Part of the “Thoughts Aloud” mini-series created jointly by the “Sofia Brotherhood” and the German foundation Renovabis, within the project “Contemporary Ukrainian Orthodoxy: Breaking Myths for Reconciliation and Societal Consolidation.” Statements do not necessarily represent the official view of the Sofia Brotherhood.
Liubov Shvorak, UOC
I begin my day with the words: “Lord, let me live through this day without stepping away from Your commandments, without offending my neighbor.” These words have been a part of our home ever since we came to understand the meaning of the word “Orthodox,” which for us means “correctly glorifying.” An Orthodox believer is a model of a devout life. The goal of such a life is sincere love.
Each of us has at some point felt despised, because we live in a world where that unfortunately happens. But isn’t it also possible that we ourselves despise others—especially those who call themselves Orthodox but differ in rite, nationality, or understanding of the faith?
An example from today:
The full-scale war has brought much suffering into our homes. We often go to share the grief of the families of our defenders. In those moments, it’s hard to imagine something holier than simple human comfort and prayer.
Do we, then, crucify Christ by focusing on language instead of prayer when standing beside a grieving family?
Do we share in others’ joy—those who greet “Christ is born!” earlier or later than we do? Or do we crucify Christ because of a different calendar?
Do we stop ourselves? Do we seek in others a fellow human being, a brother, not an enemy? Do we find cause to pray with a mourning family—or cause to participate in someone’s joy?
To avoid despising other Orthodox believers, we must learn true love for our neighbor. Christ did not command us to follow “one rite” or “one calendar” — He commanded:
“Love the Lord your God… and your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39).
To avoid despising other Orthodox believers, we must develop love for our neighbor—seek a reason to love, just as we seek a reason to say “Glory to You, God!”
Let us be bearers of light and goodness, showing respect to others, and be cautious not to become “other Orthodox,” ourselves.