We asked 5 questions about His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry to one of the people closest to him: his assistant and like-minded person – Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich).

– Vladyka, why do all those who know him admire His Beatitude Onuphry? What’s the secret?

– Because he lives, only, according to God’s commandments and is afraid to break only His law. He reacts to everything else calmly, with a quiet and fatherly smile. This is amazing.

– What caused the courage and endurance of His Beatitude, which he repeatedly showed in various, it would seem, critical situations?

– His courage, firmness and impartiality are due only to the fact that he is not afraid to get dirty. Get dirty from communion, whether with schismatics, or with open enemies of the Church of Christ. And he’s not afraid at all. I have personally heard testimonies many times that he is respected and trusted by people of different views and beliefs. Even skeptics do not remain indifferent.

– Why is His Beatitude Onuphry so invariably condescending to the weaknesses and sins of others?

– Obviously, because a person is gifted to see himself, therefore he does not dare to condemn anyone and for anything. It has always been a rare and exceptional gift.

«All will be saved, but I will not be saved», said the holy fathers. I think this is what the Beatitude was imbued with and what became his life credo.

– Believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church were incredibly lucky with the Primate. Are special shepherds given at special times?

– His Beatitude Onuphry is indeed a man of rare qualities. In such a difficult time, the Lord gives us such shepherds as guidelines so that we do not go astray. In addition, by the example of our Primate, we see that in the 21st century the path to holiness is open. Only daring is needed.

– What would you wish the flock of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church today, on the day of the 30th anniversary of the episcopal consecration of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry?

– We will use every opportunity of joint prayer with our Primate, we will seek his blessing and ask his prayers for us.

The Church Ship is confidently moving forward along the course conceived by the Gospel, under the direction of His Beatitude Onuphry. We are immensely grateful to God for such a Primate of the Ukrainian land.

Interviewed by Natalia Goroshkova