On Monday, February 10, 2025, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) hosted a special reception and dinner in honor of His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine. This gathering, held at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in New York City, was a key moment in Metropolitan Epiphaniy’s Archpastoral Visit to the United States and served as a tribute to his courageous leadership and the perseverance of the Ukrainian people during these difficult times.

Among the distinguished guests was His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, who was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, Executive Assistant to the Council of Bishops of the UOC of the USA. Though unable to participate in the recent liturgical celebration in Washington, DC, Metropolitan Antony was present in New York City to engage in vital discussions regarding ecclesiastical unity in Ukraine and the diaspora with Metropolitan Epiphaniy, as well as to offer his fraternal support and prayers.

The event brought together Orthodox Christian leaders, clergy, and faithful to celebrate the growing strength and unity of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and to reaffirm the unwavering support of the Ecumenical Patriarchatefor the Ukrainian Church and nation.

Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the AEP, provided historical context, recalling that the Christian faith was first brought to Kyiv through the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodios, sent by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. He underscored that the Holy Faith was given by Constantinople to Kyiv and, in turn, by Kyiv to Moscow, making Moscow’s continued treatment of Ukraine as a subordinate entity both historically inaccurate and theologically unfounded.

Dr. Limberakis also pointed out that Moscow’s historical quest to usurp Constantinople’s role as the spiritual center of Orthodoxy had led to the appropriation of the double-headed eagle, originally the symbol of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He explained that while the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate honor the symbol as a representation of their mission to protect and defend the Mother Church, Moscow has attempted to falsely claim this status, in an effort to undermine the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s canonical authority and global leadership.

During the evening, Metropolitan Antony held a meting with Metropolitan Epiphaniy and extended greetings from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and the entire Ukrainian Orthodox diaspora, expressing gratitude for Metropolitan Epiphaniy’s leadership and spiritual guidance.

Metropolitan Antony stated: “On this blessed day, we welcome you, Your Beatitude, as the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, with profound joy and spiritual awe. Your first official visit to the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA is a historic moment of unity, prayer, and service before the Throne of the Lord.

We give thanks to the Almighty for the opportunity to pray together for peace, for Ukraine, for our people, for our Holy Church, and for the entire world. Our Eucharistic communion is a visible sign of our spiritual brotherhood—an unbreakable bond in Christ that unites our Churches, both here in the United States and in our beloved homeland of Ukraine.

For more than 107 years, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA has served as a spiritual home for generations of Ukrainian faithful, preserving the faith of our ancestors, raising children in Orthodox tradition, and building vibrant communities of worship. In the darkest years of communist persecution, our prayers never ceased for the Church in Ukraine. We rejoiced at the revival of Ukrainian Orthodoxy and the granting of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, a historic moment in which we saw the restoration of canonical truth.

Today, we stand alongside the Orthodox Church of Ukraine as we face new challenges: a brutal war, suffering, and genocide against the Ukrainian people. But we know that in Christ, we find the strength to overcome all trials. The UOC of the USA remains steadfast in its mission to support Ukraine’s Church and people, offering spiritual, humanitarian, and material aid. Together, we provide medical supplies, ambulances, generators, food, and resources for military hospitals and war-affected communities.

Your Beatitude, we pray for you, asking the Lord to grant you wisdom and strength to shepherd the faithful of Ukraine through these challenging times. We assure you of our unwavering prayers and brotherly support as you continue leading the Church in Ukraine toward unity, strength, and the light of Christ’s Truth.

May God bless our work together, bring peace to Ukraine, and strengthen the Orthodox Church in our homeland and throughout the world.

As a sign of gratitude and fraternal unity, Metropolitan Epiphaniy presented Metropolitan Antony with the Medal of St. Andrew the First-Called, honoring his leadership and unwavering support of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. This distinguished award recognizes Metropolitan Antony’s steadfast commitment to the growth and spiritual prosperity of Ukrainian Orthodoxy worldwide.

The evening continued with remarks from Archbishop Elpidophoros, who reaffirmed the Mother Church of Constantinople’s steadfast support for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. He reminded attendees that Metropolitan Epiphaniy had been honored with the Athenagoras Human Rights Award in recognition of his role as a leader and peacemaker during the war.

Dr. Limberakis noted that His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew had bestowed the title of "His Beatitude" (Μακαριώτατος) upon Metropolitan Epiphaniy, a title reflecting the Beatitudes spoken by Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers” and “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness.” He emphasized that Metropolitan Epiphaniy’s leadership embodies these virtues, particularly in this time of war.

Metropolitan Epiphaniy himself spoke movingly about the ongoing war in Ukraine, calling upon all Orthodox Christians to pray for peace and continue supporting humanitarian efforts. He reaffirmed that Ukraine would prevail, strengthened by the support of the global Orthodox Church and the democratic world.

The evening concluded with a renewed sense of unity and purpose. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate remain bound by faith, history, and mission. As Metropolitan Epiphaniy noted, the Autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church has become a cornerstone of the Ukrainian nation, offering spiritual resilience in its struggle for survival and justice.

Metropolitan Antony’s presence at this gathering affirmed the unbreakable bond between the Ukrainian Orthodox faithful in the diaspora and their spiritual homeland. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA continues its commitment to serving both Ukraine and the faithful abroad, ensuring that the light of Christ’s Truth shines brightly for generations to come.

May the Lord grant peace to Ukraine, strength to its Church, and unity to all Orthodox faithful.