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Unity and resistance: Orthodoxy summit in Istanbul against Russia's aggression
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Metropolitan Epiphany emphasize their solidarity with Ukraine during the "Orthodox Sunday" celebrations in Istanbul.
Unity and resistance: Orthodoxy summit in Istanbul against Russia's aggression
In a powerful show of unity, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Metropolitan Epiphany, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OKU), took a stand at the “Orthodox Sunday” celebrations in Istanbul. The two church leaders stressed the need to alert the world to Russia's brutal ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Metropolitan Epiphany criticized the “satanic nature” of the conflict and described the ongoing suffering of the Ukrainian people. How domradio.de reported, he also emphasized gratitude for the support given to Ukraine, while Bartholomew reiterated his solidarity for the unbroken resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Criticism of Russia's aggression
Metropolitan Epiphany, who traveled to Istanbul over the weekend, said Russia continues to “kill and destroy” and warned of the dangerous ideology of the “Russian World.” These comments came during his sermon at St. George's Cathedral of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where he urged the international Orthodox community's support for Ukraine. What is significant is that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which was founded in 2018 with the support of Bartholomew I, continues to enjoy excellent support in the eyes of the Ukrainian population. A survey found that 60 percent of Ukrainians are positive about the new church, while only 26 percent approve of the Moscow Patriarchate's Orthodox Church kathpress.at determines.
The OKU emerged in response to the urgent call for an Orthodox Church in Ukraine independent of Moscow, which was growing louder amid ongoing military conflicts between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukrainian government. The new church was recognized as autocephalous by Bartholomew I, which represents a significant step in the Orthodox community, although this recognition is not unconditionally shared by many other Orthodox churches. Despite all the challenges, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine remains a symbol of national identity and resistance to Russian aggression.