Archbishop Elpidophoros Accuses Dumenko of Violating the Tomos, – Media Report
Epiphanius refused to concelebrate with Archbishop Elpidophoros during his visit to the States.
At the April 10, 2025 meeting of the Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the United States, Archbishop Elpidophoros, accused the OCU's Epiphanius Dumenko of violating the terms of the Tomos of Autocephaly. This was reported by Ekirikas, citing its sources.
According to the report, the Archbishop stated during the Synod session that while visiting the U.S. in February 2025, Epiphanius “was not inclined to cooperate” and refused to concelebrate with him, instead choosing to serve a small Ukrainian community under the jurisdiction of Ukrainian hierarchs Daniel and Antony.
“In response to Archbishop Elpidophoros’ question as to why they are creating communities and parallel jurisdictions—which is forbidden by the Tomos of Autocephaly—Metropolitan Epiphanius told him that he cannot control his bishops there,” the American news outlet quoted Elpidophoros as saying.
The Archbishop did not specify which parish of Epiphanius he was referring to.
It is worth noting that according to the vicariate of the OCU (Orthodox Church of Ukraine) in the U.S. and Canada had earlier sent an official appeal — signed by Secretary Viktor Polyarny — to Epiphanius Dumenko and the members of the Synod, urging them to define the official status of Ukrainian parishes abroad.
“We are like exiles, like orphans forgotten in the midst of celebration. While others rejoice and celebrate, we grieve and weep, because after all the years of our work and service, we have been cast aside,” the diaspora members lamented.
Referring to the provisions of the Tomos of the OCU, which stipulate that all foreign parishes are to be transferred to the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (the UOC-USA), the vicariate writes:
“Now is precisely the time for our Mother Church to extend a helping hand to her children scattered throughout the world and to do everything possible to provide them with comprehensive spiritual and moral support.”
