2024-03-17 04:15:08
“I have come to send Patriarch Neophyte on his way to the kingdom of heaven,” Ukrainian spiritual leader Epiphany, who attended the funeral for His Holiness, but did not take part in the service, told bTV. Metropolitan Epiphanius also responded to the criticism of the Russian ambassador to our country that his coming was a provocation by stating that he was invited.
The ambassador of Russia to our country, Eleonora Mitrofanova, defined as a huge provocation the presence of the Ukrainian spiritual leader at the pilgrimage in the temple-monument “St. Alexander Nevsky”.
“This is not just tension, but a huge provocation towards the Bulgarian Church as well. Their church is not recognized by the Bulgarian Church,” stressed Mitrofanova.
Metropolitan Epiphanius responded to her words: “For them (formerly Russia), it is very painful when our Ukrainian Orthodox Church enters the international level and communicates with other Orthodox churches.”
“The Russian state is using the Russian church for its own purposes. We see the consequences of the ideology of Russian peace. The aggressor state is trying to wipe out our state and our church, but we are spiritually strong and will continue,” he added.