On February 1, 2024, at the invitation of Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, with the blessing of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon arrived in Kyiv. Bishop Emmanuel will represent the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the celebrations on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the enthronement of the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Metropolitan Epifaniy received the guest of honor in the Metropolitan House, the residence of the head of the OCU, wrote the press service of the OCU.
“We are glad to see you again, Bishop, and to welcome you to Kyiv as a representative of His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and our Mother Church, as well as a hierarch who presided over the Unification Council five years ago,” said His Beatitude Bishop.
“Your Eminence, I thank you and convey heartfelt greetings from the Ecumenical Patriarch His Holiness Bartholomew, who sends Your Eminence wishes for longevity, peace, success in service and God’s blessing, especially on the occasion of the anniversary of your enthronement and the day of your birth,” Metropolitan Emmanuel noted.
Next, the head of the OCU and Metropolitan Emmanuel discussed a wide range of issues regarding the church and social situation in Ukraine and the world, especially in the face of the ongoing Russian aggression. In conclusion, the hierarchs exchanged commemorative gifts.
In the evening of the same day, on the occasion of the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon prayed in the St. Michael’s Golden Dome Cathedral during the all-night vigil, which was led by the Primate of the OCU.
