Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine delivered a strong denunciation of Russia and the ideology of the “Russian world” during his visit to the Phanar for the Sunday of Orthodoxy. The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, reaffirming the deep bond between the Church of Ukraine and its Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
In his address, Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized the historical and spiritual ties between Ukraine and Constantinople, recalling pivotal moments in the Christianization of Kyivan Rus’: “The Apostle Andrew the First-Called brought the first sermon of the Gospel to our land and blessed it. Patriarch Photios blessed the first baptism of our ancestors under Prince Askold of Kyiv. And later, the ambassadors of our Prince Volodymyr, after witnessing the divine beauty of worship in the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, declared: ‘We did not know whether we were on earth or in heaven.’ Their testimony contributed to the decision to baptize our nation more than a thousand years ago.”
Reflecting on the current suffering of the Ukrainian people amid Russia’s ongoing war, Metropolitan Epifaniy spoke of the deep injustice and destruction inflicted upon Ukraine: “Today, in this time of great suffering, as Russia continues its unjust, godless, and malevolent war against our people—killing and destroying daily—we have come here to offer prayers and renew our testimony of unity in Christ through the ministry of the Eucharist.”
He also expressed gratitude to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his unwavering support: “We thank Your All-Holiness for your offering, your witness to the truth, and your prayers for the suffering people of Ukraine. The world must hear the truth about the satanic nature of Russian aggression and the dangerous ideology of the ‘Russian world’ that justifies evil. Your unwavering testimony and your good deeds are a source of strength for us. We believe that your prayers and witness contribute to the peace that Ukrainians and all people of goodwill long for.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: A Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
In his homily, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed Metropolitan Epifaniy and his delegation with great honor, expressing his solidarity with the people of Ukraine. He voiced his hopes for an end to the war and the beginning of reconstruction:
“We hope that the arduous war will soon come to an end, and peace will return. May the reconstruction of Ukraine, a country devastated by the unjust attacks from the North, begin. Your Beatitude, we welcome you with great honor and love.”
The Sunday of Orthodoxy at the Phanar thus became not only a celebration of the victory of faith over iconoclasm but also a powerful testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the unwavering support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for justice and peace.
