Greek hierarch finds Epifaniy Dumenko's ordination invalid

Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira and Antikythira. Photo: orthodoxia.info

A hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira and Antikythira stated that he does not recognize Epifaniy Dumenko as a canonical bishop and head of the OCU due to the canonical invalidity of his ordination, reports the UOJ in Greece.

The Greek hierarch outlined his position on the Ukrainian church question in detail and explained the reason for his categorical refusal to recognize the OCU. "I do not recognize this Epifaniy. I cannot accept that he is canonical."

The Greek metropolitan pointed to a fundamental canonical problem: Epifaniy Dumenko received his "ordination" from Filaret Denysenko during the period when the latter was under deposition from holy orders. In support of his position, the hierarch referred to the arguments of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania regarding the invalidity of ordinations performed by persons stripped of their rank.

Furthermore, Metropolitan Seraphim criticized the procedure adopted at the Holy Synod of the Greek Church in 2019 during the discussion of the Ukrainian issue. According to him, various opinions regarding the OCU were voiced at the session, however no vote — neither secret nor by show of hands — was conducted. The hierarch emphasized that the decision to recognize the OCU required an official vote, and rejected claims that Ukrainian autocephaly was approved by "shouting out" opinions.

When asked whether his position implies support for the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Seraphim answered in the negative. He explained that his objections concern exclusively the procedure for granting autocephaly and the canonical status of those recognized as bishops.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Seraphim called on the Ukrainian authorities to stop the persecution of the canonical UOC.

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