Metropolitan Epifaniy, the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), met with the President of the European People's Party, Manfred Weber, on January 23, 2024, at his residence, the Metropolitan's House.
The meeting was attended by Metropolitan Epifaniy, Metropolitan Yevstratiy, the Deputy Head of the OCU Department for External Church Relations, according to the OCU press service.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Primate of the Autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church noted that the Russian war against Ukraine has various components, including a religious one. The aggressor country constantly seeks to use the church structure subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine as an element of its influence and the achievement of its criminal goals. Therefore, Ukraine's legislative efforts to counteract this do not violate religious freedoms but are aimed at national security.
His Beatitude also informed the guests about the activities of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which serves as a successful platform for communication among representatives of various religious communities in Ukraine and is a testament to the real freedom of conscience in the country.
Additionally, the meeting discussed the danger of the lethal ideology of the "Russian world," which has been actively spreading in the religious field of Ukraine for many years. They also touched upon the social and humanitarian activities of the Ukrainian Church, the corresponding assistance from the international community, and the importance of chaplaincy services to support Ukrainian soldiers.
Mr. Weber expressed respect for the dedicated efforts of the Ukrainian people in resisting the aggressor and assured Metropolitan Epifaniy of unwavering support for Ukraine.
"The situation is challenging at the moment, but spiritually we are resilient and convinced that together we will overcome because victory is on the side of truth," concluded the Primate of the OCU.
Before the meeting, the guests honored the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine's independence near the Wall of Remembrance. After the meeting, they visited the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.