Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine has stated that the first foreign parishes of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine will soon become subordinate to the Constantinople Patriarchate.
Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine has stated that the first foreign parishes of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine will soon become subordinate to the Constantinople Patriarchate.
In an interview with Ukrayinska Pravda, he has noted that the transition process could not be rapid, but it had already begun, HB reports.
“There are many parishes in Europe that have expressed willingness to become subordinate to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I even had discussions a few days ago with certain community representatives who say, “We have good relations, we are already changing jurisdiction.” Now, I am preparing leave certificates for those priests, who have submitted requests,” said the Metropolitan.
At the same time, he says there are some communities that do not want to move.
“But we will have a dialogue with them. On the part of Patriarch Bartholomew there is no aggressive attitude that you have to transfer us these parishes today,” added Epifaniy.
He reported that in Europe, the OCU has approximately 46 parishes, 15 in America. And in other regions of the world, there are several parishes.