Primate of OCU says Ukrainian-language Easter message in Phanar is good sign

The patriarchal message proclaimed in Ukrainian during the Easter service in Phanar in Istanbul is a good sign. Metropolitan Epifaniy, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, said it on Twitter, according to Glavkom.

“The Ukrainian language of the universal message of the Ecumenical Patriarch is respect for the Local Ukrainian Orthodox Church, for all Ukrainians who have embarked on the path of unification into the one Church. This is a good sign which testifies to the correctness of our common path to God,” he wrote.

As Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey Andriy Sybiha reported on the eve of the day, during the Easter service in Phanar in Istanbul, the patriarchal message was proclaimed in Ukrainian for the first time. "During the festive Divine Liturgy in Phanar, the Patriarchal message was also read in Ukrainian - a year ago, it seemed impossible,” the ambassador said.

“Patriarch Bartholomew personally celebrated a festive Easter Liturgy today. How nice it was to see numerous embroidered shirts in the church, to hear an Ukrainian choir. Today, in Phanar, the reign of God's spirit was felt! And we also treated ourselves to Ukrainian Easter cakes,” added Sybiha.