Vatopedi abbot calls on UOC to “build a dialogue” with OCU

Archimandrite Ephraim. Photo: UOC

The abbot of the Athonite Vatopedi Monastery, Archimandrite Ephraim, has advised the UOC to engage in dialogue with the OCU. Archbishop Iona of Obukhiv shared this information on Facebook.

"Not long ago, I spoke with Hegumen Ephraim of Vatopedi. He told me that the UOC should engage in dialogue with one denomination (I won't specify which because they are touchy and may take legal action for incitement). I replied that earlier, the Orthodox of Ukraine treated them as schismatics. Now they are treated as atheists because there are no hints of their faith and its manifestations. Or am I wrong?" wrote the bishop.

It's worth noting that Archimandrite Ephraim had previously called on Ukrainians to support the UOC and Metropolitan Onuphry. In 2015, he stated, "I appeal to the Ukrainian people and ask them to adhere to the canonical Orthodox Church led by Metropolitan Onuphry. And I lovingly ask you to become members of the canonical Church. The entire Holy Mountain accepts and recognizes only the canonical Ukrainian Church headed by Metropolitan Onuphry."

In February 2019, he arrived in Kyiv to participate in the enthronement of Metropolitan Epifany. However, he was urgently hospitalized due to a heart attack.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that on October 15, 2023, the abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery concelebrated with the cleric of the OCU, Vasyl Lilo, who became known for the seizures of UOC temples in Boyarka.

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