On Friday, March 29, the Head of the Autocephalous Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphanius, had a meeting with the US Ambassador to Kiev, Marie Yovanovitch.
According to the webpage of the Autocephalous Church of Ukraine, during the meeting the two sides first discussed the religious situation in the country and the significance of an independent Church for society, and then the positive steps taken by the new Autocephalous Church during the last months.
Metropolitan Epiphanius replied to the relevant question by the US Ambassador about the internal life of the Church and its social and pastoral work.
Moreover, the two sides referred to the forthcoming Presidential Elections, stressing the importance of democratic elections for the future of Ukraine.
Epiphanius expressed his gratitude towards the US Ambassador and the USA for their constant support.
“We thank you for your attempts to protect religious freedom around the world, especially in Ukraine. We would also like to thank you for the support that the USA, as a friend and ally, continue to offer to Ukraine, in such a crucial time for us and the whole world”, said characteristically Metropolitan Epiphanius.
Finally, the two parties exchanged gifts in commemoration of the meeting in the US Embassy to Kiev.