Metropolitan Epifaniy appeals to Local Churches and Orthodox Ukrainians on his enthronement anniversary

Today, on the anniversary of his enthronement, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy has expressed hope that in a year's time he will receive "more and more guests and representatives of other local Orthodox Churches" in Ukrainian shrines.

The Metropolitan wrote about this on his Facebook page.

"A year ago, on the day of my 40th birthday, I received the most responsible vocation - to be the Primate of the Autocephalous, local Ukrainian Orthodox Church," Epifaniy wrote, adding that this year "was not easy and full of various challenges."

He stressed that" thanks to unity'' the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has already been recognized by the Mother Church of Constantinople, the Patriarchate of Alexandria and the Church of Greece.

"I believe that celebrating the next anniversary of our joint existence, we will receive more and more guests and representatives of other local Orthodox Churches in our Ukrainian shrines... We are all different but united by the one body of the Church of Christ. Therefore, let's be one," he added.

The Metropolitan also added: "Together, we will continue to build the Church that is open to all, so that together we can walk the path that leads to salvation. And also to work hard to unite all Orthodox Ukrainians around the Kyivan throne."