12 January 2016

The Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate, by authority of the apostolic and prophetic office, hereby proclaims the year 2016 a year of mutual forgiveness among the Slavonic nations of Poland, Ukraine and Russia.

Reason: If we call ourselves Christians, we are obliged to follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. When His hands were nailed to the cross, He prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do!” He thus made it clear that He knew that those who caused His death were deceived by the spirit of lies. The “Our Father” contains a petition: “(Father), forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Jesus adds to this petition: “If you do not forgive, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you.” (Mt 6:14-15) Jesus does not speak about who is guilty and who is not. He sets only one requirement – forgive! He says in another place: “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” “With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Mk 4:24) If we have our own measure of justice, none of us will stand on the Day of Judgment. But if we accept the measure of mercy, it means that we forgive, God will not judge us by justice but according to His mercy. This is the only way to the salvation of the individual and society.

About 5 years ago, the Ukrainian people saw no reason why they should feel hatred towards Russian-speaking Ukrainians. However, they have been branded with a hateful term “Moskals” and artificial hatred towards them has been instilled primarily in the hearts of Western Ukrainians. But not only towards them but towards the Russian people too. This incitement to hatred is dangerous xenophobia, which is punishable! One can call it “Russophobia”. If someone in Russia did the same, it would be “Ukrainophobia”. Someone has artificially, according to psychological technologies, stirred up this hatred with the purpose of bringing the two nations into internecine tensions and even war. Those behind the scenes seek to profit from it even at the cost of causing great damage and suffering to both peoples. Similarly, those who spread this xenophobia, be it politicians, journalists or priests, should be held accountable and penalized.

Regarding the relations of Russia and Ukraine to Poland, their past was marked by many injustices and has left many wounds. The solution is not to reopen the old wounds and to deepen them even more. The solution is forgiveness!

Poland is currently under pressure of Islamization quotas. Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary are interested in economic relations with Russia and also with Ukraine. East European countries also resist the pressures of modern Islamization dictated by USA and Brussels. The aim is the destruction of Christianity and European culture! In the present situation, these nations must unite, in both political and spiritual terms, in order to preserve their own identity and to develop economically. Incitement to mutual hatred is a crime against these nations!

The Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate hereby appeals to the President and the Government of Ukraine in particular but also of Russia and Poland to be guided by common sense, and not by hatred or emotions! At the same time, we appeal to all representatives of the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant Churches in these nations during this year of reconciliation to emphasize the need for forgiveness in their temples, at least briefly, every first Sunday of the month! Unfortunately, some churches have become a hotbed of hatred and xenophobia.

We call upon all Christians to pray the Lord’s Prayer, the “Our Father”, and the prayer to the Holy Mother of God, the “Hail Mary”, every day of this year for their nation, that God would grant the grace of true repentance! Then, through mutual forgiveness, God will also grant to these nations that they will experience a spiritual resurrection!

May Your prayers and sincere gestures of forgiveness quench hatred which may cause the fire of war! It would be too late then!

Bestowing the blessing of our Lord and Saviour on the peoples of Russia, Ukraine and Poland,

+ Elijah

Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate

+ Methodius OSBMr                         + Timothy OSBMr

Secretary Bishops

https://vkpatriarhat.org/de/?page_id=9564

Download: Proclamation of a year of forgiveness among the Slavic peoples (12/1/2016)