Patriarch Bartholomew inspired us to unite all Orthodox Ukrainians around the Kyivan throne, - Metropolitan Epifaniy

"After the visit is over, we will pursue our struggle for our state, and the struggle for the establishment of the independent Ukrainian Church continues. We have a great goal – to unite all Orthodox Ukrainians around the Kyivan throne. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has inspired us. If earlier we had one wing – an independent Ukrainian state, now, thanks to the firm, relentless support of His Holiness, we have received a full-fledged and strong other-an independent church. With these two wings, we can take off and reach new heights.

The Church has been and remains the spiritual foundation of the Ukrainian state, and if it, the Church, is strong, then the state will stand on a strong, powerful foundation. We thank Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for this historic visit and sincerely wish that the Lord will give His Holiness strength and health for many more years to work for the benefit of world Orthodoxy and for the people of the whole world," stressed the Primate of the OCU.