishop Victor of Baryshevka. Photo: facebook.com/V.D.Kotsaba

The prayer standing of the UOC believers near the walls of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is not a political action or a demonstration of the strength and multiplicity of the faithful to the Church, but the hope for a miracle that the authorities who were elected by us will finally see people in us, rather than a "religious organization", wrote the Head of the UOC Representatives to European International Organizations, Bishop Victor (Kotsaba) of Baryshevka, in his Telegram channel.

The bishop recalled that prayer is always hope, a testimony that the world in which we live, despite all its imperfections and outward adherence to evil, is filled with miracles. “We, believers, know very well that this world exists only thanks to a miracle. Indeed, by and large, true love is a miracle. Friendship, mercy, mutual respect and everything that is good and beneficial – all this is a miracle,” said Bishop Victor.

He noted that the parliamentarians must finally understand that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is not some kind of structure or "religious organization", but living people who witness the presence of Christ on earth. These are real people in whom you need to see your mothers, brothers and sisters. “And perhaps, as soon as politicians stop seeing the Church as a ‘religious organization’, a miracle will also appear in their lives. The miracle of love for God and neighbors,” summed up the hierarch of the UOC.

As the UOJ reported, on June 15, a prayer standing of the UOC believers took place near the Verkhovna Rada.

Read also

Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR

The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South

Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis

March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.

EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence

The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church

Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose

The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR

Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.

"The entire family has been massacred in Baniyas, Syria. They were Orthodox Christians. Humanity has failed!"

Social media is telling the stories Corporate Media will not, and people are taking notice.