“Evil is not from God”: an interview with Father Bohdan about war, faith, murder and forgiveness
The war brutally broke into the lives of Ukrainians, forcing them to rethink their values, look for support and answers to difficult questions. One such issue is the church’s attitude to war and murder. How should believers live in conditions of armed conflict? Is it a sin to take up arms and kill others? IA “Fakt” journalist Yuliya Khomenko continues communication during the Easter week with the abbot of the Zhytomyr St. Michael’s Cathedral, Father Bohdan Boyko.
Father Bohdan, how should believers live in conditions of armed conflict? Is it a sin to take up arms and kill others?
Of course, this is one of the most difficult questions facing people in this tragic time. From the very beginning of this war, the church condemned Russian aggression. This is a crime against God and people that cannot be justified. We pray for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and for the repose of the souls of the dead. As for murder, according to the commandments of God, it is a sin. However, war puts people in front of difficult moral choices. When it comes to protecting one’s Motherland, one’s family, one’s life, sometimes the use of force becomes a forced resortm.
In general, Orthodox doctrine, adopted by local councils, clearly states that when an Orthodox person defends his country, it is not murder. Today, Russia attacked Ukraine, and they are the aggressors. Their actions are a terrible sin, because they bring death and destruction. We, Ukrainians, protect our home, our loved ones, our land. Our soldiers fight for what is most dear to them. Therefore, killing the enemy in war is not a sin, because it is done for the purpose of self-defense.
How do you feel about the hatred of the enemy that often arises in people during war?
IJesus Christ called us to forgiveness. However, it is important to understand that forgiveness is possible only when a person realizes his mistake and repents. Our trouble is that we often interpret the Scriptures to choose only what suits our current needs. Christ really prophesied about wars that would bring grief and suffering to people. And what we see now in Ukraine from the side of Russia is exactly the grief and curse he spoke about. At the same time, God always taught love and forgiveness. And this is what we as Christians should strive for, even in the most difficult times.
Of course, it is difficult to understand how one can forgive those who commit such terrible crimes against our people. Today we see that the Russian church blesses its people for murder and violence. They call this war “holy”, which contradicts all Christian values. Of course, we cannot forgive those who deliberately commit crimes against our people. Their place is not on this earth.
Why does God allow that the enemy destroys homes and entire cities, that kills peaceful people and, worst of all, small children? How not to despair, how to survive it?
God does not allow any destruction. We humans do evil ourselves, and we blame God for everything. It is not his fault that we do all kinds of evil and go to fellowship with the devil. If God could fix everything, then he would judge everyone. It cannot be said that God is to blame. The Russian Church shouts that it is the holiest and the greatest, but in fact we ourselves see how it is. God is not to blame for anything, but the people who allow it are to blame! God, when he created man, gave him free will. As it is written in the scriptures, God said: “You are Gods, you can do good things, or you can be evil and do bad things.”
Jesus Christ does not violate a person’s free will, does not force or deceive him. He gave humanity the inalienable gift of freedom. Each person comes into existence with freedom of will and choice. This gift is the basis of our ability to love, because it is the fruit of freedom. At the same time, our freedom and the right to choose also mean a person’s ability to choose evil and hatred instead of love and good. And when she chooses it, it is not God who is to blame, but man. Therefore, the evil and suffering that we see are the fruits of someone (or ourselves) using the divine gift of freedom for a selfish, unrighteous purpose.
Evil does not arise by itself – it has specific creators and perpetrators who subordinated their freedom to the creation of evil. At the time of great suffering and grief, which our people are experiencing due to the war brought by the enemy to the Ukrainian land, hopelessness and despair become a special temptation for many. Because of them, the devil seeks to separate a person from God so that, in despair, he can be more easily mastered and destroyed – like a wolf that tries to drive a sheep away from the herd, because when it is alone, it will quickly become its prey. After all, when a person despairs, he rejects hope and faith in God, remains alone, lonely, disappointed and powerless. Therefore, it is important not to lose faith in God and believe in the power of our Creator. It is necessary to live according to the laws of God and bring goodness and love into this world, not evil and destruction. And everyone chooses how to live. Priests cannot tell anyone how to live! We can prompt or give advice or bless!
How does the church help people in this difficult time?
We are doing everything we can to help those affected by the war. Our community has already sent more than 20 vehicles with humanitarian aid, drones, food and clothing to the front line. We are also fundraising for new drones and other assistance. The military often come to the church to pray and receive spiritual support. We try to help them keep faith, hope and love in their hearts.
What advice can you give to believers who are currently at the front or in a war zone?
Remember that you are not alone. God is with you and he will give you the strength to survive these trials. The main thing is to pray, of course, in the conditions of harsh hostilities, there is no time to read the prayer “Our Father”, so you can simply turn to God in your thoughts.
