Metropolitan of Kyiv met Cardinal Koch to discuss peace in Ukraine
On 13 December 2024, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine met with Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, at the Council’s headquarters in Rome.
Cardinal Koch warmly welcomed the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and was briefed by His Beatitude on his earlier meeting that morning with Pope Francis. The discussion, which spanned various topics, highlighted the critical issues facing Ukraine due to Russian military aggression and the Ukrainian people’s aspiration for a just peace blessed by God.
Metropolitan Epifaniy underscored the significant role of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, describing it as a vital platform for constructive dialogue and fruitful cooperation among Ukraine’s leading religious communities. He also emphasised the strong and positive relationships the OCU maintains with both the Latin and Eastern Catholic Churches in Ukraine.
In response to questions, His Beatitude detailed the state of religious freedom in Ukraine, drawing attention to the systematic persecution of religious communities by Russian occupation authorities in the temporarily occupied territories.
He further discussed recent legislative changes in Ukraine aimed at banning the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church and other religious centers aligned with the Russian regime, highlighting their role as instruments of hybrid aggression.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Metropolitan Epifaniy expressed his gratitude for prayers supporting the victory of truth and peace in Ukraine.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Pontifical Council and members of the Metropolitan’s delegation. Ukraine’s Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to the Holy See, Andriy Yurash, also participated in the conversation.
Later that day, His Beatitude paid a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. Dr. Taras Dziubansky, the author of the first comprehensive Ukrainian-language guide to the basilica, provided an insightful overview of its history and current significance.
Source: pomisna.info
