The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), together with the multimillion-strong Ukrainian diaspora, congratulates His Beatitude Epiphanius, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, and all faithful of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine on the fifth anniversary of the granting of the Tomos of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
We also extend deep gratitude to His Most Divine All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, for his efforts to unite Ukrainian Orthodox Christians and for the Mother Church of Constantinople’s decision to grant the Tomos to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2019.
“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 UWC President Paul Grod. “The Tomos, received from the Mother Church of Constantinople, returned Ukrainian Orthodoxy to its historic roots, restored historical justice and strengthened the dignity of all faithful in Ukraine.”
Five years ago, the creation of the unified Orthodox Church in Ukraine and the issuance of the Tomos of Autocephaly marked the culmination of efforts to secure independence for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine from Russia. This achievement honors the sacrifices countless Ukrainian clergy and patriots made across centuries.
“We recognize and declare this Autocephalous Church, established within the boundaries of the sovereign territory of Ukraine by means of this signed Patriarchal and Synodal Tomos, as our spiritual daughter and recommend that all Orthodox Churches throughout the world acknowledge and commemorate it by the name “Most Holy Church of Ukraine,” states the Tomos.
On December 15, 2018, in Kyiv, the Unifying Synod established the single Orthodox Church of Ukraine and elected as its Primate His Beatitude Epiphanius, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
On January 6, 2019, in Istanbul, Türkiye, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew ceremoniously presented the Tomos of Autocephaly to His Beatitude Epiphanius.
Photo: UWC
