Dumenko goes to visit the Pope to "strengthen cooperation"
Epifaniy Dumenko. Photo: risu.ua
The head of the OCU, Epifaniy Dumenko, went to the Vatican for the first time as part of the delegation of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
“These days I will be in Rome, in the Vatican, to testify about Russian aggression and our desire for victory and a just peace. We are grateful for the prayers and humanitarian assistance and look forward to strengthening cooperation,” the Metropolitan wrote on his Twitter.
According to the website of the OCU, Dumenko will take part in a meeting with Pope Francis and a number of leaders of the institutions of the Roman Catholic Church responsible for inter-Christian and inter-religious dialogue, interaction with Ukraine and dissemination of information.
Dumenko is accompanied on his trip by OCU spokesman Eustratiy Zoria.
The "hierarchs" will be present at the prayer that Pope Francis will perform in the Basilica of the Apostle Paul on the occasion of the "Week of Prayer for the Unity of Christians." The visitors will also meet with Andriy Yurash, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Vatican, and visit the Roman Cathedral of St Sophia of the UGCC.
As the UOJ wrote, the head of Ukrainian Greek Catholics Sviatoslav Shevchuk hopes for the unification of Orthodox and Catholics and joint ownership of churches and monasteries in Ukraine.
Read also
Ecumenical Patriarch Ordains New Metropolitan of Ankara at Phanar
The Ecumenical Patriarch urged him to promote coexistence and reject of fundamentalism. He stressed the Eucharist and diakonia as core to the episcopal mission and encouraged ongoing theological engagement.
Iran Sentences Christians to Combined 50 Years for Christmas Prayers
Iran has sentenced five Christians, including an Iranian-American pastor, to over 50 years in prison combined for routine faith practices like prayer, baptism, and Christmas celebrations, prompting US condemnation of the regime's religious repression.
Rare Good Shepherd Fresco of Jesus Discovered in Ancient Nicaea Tomb
Archaeologists in Iznik have uncovered what may be the only known Anatolian depiction of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, a rare third-century fresco offering new insight into early Christian art.
Abp. of Crete Declares Loyalty to Phanar
The Archbishop stated that “our Father and Patriarch [Bartholomew] listened to our pain, heard our concerns, and stood by us with genuine pastoral care.”
Abp. Nathaniel Publishes Annual Nativity Letter
"Whosoever believes in Jesus, the Messiah or Anointed one, the Savior, will have the gift of eternal life," Abp. Nathaniel affirms.
OCU Seizes Intercession Church of UOC’s Balta Eparchy in Myrony Village
A parish church in Ukraine’s Odesa region came under OCU control after a disputed “transfer” that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church says was carried out without the participation or consent of its faithful.