Let nobody ridicule Ukraine: Patriarch of UGCC appeals to youth
Patriarch Svyatoslav (Shevchuk) of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church urged young people to participate in the presidential elections in Ukraine, since the country's destiny for decades to come -- and perhaps even its further existence -- will depend on their results.
He said this in the traditional Message of the Primate to the youth on Palm Sunday.
“Today, in Ukraine, we will manifest our national and Christian maturity through participation in the elections of the President of Ukraine. For some of you, this is perhaps the first election in life. It is this day that can become decisive for the country's destiny for decades, and even for its further existence. Therefore, I urge you to assume mature responsibility. Only a mature person is able to predict the consequences of his or her choice and assume personal responsibility for them. Let nobody ridicule Ukraine, mock over the blood and suffering of our people, who are fighting for real freedom at the cost of their own life,” said the Head of the UGCC.
Patriarch Sviatoslav notes that according to fresh polls, most young Ukrainians consider freedom as the most important value of their lives. Until recently, in 2013, attempts were made to take this liberty away from us.
“And it is not by chance that the opposing forces have chosen the youth as target of their strike. Church bells have awakened our conscience, and at the cost of great sacrifices, at the Maidan we defended our right to freedom to do good, to live freely on our God-granted land, he recalled.
The Primate therefore urged young people not to fall in for manipulations and insidious propaganda.
“In that you make your personal and responsible decision better and as consciously as possible. I want to recall the criteria that the holy memory of His Beatitude Lubomyr once outlined and, in his opinion, it is necessary to assess the candidates for positions in the state bodies: professionalism, decency and patriotism. Only one who has all three features can be worthy of our trust. Today, our whole Church is calling for the grace of the Holy Ghost to come down on our youth, with the belief that its choice, as well as the choice of our nation, will be good news to Ukraine and the world, just as the choice of the youth of Jerusalem became a glorious part of the Gospel of Christ Himself!” His Beatitude Svyatoslav said.
Separately, the Patriarch of the UGCC appealed to the Ukrainian youth who is now abroad. "The young faithful of our Church, who do not live in Ukraine and do not take part in the elections today, want to call for responsibility in our Church and public communities. Take responsibility for the future of the country in which you live, do not be afraid to attain success and serve at the highest levels of society and thus become proud of your own people and your Church. Become active members of your parish and the Ukrainian community! So, like God "now," you will create a better future for yourselves, your descendants, the Church and all mankind,” said the Head of the UGCC.
