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# Metr. Seraphim Expresses Deep Respect for Metr. Onuphry
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/86459-metr-seraphim-expresses-deep-respect-for-metr-onuphry/
- Published: 2026-02-16T11:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:12:18.000Z
- Description: Greek Metr. Seraphim condemns UOC persecution and refuses recognition of the OCU head.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera, Epiphany Dumenko, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, OCU, UOC

**KYTHIRA, GREECE —** Metr. Seraphim of Kythira, of the Church of Greece, has voiced strong support for the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) while firmly rejecting the leadership of the state-backed Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). In an interview with [*Vima Orthodoxias*](https://www.vimaorthodoxias.gr/arthrografia/kraygi-agonias-apo-ton-synodiko-mitropoliti-kythiron-quot-kanoniko-egklima-quot-to-oykraniko-pos-koimoyntai-aytoi-poy-protostatisan-ti-eipe-gia-ton-onoyfrio/#goog%5Frewarded), the hierarch expressed deep respect for Metr. Onuphry, Primate of the UOC, saying, “We deeply respect him, and I commemorate him with all my heart.”

Metr. Seraphim spoke candidly about the ongoing persecution of the UOC, calling it “barbarism” and “disgusting actions” that cause suffering to all Orthodox faithful. He lamented the plight of Ukrainians, emphasizing, “May God grant that this drama of the Ukrainian people comes to an end. A terrible drama.”

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/01/86459-metr-seraphim-expresses-deep-respect-for-metr-onuphry-image-6b7fa2890204.jpg)On this topicAbp. Elpidophoros Criticizes UOC Over Non-Commemoration](https://uoj.news/news/86247-abp-elpidophoros-criticizes-uoc-over-non-commemoration/)

The hierarch also addressed his stance toward the OCU and its head, Epiphany Dumenko. He stated he does not commemorate Epiphany, refuses to concelebrate with those who do, and regards the schismatic actions as uncanonical—a position he has maintained since 2018-2019.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/86053-patr-daniel-says-bulgarian-church-faced-no-pressure-on-ukraine-issue/) that Patr. Daniel said that Bulgarian Church faced no pressure on Ukraine issue.