Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine presided over the Divine Liturgy on May 12, 2026, at the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, marking the feast day of his heavenly patron, Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus.
Concelebrating with the Sacred Archimandrite of the Lavra were hierarchs and clergy from across Ukraine, together with Bishop Mykhail of Komana.
After the Gospel reading, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epifaniy delivered a primatial homily and offered special prayers to the Lord for Ukraine as the country continues to endure “a time of severe trials and danger.”
Special petitions were also raised for Ukrainian soldiers defending the homeland, for the civil authorities and the Ukrainian people, as well as for the repose of the souls of all fallen defenders of the nation and civilians killed during the war.
Metropolitan Simeon of Khmelnytskyi and Shepetivka addressed the Primate on behalf of the Holy Synod, the episcopate, clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
“Christ is Risen! Your Beatitude, Blessed Metropolitan Epifaniy, our beloved Primate!” Metropolitan Simeon said in his greeting.
Metropolitan Simeon reflected on the life of Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus, noting that the saint reminds the faithful of “zeal in faith, steadfastness in confessing the truth, love for the Church, and tireless labor for her purity and unity.”
He stressed that Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epifaniy exercises his primatial ministry “in a time of great trials for our people and our Local Church.”
“In the conditions of war, pain, loss, and anxiety, you carry out the ministry of Primate as a shepherd whose word supports, whose prayer strengthens, and whose example inspires,” Metropolitan Simeon stated. “You call for unity, testify to the world about the truth concerning Ukraine, support our defenders, comfort the sorrowful, and care for the spiritual strengthening of the faithful children of the Church of Christ.”
Quoting the Epistle of Saint James — “The wisdom that comes from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17) — Metropolitan Simeon prayed that God would grant the Primate “clarity of spiritual vision, strength of word, patience in labors, firmness in truth, and fatherly love for the flock entrusted” to him.
He further emphasized that during the ongoing war “it is especially important that the voice of the Primate of the Church be a voice of faith, hope, and spiritual steadfastness.”
“We thank God that your ministry is for many people a source of support, consolation, and confidence in the victory of good over evil,” Metropolitan Simeon added.
In response, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epifaniy thanked the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful for their heartfelt greetings and addressed the congregation with words of gratitude and encouragement.
The solemn celebration concluded with the chanting of “Many Years” in honor of the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
