Metropolitan Epifaniy thanks Ecumenical Patriarch for supporting Ukraine
Metropolitan Epifaniy made this statement at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar (Istanbul) during the 7th anniversary of the granting of the Tomos, as reported by Ukrinform.
"Four years ago, the Russian state, which had previously been waging a covert war against Ukraine, launched an open attack on us. We must also acknowledge that the crime of this unjust aggression was not condemned by the Russian Church. On the contrary, through the words of its patriarch and many others, the Church began to endorse the war against Ukraine, labeling it a 'holy war,'" emphasized Metropolitan Epifaniy.
He noted that over the past four years, we have witnessed the pervasive spread of the ungodly doctrine of the “Russian world,” which contradicts the Gospel and the Tradition of the Church. This doctrine has infiltrated the Russian Church and even extended beyond its borders.
"This ideology and its followers cause a divisive rift within the Church of Christ, which we observe not only in Ukraine but also in African countries, Europe, and around the world. Sadly, even today, we witness the suffering of the body of Christ's Church. Large segments of it, particularly the Church of Russia, are deeply affected by this affliction," the metropolitan emphasized.
Metropolitan Epifaniy expressed gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch for his support of Ukraine in the context of the war.
"On behalf of the entire Orthodox Church of Ukraine and our devoted people, we thank Your Holiness and, through you, extend our gratitude to the entire Mother Church of Constantinople for the assistance we have received and continue to receive amidst the suffering caused by Russian aggression. We are also grateful for your testimony to the truth about this aggressive war, which you rightly termed a 'devilish war,'" he stated.
Additionally, the Primate of the OCU thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for his efforts in promoting peace.
As RISU reported, on January 6, 2026, during the feast of the Epiphany, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine led the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St. George the Great Martyr in Phanar, Istanbul, Turkey.
