Dear friends, dear brothers!
I sincerely thank you for the invitation to take part in such an important event. I remember the first time we met—although the composition was different—when you were founding this brotherhood. At that time, I expressed the hope that this very brotherhood would become a foundational platform where representatives of both jurisdictions in Ukraine could meet, not quarrel, live peacefully, and discuss ways to realize the unity to which Christ has called us: “That they all may be one.”
And we can see that during this time you have already done a great deal of fruitful work, because your activities are now drawing attention not only in Ukraine, but also abroad. This is a sign that healthy processes are underway in Ukrainian society and in the Orthodox community. They are developing—perhaps not as quickly as we would like—but on the other hand, this seems to me to be a sign of quality work. Because we all want immediate results, and yet they rarely come. Just as a person grows and matures over many years, so too must certain processes in society—especially those aimed at overcoming a division of over 30 years—take their time.
I hope that I will still live to see that complete unity, but much of that depends on you. Because you can continue to meet, to discuss, to live together in peace, and to carry out common projects in harmony. And people will see this—and they will surely join in. Perhaps not immediately, perhaps not swiftly. But people will see that there is a platform, an environment where they can come and express their views. We are all different; each of us may have grievances. But if we do not meet and talk—there will be no dialogue. And you are called precisely to realize and activate that dialogue aimed at mutual understanding among Orthodox Ukrainians, so that, ultimately, the desired unity may be achieved.
This is a great task—demanding, difficult, and lengthy. But as of today, we see that you are managing. Keep going, and may God bless all of you, bless your efforts, and inspire you in everything, so that you do not fall into despair, even when something doesn’t go as planned—those are only temporary difficulties.
May the Lord bless you and help you.