Metropolitan Seraphim of Kifira on the head of the OCU: “I do not recognize this Epiphany! He is not canonical”

Metropolitan Seraphim of Kyphira and Antikythira, in a recent interview, spoke at length on a number of pressing issues in church and public life, including ecclesiastical disagreements related to the Ukrainian issue and the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Orthodoxia.info, His Eminence Seraphim outlined his position on the canonicity of the hierarchy and the principles of church governance.

One of the central topics of the discussion was the Ukrainian church issue. Metropolitan Seraphim criticized the decision-making process regarding the Greek Orthodox Church’s support for the creation of the OCU in 2019, asserting that the vote did not comply with established norms. In addition, he expressed his disagreement with the recognition of Epiphanius Dumenko as a legitimate hierarch, casting doubt on the canonicity of his ordination. His Eminence emphasized that his position is not dictated by support for the Moscow Patriarchate, but by a desire to follow church tradition and canon law.

“I do not recognize Epiphany as . I cannot agree with the fact that he is canonical,” — he noted.

During the conversation, the metropolitan also touched on the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that during the period of public health restrictions, he continued to conduct divine services, viewing this as a conflict between government regulations and his pastoral duty. As a result, the metropolitan faced legal prosecution; however, according to him, he was acquitted. Regarding vaccination, he maintained his personal opinion, citing concerns about the composition of the vaccines, and did not call on the faithful to take any specific action, leaving the decision up to them.

Metropolitan Seraphim also outlined his position on a number of social issues, emphasizing his commitment to the traditional understanding of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. He also shared details of long-standing disputes surrounding the management of church property on Kythira and spoke about the spiritual significance of the Monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa—the island’s main pilgrimage center, which remains an important spiritual stronghold for local residents and the diaspora.

As a reminder, earlier Metropolitan Nektarios of Kerkyra visited Russia, bringing one of the most revered relics in the Orthodox world—the right hand of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous—for the faithful to venerate. The relic was brought from the Greek island of Corfu on August 17, 2026, with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.