Metropolitan Epifaniy continued by highlighting the need for dialogue between the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church without any preconditions. He expressed his desire to engage in meaningful dialogue and emphasized the importance of equal participation from both sides for the dialogue to be effective.
He also thanked the member churches of the Conference of European Churches for admitting the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to its ranks and expressed gratitude for the support and humanitarian assistance provided to Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggression. He called for continued prayers for the triumph of truth and just peace in Ukraine.
Metropolitan Epifaniy then addressed the issue of Russia’s instrumentalization of the Russian religious community, particularly the Russian Orthodox Church, in justifying the war in Ukraine. He emphasized that the Kremlin dictatorship is trying to influence the position and decisions of churches worldwide through the theological justification of war.
He highlighted the deep-rooted cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin, dating back to the Soviet era, and expressed concerns about the church’s collaboration with the Soviet Communist Party. He compared this to the denazification process that took place in Germany after the defeat of the Third Reich.
In conclusion, Metropolitan Epifaniy called for a reevaluation of the relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin and reiterated the importance of dialogue between the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for the resolution of conflicts and the promotion of peace.
Therefore, in order to truly regenerate and move forward, it is imperative for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to break free from the grip of the Moscow Patriarchate and establish itself as an independent and self-governing entity. This will allow for genuine dialogue, reconciliation, and unity within the Ukrainian Orthodox community, free from external political interference and manipulation.
It is time for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to reclaim its autonomy and assert its own identity, separate from the corrupting influence of the Russian church-state system. Only then can true regeneration and spiritual renewal take place, paving the way for a brighter and more harmonious future for all Ukrainian believers.
Regenerate And in this struggle, we call for constructive partnership with all those who share the understanding of the threat that the ideology of the Russian world and its aggressive implementation in reality bring to Europe and Christianity on our continent.
Thank you for your attention, and may God bless all good efforts to achieve a just peace!