International Orthodox Christian News

MANIZALES, COLOMBIA: Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox clergy and faithful, joined tens of thousands of other Colombian citizens in a united march to protest the continued captivity of hostages held by leftist rebels, including FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia). Similar marches took place throughout Colombian cities and in at least 40 countries around the world, as citizens observed the July 20th Colombian independence day

In a message to Metropolitan Mykhayil, Archbishop Odón Gómez Barbosa, UAOC Archbishop of Manizales and Latin America gave an electrified description of the day's historic event,

Respected and beloved Vladyka, with great joy, I want to tell you that for the first time, the Orthodox Church has made a public presence in Colombia. Today, a representation of our religious and faithful went out, with our full Orthodox identity and our proper presentation as Ukrainians. Carrying a banner identifying the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the precious flags of Ukraine and Colombia, we joined military, civil, political and religious authorities. This is very important to us, because we made a presence for the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. Certainly we now feel as true and proud Ukrainians. Esteemed Vladyka, I hope that this news will be very pleasing to you and to our beloved Predstoyatel, His Beatitude, Mefodiy, since now God has converted us into ambassadors of Ukraine for ColombiaLatin America, bearing the good news of His liberating grace. and

The marches are a statement of "no tolerance" to the guerrilla terrorists and follow a July 2 bloodless rescue mobilization effort by the Colombian government that freed 14 hostages, including 2002 presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt. Sgt. Julio Cesar Buitrago, a Colombian police officer also freed, suggested that the nation utilize its July 20th independence day with a march demanding the release of the remaining hostages, estimated by the government to be as high as 700. There were over 900,000 marchers in the capitol city of Bogatá alone.

Holding banners which read, "The Orthodox Church says no to captivity and yes to liberty" the UAOC faithful, led by Vladyka Odón also carried icons and the flags of Ukraine and Colombia. The Archeparchy of Latin America has a presence in Colombia and other countries of Spanish-speaking America. The eparchial center in Manizales is presently nearing completion and while already housing the cathedral church, will soon also be the home to the seminary, cultural center and episcopal residence. Two sizable monastic communities have recently been established in the eparchy.

Vladyka Mykhayil, as Metropolitan of New York and America, made a pastoral visitation to the Latin American eparchy in 2005, to celebrate the 15th. Jubilee of the Third Resurrection of the UAOC. He plans to return for the dedication of the completed eparchial complex and has also discussed possible plans for a future pastoral visitation of the worldwide Predstoyatel of the UAOC to the faithful in South America.

His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil, inspired by the Colombian faithful's participation in this worldwide display of solidarity, made the following observations: This is yet another occasion in which I am deeply inspired by our ever faithful people in Latin America. Their steadfast devotion to their Orthodox faith and dedication to our Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church has made of them, a pivotal people in their communities. Their voice in the name of justice and righteousness is a dual reflection of personal experience and the deeply rooted path of all Ukrainian Christians and the Ukrainian nation. By recognizing a situation which necessitates a response from the church, they have not only followed the Gospel call to true holiness, but have followed in the tradition of that longing spirit for freedom, embedded in the Ukrainian ethos. We are all very proud and very inspired by their zeal and movement to action.

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