The Ukrainian Canadian Congress congratulated Ukraine with the provision of Tomos on autocephaly as the organization reported.
“This is an epochal day for all Ukrainians, no matter what their faith or confession is. With the granting of the Tomos of Autocephaly, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine takes its rightful place among the world’s Orthodox Churches,” Alexandra Chyczij, the president of the congress said.
She emphasized that the recognition of the independence of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by the world “was expected by the Ukrainian people for many decades.”
“Today, on the eve of Christmas in Ukraine, a new chapter in the history of Ukraine begins,” the president noted.
Earlier Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew passed the Tomos of autocephaly and bishops’ crosier to primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Epifaniy. The event happened during the festive service in St. George's Cathedral.
Besides, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko guarantees the state’s respect for the religious choice of every citizen of the country.