When he has time, he likes to read the works of Hryhorii Skovoroda but emphasizes that the main recreation is a prayer. He is convinced that the church supported by people can’t be destroyed, and changes after joining the EU will be incredibly useful for Ukrainian Orthodoxy. About the childhood and way of life of the head of the future autocephalous local Orthodox Church, Ukraine and the support of the population, the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian officers in the UOC MP – the way Metropolitan Epiphanius himself sees it in the section “Who is…” from DUMKA.
About childhood, the way to the church and leisure
My childhood passed in the village of Stara Zhadova of Storozhynets area, where I graduated from high school and went to a local church.
Without any hesitations, I entered the Kyiv Theological Seminary, I continued my studies at the Theological Academy of the Athens National University (Greece).
The desire to become a monk appeared while I was studying in the seminary. I knew that it was extremely responsible. Of course, it was scary. But while I was giving lectures at Rivne Seminary my life choice was formed – I definitely decided to start the monastic life.
After the death of Metropolitan Daniil (Chokalyuk), who was a spiritual mentor for me, I continued my studies at the Athens National University. And only when I went through this path, grew up as a person and gained some experience, I took monastic vows in Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv.
It is easy to bear this cross because it’s mine. This is a confirmation of the words by Patriarch Filaret, who always says: “If this is your cross and you can bear it, then the Lord helps you.”
Prayer for me is the main source of recreation.
I read and re-read the works of the holy fathers, I try to translate them into Ukrainian.
Among my favorite works of art is the book by Henryk Sienkiewicz “Quo vadis”. I’m reading a wonderful complete edition of Hryhorii Skovoroda – there’s a lot of Christian wisdom in it.
I always remember that joy can eclipse a sense of duty and give rise to self-confidence, and church service requires heroic deeds, willingness to endure difficulties, sorrow, and challenges.
About Ukraine, people and the European Union
If Ukraine joins the EU, then I hope that positive, irreversible processes will start. It will be very useful for Ukrainian Orthodoxy.
After the election of the current President, everyone got alerted. Pro-Russian forces started the offensive. They suggested unregistering Kyiv Patriarchate. However, it didn’t happen. Because we are supported by millions of Ukrainians.
When people support you, then this church can’t be destroyed.
Ukrainian patriots were dreaming to have their own independent church for a long time. So here’s a great chance. And we won’t let it go. Sooner or later, but the people of Ukraine will have their own Local Orthodox Church, as we have a state, president, government, army, anthem, coat of arms, flag… It is inevitable.
When Church institutions and the faith of people are used by foreign politicians and secret services to influence the country or even to destroy it, then the responsibility of the state, as well as of society as a whole, is to protect against external aggression.
About the Local Ukrainian Orthodox Church
We have to create our own Local Ukrainian Orthodox Church We have all the possibilities for it, all attributes: bishops, monasteries, educational institutions. We have a solid base for applying for recognition. But this is a very painful question for both Moscow and Constantinople.
The formation of united Orthodoxy in our state should be grounded on the gospel principles of love, understanding, and justice, rather than on the basis of bloody scenarios written in the Kremlin.
Ukrainians should have their own Local Orthodox Church, at the same time we shouldn’t oppress others.
Frankly speaking, the Russian Orthodox Church proposed us to unite. But it doesn’t suit us, because we don’t want to be under the vestment of the Moscow Patriarchate. We are not satisfied that we can become exarchate or metropolia of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. For then there will be two recognized Ukrainian churches: The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Constantinople Patriarchate. And where will be the true Ukrainian Orthodox Church then? Then there will be no Ukrainian church.
About the Russian Orthodox Church, the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine and agents of Kremlin
In the burning Donbas, our soldiers and civilians are killed not by Russian bullets, mortar shells or “Grads”. These are the ideas of the “Russian world” that make hands of aggressors shoot. So the creators and propagandists of these ideas are real murderers, regardless of whether they wear suits, uniforms or robes.
You can talk about peace as much as possible and to turn a blind eye to pure pro-Kremlin actions of certain leaders of the UOC-MP, their surrounding and patrons, but to expect a true peace from them – the same way you may expect peace from the “separatists’ fuhrers” Zakharchenko and Plonitskyi or de-occupation of Crimea by Aksenov
There is every reason to believe that, just as in Moscow, volunteers and Russian officers undercover are working here.
It is becoming more and more evident that Russian political and church circles, through their structural subdivision – UOC-MP, are doing their utmost to use it as an instrument of pro-Russian influence on the state, authorities, and society of Ukraine
All these Kremlin and pro-Kremlin factors in the life of the UOC-MP remind me of parasites that penetrate the human body, live in it and at its expense. They cause illness, sometimes even very grave. One can expect and hope that a body will recover on its own. But it’s better, especially considering the mortal danger, to carry out urgent professional diagnosis and apply treatment.
By Dmytro Zhuravel
The publication was collected from numerous interviews, speeches, and appeals of the material’s protagonist.
