Christmas message of Metropolitan Onufriy
Metropolitan Onufriy published a Christmas message to the faithful on January 6, in which he urged love and patience, not naming specific aggressors. In his address, he noted that this is the fourth consecutive year that the Nativity of Christ, a holiday of peace and goodwill, is being celebrated against the backdrop of gunfire. The Metropolitan expressed hope that the Lord would calm the hearts of those fighting against Ukraine.
The Information Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) published the text of the metropolitan's message. At the same time, celebrating Christmas according to the Julian calendar has sparked criticism from the faithful and society. Questions regarding the Church's position have become particularly relevant against the backdrop of the events occurring in Ukraine.
Situation in Ukraine
Moreover, the Kyiv Metropolia of UOC (MP) filed a lawsuit against the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics on August 12, 2025. The order from the State Service for Ethnopolitics was issued on July 17, 2025. It is important to note that August 20, 2025, marked one year since the law banning the Moscow Church in Ukraine was adopted.
The situation in the country remains tense. Vladimir Putin is using the Moscow Church in Ukraine to justify the war, which adds complexity to relations between the Church and society. In response to the metropolitan's calls, some believers expressed their opinions.
Petro Klymchuk asked: 'Where is the prayer for the victory of the Ukrainian people?'
Hryhoriy Ilnytskyi, for his part, added: 'And who blessed the Rashists and collected aid for the Rashists!'
Thus, the Christmas message of Metropolitan Onufriy has become a reason for discussing important issues that concern not only spiritual life but also socio-political processes in Ukraine. Believers and experts are actively commenting on the metropolitan's words, expressing various opinions regarding his position.
Leonid Hromyik noted: 'It's too late... The Nativity of Our Lord has already passed...', while Oksana Bodnar Fedyna added: 'No need to talk about Herod, because Herod is currently bombing peaceful children in Ukraine... Merry Christmas!'
This situation highlights the deep divisions in society and in the Church in wartime, as well as the influence that religion has on national identity. The Christmas message of the metropolitan not only reflects the experiences of the believers but also raises questions about the role of the Church in the context of the modern challenges facing Ukraine. It is important for the Church to find ways to unite people in difficult times, promoting peace and harmony in society.