OCU head visits Archimandrite Ephraim in hospital
Epifaniy Dumenko and Archimandrite Ephraim (Koutsou). Photo: LB
Archimandrite Ephraim had arrived in Kyiv the previous day as part of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate to attend the enthronement of the OCU head, but was hospitalized with heart problems.
Epifaniy said he was glad to meet the abbot of the renowned Athonite monastery and asked about the elder’s health.
LB.ua reported that after Epifaniy wished Archimandrite Ephraim a speedy recovery, the Athonite abbot congratulated the OCU head on his election and his enthronement, scheduled for the following day, February 3, “and wished him success in his ministry as primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.”
As the UOJ previously reported, Vatopedi abbot Ephraim (Koutsou) arrived in Kyiv but was urgently hospitalized after suffering a heart attack.
Archimandrite Ephraim had previously spoken out strongly against the schism in Ukraine and urged the Ukrainian people to remain faithful to the UOC.
He has now disregarded the decision of the Holy Community of Mount Athos not to participate in Dumenko’s enthronement.
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