Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv has invited Metropolitan Onufry, the leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, to engage in a dialogue “without preconditions.” In his published letter on the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s website, Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized the importance of unity and reconciliation within the Ukrainian Orthodox community and urged Metropolitan Onufry to participate in direct talks.
Previous attempts at dialogue had been made, but Metropolitan Onufry’s side had set conditions that the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine did not agree to.
Metropolitan Epifaniy’s appeal comes after his recent meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. This meeting highlighted the urgent need to address the division within the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, which Epifaniy attributed to secular rather than ecclesiastical reasons.
Referencing the 2018 Unification Council in Kyiv, Metropolitan Epifaniy expressed regret over Metropolitan Onufry’s absence despite being formally invited. He stressed the ongoing necessity for dialogue and unity within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Metropolitan Epifaniy strongly criticized the “Russian world” doctrine, labeling its effects as “diabolical,” especially in light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He condemned Patriarch Kirill of Moscow for supporting the conflict and called on those concerned about the Church’s well-being to distance themselves from such harmful ideologies.
Emphasizing that any dialogue with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onufry’s leadership must be unconditional, Metropolitan Epifaniy mentioned past failed attempts at dialogue due to conditions set by Metropolitan Onufry, such as the refusal to acknowledge the decisions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Metropolitan Epifaniy highlighted the late Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine’s initial support for dialogue efforts before they were undermined by the Moscow Patriarchate. By advocating for an open and unconditional discussion, Metropolitan Epifaniy aims to bridge gaps and foster unity within the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.