Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia
On the Feast of the Holy Mother of God of Kazan
21 July 2024
Dearly beloved sons and daughters in Christ,
As the United States finds itself in the midst of a contentious and divisive election season, I am compelled to address you, the Christian faithful of the United States, with a message of unity, compassion, and steadfast commitment to the teachings of our Lord.
In these turbulent times, when the world is watching the American election with bated breath, it is of the utmost importance that we, no matter where we are in the world, as followers of Christ, define ourselves not by the political affiliations or ideologies that so often seek to divide us, but by the unifying principles of our faith. To say that all people of another political party are evil or against Christ is a grave sin, for it paints with the same broad brush those who may simply have differing perspectives on the complex issues facing society today. Such rhetoric is not only un-Christian, but it also serves to further entrench the divisiveness that has gripped the United States and the world.
Dearly beloved in Christ, we must resist the temptation to make politics our church and a political party our religion, for to do so is to betray the very essence of our faith. Our faith calls us to love our neighbour as ourselves, to seek unity in the midst of conflict, and to see the image of God in all people, regardless of their political leanings.
As Christians, our primary allegiance must be to the Kingdom of God, not to any earthly kingdom or political party. We are called to be a beacon of hope, a voice of reason, and a force for reconciliation in a world that so often seems intent on tearing itself apart. I urge you, dearly beloved in Christ, to resist the siren call of partisan politics and to instead focus your energy and passion on the timeless truths of the Gospel. Let us be known not for our political affiliations, but for our unwavering commitment to the values of love, justice, mercy, and peace that our Lord himself embodied and proclaimed.
In this pivotal moment, when the future of American governance hangs in the balance, let us rise above the fray of partisan bickering and demonstrate to the world the transformative power of a faith that transcends the boundaries of political ideology. Let us be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, shining the radiant love of Christ into the darkest corners of our society. Let us be the peacemakers, the bridge-builders, and the reconcilers, that the brotherhood of nations might be healed and restored.
Dearly beloved in Christ, I call upon you to join me in this sacred mission, to be the change we wish to see in the world, and to be the living embodiment of the Kingdom of God, even in the midst of the chaos and turmoil that surrounds us. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.
