On December 2, 2024, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine held a meeting at his residence with the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Ukraine, Mr. Pantelis Alexandros Dimitrakopoulos.
At the start of the meeting, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) shared insights into the significant role of the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Ukraine’s modern history. He also expressed gratitude to the people and government of Greece for their steadfast support of Ukraine during the ongoing full-scale Russian aggression.
The discussions covered a range of topics, including Ukraine’s European integration efforts, the current ecclesiastical landscape, and the ongoing dialogue with Orthodox communities that have not yet embraced the Tomos of Autocephaly. Metropolitan Epifaniy condemned the destructive ideology of the “Russian World,” which “has manipulated Ukrainian consciousness for over three decades”. Other matters of mutual interest, including collaboration in cultural and educational fields, were also addressed. In particular, the meeting highlighted programs for OCU students to pursue training and internships in Greek academic institutions.
“Ukraine is enduring challenging times, but we firmly believe that, with God’s help, we will achieve victory and a just peace. The democratic world cannot be defeated by a single tyrant’s bloody ambitions. Meanwhile, the aggressor state continues to work to preserve its ecclesiastical structures within our country for its own purposes. It is our duty to prevent this, and despite provocations, to carefully and consistently promote unity among Orthodox Ukrainians and strengthen our autocephalous Church,” stated Metropolitan Epifaniy.
Source: posmina.info
