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.