By Kostas Onisenko
Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine sent his warm wishes to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on his name day.
In a statement on social media, Metropolitan Epifaniy spoke warmly about the Ecumenical Patriarch and his work and recalled last year’s celebration that Metropolitan Epifaniy had attended.
Many Ukrainians also sent their wishes to the Ecumenical Patriarch by posting comments.
The greeting message that Metropolitan Epifaniy posted on social media is the following:
“Today is the name day of the First Among the First of Orthodoxy, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine and I express our brotherly love and warmly congratulate you on the feast day of your heavenly patron, St. Bartholomew the Apostle.
Commemorating the saints whose name we bear is always an opportunity to remember their words and deeds and to be inspired by their example. Saint Bartholomew the Apostle was a tireless preacher of God’s Word who went on many missionary tours. And you, Your All-Holiness, spread with great zeal the testimony of truth to the Orthodox Christians and to the whole world in words and deeds.
In this time of sorrow and trial for the Church and all humankind, which the Lord has allowed to go through, I want to assure Your All-Holiness of our unconditional love and constant prayer both for you personally and for our Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which you deserve to lead.
May the Savior, through the prayers of your heavenly patron, St. Bartholomew the Apostle, your holy predecessors on the Patriarchal Throne of the Great Church of Christ and all the saints, grant you health, longevity, success in ministry and all good deeds. May the Saviour protect you from all evil.
I assure you of our continued deep respect, constant prayer for you and I ask for prayer for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine for the peace and unity of Ukraine and for our devout peoples!”