Metropolitan Epifaniy awaits recognition of OCU by Greek Orthodox Church

The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, awaits the recognition of the OCU by the Greek Orthodox Church, after which his visit to Athens will take place. RBC-Ukraine reports this citing the Metropolitan's interview with the Greek media outlet TaNea.

“In the future, I see a good and productive relationship between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and now we are waiting for the recognition of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the Greek Orthodox Church. This is the first step that will lead us to productive cooperation, this cooperation will be possible, as the Orthodox Church of Ukraine will move in the direction of the Greek tradition,” he said.

According to Epifaniy, in the event of recognition, according to tradition, he will visit Athens to concelebrate liturgy with the Primate of the Greek Church.

Earlier, the Greek Orthodox Church launched a procedure of recognition of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine. In particular, at a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Greek Church, they decided to submit the issue of recognition of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine for consideration of the Bishops' Council.

It is also reported that the Council will finally decide on a response to the letters of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow. According to sources, the Council of the Greek Church can be convened already in February.