PETRO POROSHENKO MEETS WITH EXARCHS OF ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE
Today, 17 September, in Kiev Petro Poroshenko met with the exarchs of the ecumenical patriarchate, Archbishop of Pamphilon Daniel and Bishop of Edmonton Ilarion, who arrived in Kiev within the context of preparation for granting autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.
Poroshenko briefly recalled how the process of granting a tomos concerning autocephaly to the Ukrainian local Orthodox church began, which he called a "state-building foundation."
The president noted that Ukrainians await with impatience the results of the work of the representatives of the Constantinople patriarchate.
He noted with satisfaction that communication with the guests can use the Ukrainian language, since all participants in the meeting know it well, and he thanked Patriarch Bartholomew for his personal contribution in support of the Ukrainian church.
"I thank His Holiness very much for his courage and wisdom that were demonstrated in connection with your appointment," the head of state said.
Bishop of Edmonton Ilarion delivered to the Ukrainian president an official message from the ecumenical patriarch. In it Bartholomew confirmed his desire to complete the process that has begun for granting the tomos.
Archbishop Daniel described for Petro Poroshenko how the process for granting the tomos concerning autocephaly is going on schedule and now is in its home stretch. He also said that the goal of their visit to Ukraine is to bring about the long-awaited unification of the Ukrainian Orthodox churches, and not division as is sometimes conveyed in news media.
"We have come here in order to continue the work on a matter that is already decided, so that the process of granting autocephaly to the UPTs will begin. We are in the home stretch," the hierarch declared.
The archbishop reported that they are prepared to meet with representatives of the UPTsKP, UAPTs, UPTsMP, and representatives of various confessions, in order to hear their opinion on this matter. (tr. by PDS, posted 17 September 2018)
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