Metropolitan of Ukraine: We hope that Jerusalem Patriarchate will reconsider its position toward OCU

Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine has criticized the Jerusalem Patriarchate and other Orthodox Churches for their refusal to establish full communion with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), drawing a parallel with the biblical dispute between the Apostles Paul and Peter.

In a post on social media, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine argued that even senior Church leaders can make mistakes and that historical authority does not necessarily guarantee the correctness of their decisions.

Referring to the Epistle to the Galatians, Metropolitan Epifaniy recalled how the Apostle Paul openly challenged the Apostle Peter in Antioch over his treatment of Christians who had converted from paganism.

According to the Metropolitan, Peter had distanced himself from Gentile Christians under pressure from those who insisted that converts should observe Jewish religious laws.

Paul opposed this attitude, describing it as inconsistent with the Gospel’s teaching on Christian freedom and unity.

Metropolitan Epifaniy said the episode demonstrates that disagreements within the Church can provide important lessons about faith, truth and ecclesiastical responsibility.…