Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou: Onuphry is canonical, Epifaniy is not

Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou. Photo: screenshot from the YouTube channel Ομιλίες Μητροπολίτου Μόρφου

Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou of the Church of Cyprus stated in an interview with Romanian priest Ciprian Mega that His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry is the canonical Primate, while Epifaniy Dumenko is not.

The interview was published in Russian on the YouTube channel Ομιλίες Μητροπολίτου Μόρφου on December 29. However, the description indicates that the metropolitan gave the interview on August 8, 2024.

Reflecting on the concept of canonicity in the Church, Metropolitan Neophytos noted that "at the Divine Liturgy, everything becomes evident – who is canonical and who is not."

"For example," he said, "Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv is canonical. Epifaniy is not canonical," emphasized Metropolitan Neophytos.

He explained that the canonicity of Metropolitan Onuphry and the non-canonicity of Epifaniy Dumenko can be discerned during the Liturgy: "Where is this seen? At the Divine Liturgy – whom I commemorate and whom I do not."

Earlier, the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported that, according to Metropolitan Neophytos, Cypriot hierarchs are unwilling to serve with members of the OCU.

Read also

Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR

The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South

Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat

Atlanta, GA – Clergy from the Southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese gathered earlier this week for the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat. 

Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis

March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.

EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence

The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church

Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose

The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR

Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.