Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou: Onuphry is canonical, Epifaniy is not

Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou. Photo: screenshot from the YouTube channel Ομιλίες Μητροπολίτου Μόρφου

Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou of the Church of Cyprus stated in an interview with Romanian priest Ciprian Mega that His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry is the canonical Primate, while Epifaniy Dumenko is not.

The interview was published in Russian on the YouTube channel Ομιλίες Μητροπολίτου Μόρφου on December 29. However, the description indicates that the metropolitan gave the interview on August 8, 2024.

Reflecting on the concept of canonicity in the Church, Metropolitan Neophytos noted that "at the Divine Liturgy, everything becomes evident – who is canonical and who is not."

"For example," he said, "Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv is canonical. Epifaniy is not canonical," emphasized Metropolitan Neophytos.

He explained that the canonicity of Metropolitan Onuphry and the non-canonicity of Epifaniy Dumenko can be discerned during the Liturgy: "Where is this seen? At the Divine Liturgy – whom I commemorate and whom I do not."

Earlier, the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported that, according to Metropolitan Neophytos, Cypriot hierarchs are unwilling to serve with members of the OCU.

Read also

U.S. House of Representatives passes ban on sex-change surgeries for minors

The lower house of Congress supported an initiative limiting medical interventions that could have irreversible consequences for the health of minors.

Armenian Church to appeal to international bodies over government pressure

The decision was made by the Supreme Spiritual Council in Etchmiadzin against the backdrop of criminal cases, pressure on the clergy, and the state's attempts to interfere in church life.

Pashinyan's supporters attempt to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia

The confrontation around the Armenian Apostolic Church intensified after rebellious hierarchs called for the Catholicos's resignation and attempted to exert forceful pressure in Etchmiadzin.

Persecuted community of Maliatyntsi celebrates first patronal feast after seizure

In Bukovyna, the faithful of the St. Nicholas community in the village of Maliatyntsi celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia for the first time after the church seizure.

European authorities downplay scale of Christian persecution, report says

Human rights defenders reported an increase in attacks on believers in the EU and pointed out that official statistics do not reflect the real level of anti-Christian hostility.

Mukachevo Eparchy bishops congratulate orphaned children on St Nicholas Day

Metropolitan Theodore and Bishop Hilarion visited the “New Family” children’s shelter in Uzhhorod.