Epifaniy praises Patriarch of Alexandria for "following fhe OCU's Tomos"
Patriarch Theodoros. Photo: Ekirikas
Epifaniy Dumenko, the leader of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), sent a congratulatory message to Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria on the occasion of his 70th birthday, as Dumenko said on his Facebook page.
In his message, he claimed that Patriarch Theodoros "testifies to his commitment to the canonical order of the Church through words of truth and righteous deeds." Dumenko also praised the Patriarch of Alexandria for "following the Tomos of autocephaly of the Church and lovingly welcoming it into communion."
It is worth recalling that until the end of 2018, Patriarch Theodoros called on Ukrainians to remain faithful to the canonical Church under Metropolitan Onufriy. He also stated that he as the patriarch recognized Metropolitan Onufriy as the canonical head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. For this, Yevstratiy Zoria accused Patriarch Theodoros of corruption, claiming that he had received "gifts and envelopes" for his stance.
"I don't know about others, but for me, such a bought opinion is not only worthless but, on the contrary, serves as proof of the wrongdoing of those in whose favor this VIP propaganda is voiced," Zorшa wrote.
After Patriarch Theodoros changed his position on the Ukrainian issue, the OCU also reversed its opinion. In 2021, Zoria stated that the OCU "enjoys the support" of the Patriarch of Alexandria.
Read also
Bancheny Monastery reports provocation
The UOC monastery in Bancheny has reported a provocation by unidentified individuals.
Romanian Church to hold joint prayer for peace in Ukraine
On the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, special prayers for an end to the hostility will be offered in all churches of the Romanian Patriarchate, both in the country and abroad.
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.