Primate of Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia greets Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine with his Name Day
His Beatitude Rastislav, Archbishop of Prešov, Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, sent a message of greetings to the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church who celebrates the commemoration day of his heavenly patron, St. Onuphrius the Great, on 25th June. The celebrations also mark the 5th anniversary of Primatial ministry and 75th birthday of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine. His Beatitude Metropolitan Rastislav’s letter reads:
Your Beatitude,
Beloved in the Lord Brother and Concelebrant at God’s Altar:
Allow to wholeheartedly greet you with your Name Day – commemoration day of St. Onuphrius the Great.
From your youth you have devoted your life to serving the Church of Christ. Now, when the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is going through a period of hardships, you carry your Primatial cross with dignity and humility, fulfilling the words of the Gospel: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:16), and encouraging by your example and fortitude the flock entrusted to you by God.
May the Generous Lord, through the prayers of your heavenly patron, grant unto you, Your Beatitude, strength and patience in this time of hardships, confession and witness to God’s Truth for your country and your Church.
Many and good years be to Your Beatitude!
With brotherly love in Christ,
+RASTISLAV
Archbishop of Prešov
Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia