Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine reflected on the importance of preserving the unity of the Church and avoiding divisions centered on individual spiritual leaders in a post shared on social media.
Drawing on St. Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine recalled the divisions that emerged among the Christians of Corinth, with some identifying themselves with Paul, others with Apollos or Peter, rather than recognizing Christ as the foundation of their faith.
Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized that St. Paul regarded both himself and Apollos as fellow workers in God’s service, while ultimately it is God who gives spiritual growth.
“Only Christ is the foundation,” he stressed, noting that the Church proclaims His Gospel, calls people to follow His commandments and leads them toward salvation through Him.
At the same time, Metropolitan Epifaniy warned against two opposing tendencies in spiritual life: attributing to individual hierarchs or spiritual elders an authority that belongs only to Christ, and, conversely, rejecting the guidance and experience of spiritual teachers altogether.
According to the Metropolitan, Christian spiritual growth is a lengthy process comparable to constructing a building, cultivating a field and raising children. Believers should therefore remain vigilant, respect their spiritual guides and adhere to sound teaching while avoiding pride and other temptations.
“The Apostle Paul shows the Corinthians and all of us the true path, which avoids extremes and protects us from temptations,” Metropolitan Epifaniy said.
Concluding his reflection, he called on Christians to “hold firmly to the unity of the Church in Christ, listen to the guidance of its fathers and teachers, and avoid temptations.”
