Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine speaks out on relations with the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the stance of the Russian Orthodox Church in support of the war, and the harsh conditions in Ukraine in recent months. Much of the day, there is no electricity, and temperatures are well below zero. Ukrainians grieve the loss of their loved ones.
In an interview with the newspaper Kathimerini, he stresses that the war is an existential trial, not merely a military event, and explains that people need support, consolation, and spiritual healing under such circumstances.
“For us, assistance from Greece is very important, both from the church and the state,” he said. He places particular emphasis on relations with the Church of Greece. He recalls his visit to Mount Athos and his concelebration of the Divine Liturgy with the Archbishop of Athens. He also mentions his earlier appearance alongside the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
When asked about the possibility of an official visit to Athens, he said it depends on Archbishop Ieronymos and the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece. “We want it,” he says, adding that a relevant letter has already been sent. “We are awaiting an invitation. We have good relations with the Church of Greece, and I believe they are even better now.”
On the Front Line
He believes it is crucial for Ukrainians to persevere during this challenging period: “The Russians are deliberately striking civilian energy infrastructure with missiles in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius so that the inhabitants of cities and villages freeze.” He asks: “What possible military objective could justify such actions? This is pure terror directed against the civilian population.”
He emphasizes that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine plays a leading role in providing spiritual ministry to Ukraine’s defense forces. Hundreds of priests stand alongside Ukrainian fighters, celebrating services, hearing confessions, and offering moral support. He also mentions another demanding activity: evacuating and transporting wounded soldiers, a mission in which a team of Kyiv Orthodox Theological Academy graduates participates.
He emphasizes that Ukraine is in a defensive position, fighting for survival and the preservation of Ukrainian identity against an unjustified attack. He stresses that there is no alternative solution and no “other Ukraine,” adding that if Russia withdraws its troops to within its internationally recognized borders, the war will end. However, if Ukraine surrenders, he says, “Ukraine itself will cease to exist, and we will disappear as well.” He notes a profound revulsion among Ukrainians toward what he describes as “Russia’s moral ugliness and hypocrisy,” which, while presenting itself as a special guardian of Orthodoxy and spiritual values, “sheds innocent blood daily in a neighboring country that shares the same faith.”
According to the Metropolitan, the Russian Orthodox Church’s support for the war is not just a political decision, but also a theological and moral deviation. “Such a stance, along with the creation and promotion of the deadly and heretical ideology of the so-called ‘Russian world,’ constitutes one of the darkest pages in their history, a page for which they or their successors will repent.”
He states that he cannot know whether this position stems from fear of state authority, alignment with it, pursuit of benefits, or all of these combined. However, he insists that, regardless of the motives, the position “runs entirely contrary to the teachings of the Holy Christian Church.”
Regarding the future of relations with the Moscow Patriarchate, he is cautious: “The wound remains open and painful.” He sets a change in Russia’s and the Russian Church’s stance as an essential precondition, as well as genuine and active repentance on their part. “The current state and church leaders of Russia are criminals under both divine and human law,” he notes.
Referring to autocephaly, he expresses deep gratitude for the decision to grant the Tomos, which he describes as decisive. He points out that, from 2019 to the present, approximately 2,000 parishes have joined the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Despite attempts at division, the pandemic, and the invasion, he notes that the Church has grown, consolidated, and become more resilient.
He describes relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate as particularly warm and notes that the figure of the Ecumenical Patriarch is indelibly inscribed in the history of their church and state. He further emphasizes that thanks to the Tomos and recognition by the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Church of Cyprus, and the Church of Greece, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine already participates in Eucharistic communion.
He insists that the Ukrainian issue must remain visible to European societies. “We must keep the issue alive,” he says. Greek society is Christian and Orthodox. It must understand that Ukraine is also Christian and Orthodox.” When asked if he remains optimistic, he replies: “Yes, we have no other choice. We must have strong faith. We have only one Ukraine. We have one home, and we have no other. God gives strength to all, and at some point, the enemy will leave our land. The entire democratic world supports us. We believe that we will prevail.
Translation: Ioanna Georgakopoulou
