Dumenko Received a Representative of the Phanar: Discussed the “Role of the Moscow Patriarchate in Russia’s Aggression”

On August 23, 2025, the head of the OCU, Epiphaniу Dumenko, received in his residence the Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Lithuania, Hieromonk Justin (Kiviloo), who was accompanied by the Chancellor of the Lithuanian Exarchate, Archpriest Vitaliy Motskus, and a staff member of the Exarchate’s press service. The foreign representatives arrived in Kyiv to participate in events marking Ukraine’s Independence Day and the National Prayer Breakfast, according to the OCU website.

During the meeting, the parties discussed inter-Orthodox relations and the religious situation in Lithuania and Ukraine.

“The participants of the meeting also drew attention to the anti-Christian stance and destructive role of the Moscow Patriarchate, which actively supports Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine,” the OCU website states.

Earlier, it was reported that on August 19, 2025, the head of the OCU, Epiphaniу Dumenko, received at his residence the head of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Ukraine, the Grand Mufti of Ukraine Sheikh Ahmed Tamim, who currently leads the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO), along with accompanying persons. During the conversation, the parties discussed activities aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s support in the Islamic world.