Epifaniy prays for Patriarch Kirill's long life during a service at Phanar
Dumenko and Zoria at a service with Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: pomisna.info
On March 9, 2025, the first Sunday of Great Lent, during the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy service at the Phanar, the leader of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Epifaniy Dumenko, prayed for the long life of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.
As seen in a video published by UOC clergyman Andriy Hlushchenko, during the service, the patriarchal protodeacon read the traditional list (diptych) of the Primates of the Local Churches. After mentioning Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria, the proclamation πολλὰ τα ἔτη ("Many years") was also made for Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.
Notably, the head of the OCU, as well as his assistant Yevstratiy Zoria, who concelebrated with Patriarch Bartholomew that day, did not express any protest or attempt to stop the service, despite their previously stated public rhetoric regarding the Russian Orthodox Church.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Epifaniy Dumenko explained why he commemorates Patriarch Kirill.
Read also
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".