On July 15, 2024, during the ecclesiastical and national celebrations held in Kyiv to commemorate the anniversary of the baptism of the people of Kyiv by Equal-to-the-Apostles King St. Vladimir in 988, Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon represented Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The celebrations were marked by a solemn Divine Liturgy presided over by Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, and co-celebrated by Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon.
In his homily following the Divine Liturgy, Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon delivered the following message:
“Today’s Divine Liturgy provided another opportunity to relive the salvific message and event of the Providence of God in Trinity to all creation. It also reaffirmed the common Orthodox faith and the indissoluble spiritual ties between the Mother Church of Constantinople and her daughter, the Church of Ukraine. We cherish the fraternal feelings of honor and the love of the hierarchs on both sides.”
He added, “My presence here, as a representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch and as a humble Shepherd of the Eparchy of Chalcedon, is especially timely. This comes one day after the solemn celebration of the memory of the Saints and God-bearing Fathers who convened in Chalcedon. The Holy Fourth Ecumenical Synod of Chalcedon holds theological and catalytic importance for Ukraine, as well as for every Christian. It was during this Synod that the Church of Christ crystallized the Truth in the Holy Spirit, rightly divided the teachings about the Incarnate Son and Word of God, and absolved all heretical cacodoxy and treachery.”
He emphasized, “Doctrine is not a human invention. The doctrine of the Church, its Canons, is Life itself. It is the Truth, which precedes the decisions. The Holy Fathers experienced this Truth first, then recorded and delivered it to us, so that through this sacred Truth we may be saved by divine mercy. This is why the doctrines, recorded and formulated by the Council and by other Ecumenical Councils, save us. They teach us how to believe correctly, in spirit and Truth, in our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Any alteration of the delivered doctrine does not negate our salvation simply because we do not obey the voice of the Fathers, but because it leads us out of the Ark of Truth, out of the Lord’s Body.”
“Therefore, celebrating today the memory of the Equal-to-the-Apostles King St. Vladimir, the pioneer of the great and sacred work of the Great Church of Christianity here, we commemorate with emotion your Baptism in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. In this way, we celebrate again and many times, quite rightly, your re-baptism. On the day after yesterday’s Sunday of the Holy Fathers, and again by the Mother Church of Constantinople, the baptism and re-baptism, the birth and rebirth through the unique responsibilities of Constantinople in Ukraine, or rather its children in Ukraine.”
“After thoughtful consideration and prayer, your Church was granted the status of Autocephaly, not for isolation and ill-conceived self-sufficiency, but for the more liturgical life and activity of this local Church, as it did in the past with many of your brothers and sisters in the Church.”
He concluded with a call to duty, “It is your duty, holy brethren and those of the Theological Schools who rule, to always remain fearful not only of the heavenly handed-down holy dogmas but at the same time of healthy and true ecclesiology, far from novel impurities. This way, you can bequeath it to the younger generations, ensuring there is hope for the future!”
This heartfelt message from Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon underscored the deep spiritual connection and commitment between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, celebrating their shared faith and heritage.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
