Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew had signed Tomos on autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). Delivery of the document to the primate of the church was planned on January, 6. This was reported by BBC.
“God-fearing Ukrainian people were waiting for this blessed day during long-lasted seven centuries,” – said Patriarch Bartholomew after signing. The president of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, thanked Bartholomew “for his faith”, after that the temple filled with applause.
Tomos is a Patriarch’s document that introduces autocephaly (independence) of the Orthodox church and makes it equal to the rest of 14 orthodox churches. This document is issued only once and is the basis of the church’s existence.
The Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate had agreed upon the text on November, 29, the document was supported by the majority of the meeting, as BBC reports. Patriarch’s signature is the last one that is necessary for this document.
The procedure of autocephaly granting will be completed tomorrow. After the joint church service of Patriarch Bartholomew and Metropolitan Epiphanius, the Tomos will be granted.
