LAST UPDATE 14:54
The Hierarchy of the Church of Greece has recognised the new Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The Archbishop will now commemorate and include Archbishop Epiphanius of the Church of Ukraine in the Orthodox family.
At today’s extraordinary meeting of the Hierarchy on the Ukrainian autocephaly issue, Archbishop Ieronymos was the rapporteur on this matter.
The Archbishop’s recommendation was based on the recommendations of the two competent committees of the Hierarchy.
The Hierarchy of the Church of Greece authorized Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece with the exception of seven Metropolitans who disagreed.
The seven who disagreed are the Metropolitans of Kaisariani, of Kythira, of Dryinoupolis, of Mesogaia, of Ilia, of Aitolia and Akarnania, and of Karystia.
The Hierarchy has decided to give effect to the decision of the Standing Holy Synod which recognizes the Ecumenical Patriarch’s right to grant autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and the right of the Church of Greece to recognize the Autocephalous Church.
According to information, the recognition will formally take place on October 19 in Thessaloniki where Archbishop Ieronymos and Metropolitan Epiphanius will possibly concelebrate the Divine Liturgy.