Today, our Church prayerfully commemorates Venerable Onuphrius the Great, the heavenly patron of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine.

Our country and our Orthodox Church are now going through difficult times. Unfortunately, hypocrisy, hatred, anger, schism, immorality and lack of spirituality become commonness and an integral part of our life.

Christian commandments are forgotten and traditional values ​​are distorted. Yet, in praise of God, we have a bright example of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry, our Good Shepherd, our hope and support.

People say: "One does not go to an empty well for water." For all of us, young and old, Bishop Onufry is a true source of God's grace, an example of placability and humility, love and firmness in matters of faith.

His Beatitude did not seek any honours, nor earthly fame, nor power, but only service to the Lord. By the grace of God, His Beatitude took on leadership of our Church in the difficult days of hardships and schism.

From that moment on, every day of his life, he does what our Lord Jesus Christ said: "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matt. 20:26).

By own example His Beatitude proves that power, especially spiritual power, is not a privilege, is not a reward, but rather hard work, a sacrifice, and it is given only to serve the Lord and people.

Your Beatitude! Today, on your Name Day, I want to whole-heartedly wish you that the Lord will strengthen you with His grace in all your ways, in all your endeavours and initiatives.

Happy Name Day, our dear Grace!