On March 5, 2023, after a joint service in the Patriarchal Church of the Annunciation of the city of Alexandria, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, and the head of the OCU, Epifaniy, an official reception was held at the Patriarchal Residence. The press service of the OCU writes about this.

During the reception, Patriarch Theodore presented Epifaniy with the “Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark – the highest award of the patriarchate.”

It is reported that the “hierarchs” of the OCU were also awarded. “Metropolitan” of Vinnitsa and Barsky Simeon and “Metropolitan” of Bila Tserkva Eustratiy were awarded the golden cross of the ancient Patriarchal Order of St. Savva the Sanctified.

“The Patriarch presented memorable gifts to the members of the delegation,” the message says.