Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine strongly denounced Russia and the ideology of the “Russian world” during his visit to the Phanar for the Sunday of Orthodoxy. The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) participated in the Divine Liturgy with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, reaffirming the close bond between the Church of Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Metropolitan Epifaniy highlighted the historical and spiritual connections between Ukraine and Constantinople, recalling significant events in the Christianization of Kyivan Rus’: “The Apostle Andrew the First-Called brought the first Gospel sermon to our land. Patriarch Photios blessed the first baptism of our ancestors under Prince Askold of Kyiv. And later, the ambassadors of Prince Volodymyr, after experiencing the beauty of worship in the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, declared: ‘We did not know whether we were on earth or in heaven.’ Their testimony played a crucial role in the decision to baptize our nation over a thousand years ago.”
Addressing the ongoing suffering of the Ukrainian people due to Russia’s war, Metropolitan Epifaniy spoke about the injustice and destruction inflicted on Ukraine: “Today, as Russia continues its unjust, godless, and malevolent war against our people—causing death and destruction daily—we have gathered here to pray and reaffirm our unity in Christ through the Eucharist.”
He expressed gratitude to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his unwavering support: “We thank Your All-Holiness for your dedication, your commitment to the truth, and your prayers for the suffering people of Ukraine. The world needs to know the truth about the evil nature of Russian aggression and the harmful ideology of the ‘Russian world.’ Your steadfast witness and actions are a source of strength for us. We believe that your prayers and witness contribute to the peace that Ukrainians and all people of goodwill desire.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: A Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
In his sermon, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew warmly welcomed Metropolitan Epifaniy and his delegation, expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people. He expressed hope for an end to the war and the beginning of reconstruction: “May the difficult war come to an end soon, and may peace be restored. Let the reconstruction of Ukraine, a country devastated by unjust attacks from the North, begin. Your Beatitude, we welcome you with great honor and love.”
The Sunday of Orthodoxy at the Phanar not only celebrated the triumph of faith over iconoclasm but also stood as a strong testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the unwavering support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for justice and peace.
