By Emilios Polygenis
Metropolitan Epiphanius, the head of the Autocephalous Church of Ukraine, responded to the “accusations” made by “Honorary” Patriarch Filaret
In an interview for the BBC Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphanius once again expressed his respect for Filaret, stressing that this dispute soon will come to an end.
“I am the sole primate, but I have no right to change the Charter or to violate the process,” said Metropolitan Epiphanius. “We are administrating the Church collectively, we move away from the norms that existed in the previous structures. It is impossible to take a decision, especially when it contradicts the Charter, the Tomos, and the Unification Council.”
Asked to respond to the statement of “Patriarch” Filaret that Metropolitan Epiphanius is not independent, he stressed: “As the head of the Church of Ukraine, I am responsible for the peace and the unity of the Church. We are not guided by the Ukrainian authorities or Constantinople. No one has the right to interfere in our internal affairs – no State, no other Orthodox Church, even the Ecumenical Patriarch.”
“I never ignored his opinion. There has been frequent communication, and I keep on communicating with him. While we were talking I explained to him that I was ready to listen to his advice, but I was not ready to do whatever he asked me, because I am now the primate of the Church,” said Metropolitan Epiphanius.
He added: “Honorary Patriarch Filaret is a significant figure and we appreciate him. We do not reject the role of the Patriarchate nor we diminish it. Moreover, we do not diminish the role of Patriarch Filaret and his work over the past 25 years. This work gives us inspiration and no one can destroy it. We value and respect for all he has done, but we will not support those false thoughts that destroy us.”
Asked about the existence of the so-called Patriarchate of Kiev, Metropolitan Epiphanius replied: “De facto and de jure, the Patriarchate of Kiev does not exist. The Patriarchate of Kiev was dissolved on December 15, 2018, just before the beginning of the Unification Council. Just like the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. This was a condition.”
“We do our best to ensure recognition by the Orthodox Churches. I believe sooner or later, all Orthodox Churches will recognize autocephaly status,” said Metropolitan Epiphanius.
Finally, asked about the new President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Metropolitan Epiphanius spoke of a positive meeting.
“I met the newly elected President of Ukraine, and we discussed the future cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities. In general, I have a positive impression that in the future the State will not interfere in the Church’s internal affairs. Therefore, we will continue to work together to build the Ukrainian State, where there will be peace and unity,” said Metropolitan Epiphanius.
