With deep feelings of fraternal love and respect, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, on behalf of the clergy, the hierarchy, and the faithful of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, addressed warm greetings to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the occasion of his name day, the feast of the Holy Apostle Bartholomew, his heavenly patron.
In his message, Metropolitan Epiphaniy praised the Ecumenical Patriarch’s long-standing primatial ministry, emphasising that it serves as an example of faith in Christ, sacrificial love for the Church, and courageous witness to the truth in the modern world.
In an era where truth is often distorted and power is presented as justice, the Ecumenical Patriarch continually reminds the world of the Gospel’s call to remain faithful to Christ, who said: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’ (John 14:6).
Metropolitan Epifaniy also emphasised that Patriarch Bartholomew is a shepherd to millions of Orthodox Christians, remaining steadfast on the path of truth despite trials, pressures, and unjust accusations, and defending the unity of the Church, human dignity, and Gospel values.
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine expresses its gratitude and offers prayers for the health and long life of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
In conclusion, Metropolitan Epifaniy wishes that, through the intercession of the Holy Apostle Bartholomew, the Lord may strengthen the Patriarch in his work, grant him peace and joy, bless his primatial ministry for many years, and continue to guide him on the path of truth.
Finally, he calls for prayers for the triumph of truth, an end to Russian aggression, and the attainment of a just peace for Ukraine.
Message from the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine
With deep fraternal love and respect, I, the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, extend our heartfelt greetings to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on his name day.
For many years, Patriarch Bartholomew’s primatial ministry has set an example to the Orthodox world of faith in Christ, sacrificial love for the Church, and courageous witness to the truth. At a time when falsehoods are often presented as truths and power as justice, His All-Holiness consistently reminds the world of the Gospel’s call to remain faithful to Christ, who said: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’ (John 14:6).
For millions of Orthodox Christians, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is a shepherd who continues to walk the path of truth despite trials, pressures, and unjust accusations, defending the unity of the Church, human dignity, and Gospel values. For this reason, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine offers its prayers today with particular gratitude for his health and longevity.
Your All-Holiness! May the merciful Lord, through the intercession of the holy apostle Bartholomew, strengthen your spiritual and physical powers, grant you peace and joy, and bless your primatial ministry for many years, always guiding you on the path of truth to which you bear tireless witness throughout the world.
We continually ask for your prayers for the victory of truth, the end of Russian aggression, and the achievement of a just peace for Ukraine.
Many blessed and prosperous years.
