Delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate met with Metropolitan Filaret in Kyiv
The delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, currently visiting Ukraine, recently met with Metropolitan Filaret, who warmly greeted the Patriarchal delegation and expressed his gratitude for the visit to Ukraine.
The delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate consists of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Winnipeg of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, His Eminence Metropolitan Job of Pisidia and the Patriarchal Deacon Mr. Epiphanius Kamianovich. His Grace Bishop Michael of Komana, who is responsible for the Stavropegion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Kyiv, also participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, a number of topical issues of church life, the situation regarding the Russian military offensive against Ukraine, state-church relations and the dialogue between the Orthodox in Ukraine were discussed.
Metropolitan Hilarion noted that the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate arrived to support the Ukrainian people, the state and Ukrainian Orthodoxy in the harsh trials of the war and to take part in the celebration of the 33rd anniversary of the declaration of Ukraine’s independence.
Metropolitan Filaret emphasised that in this difficult moment for Ukraine, where a full-scale war is being waged, the people and the state need the unity of the Church and peace more than ever.
“At such a difficult time for Ukraine, there is a great need for unity and harmony among all Orthodox churches in Ukraine. We are obliged to do everything possible to achieve the unity of the Church. And we firmly believe that with God’s help it is possible. The Lord is creating such conditions so that we can unite in one Orthodox Church, which will be a strong spiritual foundation for our state. That is why we need, firstly, to pray and hope in God, who is the source of good, and secondly, to start dialogue and have love among ourselves. Without love and respect for one another, we will not be able to do anything, because love is the main and unifying characteristic of Christians. And after that, we must convene the Pan-Ukrainian Local Council, which will unite all three branches of Orthodoxy,” said Metropolitan Filaret.
The members of the Patriarchal Delegation agreed that in order to achieve unity, love should prevail and dialogue should begin. They also noted that the Mother Church is interested in helping the unity of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine while overcoming difficulties along the way.
In conclusion, Metropolitan Filaret sent his greetings to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and, in memory of the meeting, presented some of his books to the respected guests.
Source: fosfanariou.gr
