A delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate arrived in Kyiv yesterday afternoon, consisting of Archbishop Hilarion of Winnipeg, Metropolitan Job of Pisidia, and Patriarchal Deacon Epiphanius Kamjanovich. Originally scheduled for last year, the visit had been postponed due to unforeseen issues.
The delegation is in Ukraine to participate in the celebrations marking the 33rd anniversary of the country’s independence. They are also set to meet with state authorities and ecclesiastical leaders to discuss key issues, including the ongoing challenges within the Orthodox community in Ukraine. A significant focus of their visit will be on exploring avenues for dialogue and understanding between the Orthodox factions in the country, to achieve greater unity.
Their visit coincides with a particularly critical moment, as it comes just after the Ukrainian Parliament passed Bill 8371, which bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church associated with the Moscow Patriarchate. The new law also restricts religious organizations affiliated with the Church, with prohibitions to be enforced by court orders.
Upon their arrival, the delegation visited the Church of St. Andrew, a stauropegion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Bishop Michael of Komana, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Ukraine.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
