Epiphanius and the Pope met in the Vatican and exchanged gifts.

Metropolitan Epiphanius met with Pope Francis in the library of the Apostolic Palace. The meeting went well, and the metropolitan congratulated the Pope on the anniversary of his priestly ordination and thanked him for his help to those affected by Russian aggression and for the displaced persons.

Additionally, the metropolitan expressed gratitude to the Pope for supporting the soldiers held captive by Russia and for the return of children who were deported by the Russian authorities. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among different confessions and religions in Ukraine and noted that our country takes pride in such collaboration.

Metropolitan Epiphanius also told the Pope about the upcoming worship services he plans to conduct in Rome and Bari. As a gift, he presented the Pope with a panagia featuring an image of the Mother of God and words from the Letter to the Romans. In return, Pope Francis handed the metropolitan an image of the Mother of God, books, and a commemorative medal.

The Pope expressed his solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who are suffering from the war and striving to achieve peace.

Previously, the Pope called for a ceasefire on all fronts around the world, including Ukraine, and expressed his support for Ukrainians during this difficult winter period.

Unfortunately, I cannot attach a photo for the blog. The arrival of the Metropolitan in the Vatican indeed raises hopes for the liquidation of the Constantinopolitan jurisdiction.