The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) together with the 20-million strong Ukrainian diaspora congratulates His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, and all faithful of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine on the first anniversary of the granting of the Tomos of Autocephaly for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
“By returning Ukrainian Orthodoxy to its historic roots, this momentous event marked the ultimate independence of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and realized the aspirations of many generations of Ukrainian Orthodox Christians in Ukraine and the diaspora,” stated President of the UWC, Paul Grod. “For many years, the UWC was committed to contributing to this historic event and today remains dedicated to ensuring that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is recognized by all independent Churches of the world and strengthening ties with the global Ukrainian community.
The UWC firmly believes that, with God’s providence, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine will successfully face all of the challenges that lie ahead.
On December 15, 2018, in Kyiv the Unifying Synod established the single native autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and elected as its Primate His Beatitude Epifaniy, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
On January 6, 2019, in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew ceremoniously presented the Tomos of Autocephaly to His Beatitude Epifaniy, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
On the eve of one of the greatest Holy Days, the Birth of Christ, the UWC extends best wishes to Metropolitan Epifaniy and the faithful of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine for good health, strength and perseverance to serve God, the Church and Ukraine.
Photo credit: UNIAN
