Bishop Philaret of Lvov, Ukraine: "We must not allow citizens of the same state to sink in rivers of their own blood" / Православие.Ru

Lvov, December 1, 2013

Bishop Philaret of Lvov and Galicia has addressed his flock. "The Holy Church cannot take part in political processes because it is the divinely instituted Body that unites this world with the Heavenly world," said the Bishop in his address published on December 1, 2013, on the Diocese's website. “The Church does not interfere in affairs of the state because it is separate from the state.”

"It is impossible to observe calmly how violence and hatred are growing to an enormous extent and are ruling the children of the same Church," continues the Hierarch.

"We now cannot allow citizens of the same state to sink in rivers of their own blood because of their convictions! That's why we are praying to the Almighty and asking Him to fill our hearts with love, as the Lord said: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (Jn 13:34-35).

Let no political provocations make our hearts admit the devilish spirit of hatred and fury! Brothers and sisters, keep your souls in peace, in the hope on the Almighty—the most important things for communion with the Creator! –Calling a blessing of the Lord upon all of us." With these words the Bishop ended his address to his flock in these very difficult days for the Ukrainian people.

Pravoslavie.ru