Presentation of the Tomos of autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine
On January 6, 2019, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew solemnly presented the Tomos of autocephaly to Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. This historical event took place in the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Phanar, Istanbul, where Patriarch Bartholomew, together with Metropolitan Epiphanius, held a service.
Present at the liturgy accompanying the presentation of the Tomos were also the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy. This event has become an important step for Ukrainian Orthodoxy, as the Kyiv Metropolitanate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was recognized as affiliated with a foreign religious organization, emphasizing the significance of autocephaly for the independence of the Ukrainian church.
Significance of autocephaly for Ukraine
Metropolitan Epiphanius, commenting on the presentation of the Tomos, thanked for the restoration of justice and church unity. It is important to note that the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) are banned in Ukraine, and August 18 has been designated as the deadline for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to break relations with the ROC. This event has been symbolic in the development of Orthodoxy in Ukraine and its church autonomy.
The presentation of the Tomos of autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has become an important step not only for the religious community but also for the political context of Ukraine. This act emphasizes Ukraine's desire for independence from Russian influence, as well as strengthening national identity through religion. Further steps related to the implementation of autocephaly will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally, as their impact may relate not only to church matters but also to political relations in the region.