On the proposal of Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, on August 23, 2021, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew awarded the title of Archon of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to Andriy Matsola as reported by fosfanariou.gr.
The special Ordination Service and the relevant award took place at the Metropolitan House (residence of the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church).
Addressing Andriy Matsola and the guests of the event, the Ecumenical Patriarch noted that the Mother Church has for many centuries around the world honored worthy people with this high offikion: “The Mother Church of Constantinople from Byzantine times, that is, for many centuries, honors individuals who make a significant contribution to its development by providing what they can give to the Church: either materially or morally. ”
The Ecumenical Patriarch stressed that the award ceremony took place at the request of the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, adding we have given you the honorary title of Archon of the Church of Constantinople.
We, both Prelates, want to honor and thank you for trying to lay a solid foundation for this Church, which is still in its infancy and development, and you are among the people through whom her life started”.
In conclusion, he wished Matsolas and his family good health and God’s help in all good deeds. “I pray to God to help you. I greet you and wish you the best and the blessing of God”, said the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.