Synodals of Phanar meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister in Istanbul

Patriarch Bartholomew and Andriy Sybiha. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

On 22 October 2024, the newly constituted Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople held its first meeting, reports the website of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Metropolitan Makarios of Gortyna and Arkadia has been appointed the head of the new synodal body.

It is reported that during the midday break, Patriarch Bartholomew, along with the members of the Synod, welcomed the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha. Following this, "a long and substantive discussion took place on both sides". Details of the conversation have not yet been made public. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that Sybiha and the synodals "discussed Ukraine's spiritual independence and support for Ukrainians abroad."

The work of the Synod will continue in the coming days, focusing on key church issues.

As reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv recorded a video message to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople after the second attempt to seize St Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy. The Metropolitan urged the Patriarch to intervene and stop the iniquities committed in Ukraine.

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