The new head of the Church of Ukraine Metropolitan Epiphanius expressed his hope that soon all Orthodox Churches will recognize the Autocephalous Church of Ukraine.
At the same time, he met with the families of Ukrainian prisoners detained by the Russian Federation.
After the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 12, at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Vinnytsia, Metropolitan Epiphanius said:
“I urge everyone to come to our Church. The doors are open to all. We must forget the past and forget what has happened till now. Let’s turn the page and write down a new history as a unified and recognized Autocephalous Orthodox Church,” Metropolitan Epiphanius said.
Moreover, Metropolitan Epiphanius said: “We must all together make steps with love, and soon you will see that all local Orthodox Churches will recognize us.”
“We hope in God, and we believe that the Lord grants us the wish to be a fully recognized Autocephalous Local Orthodox Church in the future,” Metropolitan Epiphanius added.
At the same time, Epiphanius met with the families of Ukrainian prisoners. According to reports, besides the relatives of Ukrainian prisoners, he also met with representatives of the US Embassy and the European Union.
It is noteworthy that the meeting was unofficial during a festive dinner at the Theological Academy of the St. Michael’s Monastery.
After the meeting, Metropolitan Epiphanius said that representatives of many religious organizations called on the international community to contribute to the release of Ukrainians detained by Russia.