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Metropolitan Onufriy elected primate of Ukrainian Orthodox Church

He replaced the deceased Metropolitan Vladimir who died on July 5

Metropolitan Onufriy Fotoletopis

Metropolitan Onufriy

KIEV, August 13, /ITAR-TASS/. Metropolitan Onufriy of Kiev and All Ukraine who was elected the primate of Ukraine’s Orthodox Church told journalists on Wednesday that he would do everything to make himself and all people around better.

“This is the way to peace,” Metropolitan Onufriy told Itar-Tass commenting on the goals of his activities in the new post.

“The Church’s main task is to supervise spiritual revival of its members. In order to make Ukraine better, society should also become better,” Metropolitan Onufriy had said at a prayer held after the Bishop Council’s meeting.

Metropolitan Onufriy replaced the deceased Metropolitan Vladimir who died on July 5.

The 69-year-old Onufriy will be enthroned as Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine at the Kiev Pechersk Lavra on August 17. The Russian Orthodox Church is sending Metropolitan Ilarion, the head of the external relations department of the Moscow patriarchate, to the enthronization. Experts believe that Metropolitan Onufriy is one of the most experienced Ukrainian hierarchs who has respect and authority both among bishops and ordinary people.

Metropolitan Onufriy has received the blessing from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

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