Congratulatory video messages to Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine for his name day were sent by the Abbots of the Mount Athos Monasteries Xenophon, Alexios, and Pantocrator, Gabriel.
Fr. Alexios said in his message: “We are very happy to have you. You are a church that has a long history even if you have now managed to have your Autocephaly. However, it is a gift from God that Ukraine also entered a canonical order. Our prayers and wishes are constantly for the Church of Ukraine to be at peace, for love to reign, and for there to be the orthodox mind that must characterize us all. These days, which is also the name day of Metropolitan Epifaniy, we pray for his health, strength, and for him to guide the orthodox church of Ukraine with Divine Enlightenment.
Respectively, Fr. Gabriel said in his message: “May the Blessed Virgin give you strength and enlightenment to guide the holy church of Kyiv that Christ has entrusted to you. We learn about your progress and the progress of your church and we are very happy. Here on Mount Athos, we love you very much and we always remember you and pray for you. We are waiting for you to come and see you up close.”