Ecumenical Patriarch congratulates OCU Primate on dual anniversary

The congratulatory letter was made public today, February 6, by Metropolitan Yevstratiy (Zorya).

"Today, we celebrate a dual spiritual joy, illuminating both the Holy Church of Ukraine and the Most Holy Ecumenical Mother Church. By God's will, seven years have passed since the blessed day of your enthronement on the historic throne of Kyiv, which also coincides with your birthday. Seven years ago, the Mother Church, in her loving care, entrusted the helm of the newly established Autocephalous Church to your capable and graceful hands. Today, the seed of grace sown then, nurtured by your love, prayers, and hard work, has borne abundant fruit — a living testament to the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, among the faithful Ukrainian people," said His All Holiness Bartholomew.

"The times humanity is experiencing today are marked by storms, challenges, and military threats, which pose severe trials of courage and steadfastness for our souls. Yet, Your Beatitude, as a good shepherd and tireless guardian, stands firm and unwavering on spiritual heights, comforting, strengthening, and inspiring the spiritual flock entrusted to you by God. The wisdom, prudence, and piety with which you lead during this difficult and responsible time fully meet the expectations of the Mother Church, which rejoices in the Lord as it contemplates the successes of her Daughter and Sister, the Ukrainian Church," added Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Metropolitan Epifaniy was born on February 3, 1979, in the Odesa region. He was enthroned as the Primate of the OCU on February 3, 2019.