By Kostas Onisenko
In a clear and honest way, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv sent his wishes to former Patriarch of the Kyiv Patriarchate —and current “honorary Patriarch” of Church of Ukraine— Filaret without hiding the situation that has developed between the former Patriarch of Kyiv Patriarchate the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
The head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine acknowledged the contribution of 92-year-old Filaret to the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and wished him good health and wisdom.
Read the message of Metropolitan Epifaniy:
Our local Orthodox Church of Ukraine and I would like to extend my congratulations and send my wishes on your 92nd birthday, acknowledging your contribution to the establishment of the local Church as the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate for more than 23 years.
Despite the efforts of invisible enemies, spirits of evil and numerous opponents of the development and establishment of a unified Orthodox Church of Ukraine to maximize the contradictions, we continue to appreciate your historic contribution to this regard (which) has been successful thanks to the Unification council and the Tomos of Autocephaly.
We wish you health, wisdom and all God’s blessings. May the Lord guide you in your service in the Church for many more years!