METROPOLITAN EPIPHANIUS: WE RESPECT FILARET BUT WE DO NOT SUPPORT HIS VIEWS

by Romfea.news

“A division of the Autocephalous Church of Ukraine has not existed and will not exist,” said Metropolitan Epiphanius in Mariupol.

Asked to comment on the statements of “Honorary” Patriarch Filaret, the head of the Autocephalous Church of Ukraine stressed that Filaret was highly respected, but it was difficult to accept some of his statements.

“We respect Patriarch Filaret, but we do not support the views he expressed over the past few days,” Metropolitan Epiphanius said.

Metropolitan Epiphanius also set forth his conviction that at the present time the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine must first of all go ahead, and build its future.

“We believe that we will continue to take some steps, and build our Church on a firm foundation in order to be recognized by other Churches. Everyone should understand that before the Unification council of the Orthodox churches of Ukraine the Patriarchate of Kiev and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church were dissolved,” added Metropolitan Epiphanius.

Metropolitan Epiphanius stressed that the old structures merged into a local church, maintaining their historical mission in this way.