On April 8, 2025, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphany of Kyiv and All Ukraine met at his residence with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Ukraine, Natalka Tsmots.
At the beginning of the conversation, the parties discussed the proper honoring of the fallen Ukrainian soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of the Motherland. Attention was also paid to the memorial “Wall of Memory”, located on the walls of the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.
“This place is not only about memory, but also about prayer. Here, every image is a human life, pain and hope for the future of our state, for which they sacrificed the most precious thing,” His Beatitude noted.
The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, represented by the Ambassador, also thanked Canada for its consistent support for our state in confronting full-scale Russian aggression.
“We continue the struggle, and the best sons and daughters of Ukraine are dying for our right to freedom. Therefore, Canada’s assistance in this difficult time is an important expression of solidarity and friendship,” Metropolitan Epiphany emphasized.
In addition, the discussion focused on the activities of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, the process of incorporating communities into the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the threats associated with destructive Russian activity in the religious sphere, the importance of moral and spiritual values, which should prevail over material ones, the development of chaplaincy in the military, assistance to Ukrainian internally displaced persons in Canada, and the importance of preserving Ukrainian identity in the diaspora.
His Beatitude the Bishop emphasized that for the Putin regime the church direction is of strategic importance, therefore the Kremlin spends a lot of effort and resources on it.
“Of course, there is no real desire for peace on the part of the Russian side. The recent terrible shelling, which once again led to the death of children, clearly demonstrates this. Therefore, a truly effective means of support for Ukraine from the world community is the constant strengthening of our state in all possible directions and pressure on the aggressor. This is what will help achieve a just and lasting peace,” concluded Metropolitan Epiphany.
Press Service of the Kyiv Metropolis
of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (OCU)
