The Head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Metropolitan Epifaniy, commented on the possibility of condemning the Russian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Kirill by universal Orthodoxy.
In an interview with NV, Metropolitan Epifaniy stressed the crimes of the Kremlin-backed Patriarch Kirill, in particular the blessing to kill peaceful Ukrainians, were clearly identified.
"As the Primate of the Local Church of Ukraine, in my Easter greetings to other Primates of local Churches, I explicitly pointed out the crimes of Patriarch Kirill. This is his shameful blessing to the Russian army to kill innocent Ukrainians because civilians are being killed, and more than 300 Ukrainian children have been killed. I noted that a shepherd with blood on his hands could not hold a pastoral rod and a chalice with the Eucharist. Recently, the Council of Bishops of our Church was held, and finally, we decided not to commemorate Patriarch Kirill as the Primate of the rOC in the diptych, and we will also send letters to the leaders of other Local Churches regarding the condemnation of Patriarch Kirill in connection with this war because he blesses to kill his own flock because there are many people in Ukraine who consider him their pastor," Metropolitan Epifaniy said.