Cyprus Orthodox Church backs Ukrainian Church's independence

The Cypriot Orthodox Church's top decision-making body on Wednesday backed the Archbishop's move to effectively recognize the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church's independence, overturning an earlier position of neutrality on the thorny issue.

Of the Holy Synod's 17 bishops, 10 voted not to contest last month's decision by Archbishop Chrysostomos II to extend blessings to the leader of the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Epiphanius I during a liturgical service.

The Archbishop's reference to Epiphanius as head of the new Ukrainian Orthodox Church during a service was seen as de facto recognition of its independence.

Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who is considered first among equals in the Orthodox patriarchy, last year granted independence to Ukraine's new Orthodox Church, severing its centuries-long ties with the Russian Orthodox...