Zelensky attends a "commemoration prayer" at the Phanar

Zelensky and Bartholomew. Photo: Zelensky's telegram channel

On July 8, 2023, Volodymyr Zelensky came to the Phanar, where he prayed with Patriarch Bartholomew at a “commemoration prayer,” Zelensky’s Telegram channel reports.

“Memorial prayer service for the victims of the war in Ukraine in the Cathedral of St. George, Phanar, Istanbul. I thank Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the spiritual support of Ukraine and Ukrainians, for prayers for peace for our entire land, for all our people," Zelensky wrote.

In addition to Zelensky, the head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and other members of the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul attended the "commemoration service".

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to Greek media reports, Zelensky would discuss with Bartholomew the transfer of the Kyiv Lavra to the Phanar.

Read also

WCC Demands 'Protection' for St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai

The WCC also passed resolutions on the Armenian Genocide and the terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus.

Russian Orthodox Church Provides Aid to Earthquake Victims

Volunteers from the Petropavlovsk and Kamchatka Diocese are providing food and aid at the Holy Trinity Cathedral’s humanitarian warehouse to support residents affected by a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake in Kamchatka.

Serbian Patriarch Slams 'Undemocratic' Ruling Against Republika Srpska Leader

Patrarch Porfirije condemned the verdict as "unlawful and undemocratic." He is a vocal supporter of autonomy for Bosnian Serbs.

UOC House Church Set Ablaze in Khmelnytskyi Region

Police have identified the arsonist.

World's Most Premature Baby Celebrates First Birthday

Iowa NICU defies “impossible” odds to save boy born at 21 weeks.

Court Extends Detention of Metropolitan Arseny by Two Months — Again

Defense Prepares Appeal as Legal Irregularities Surround Continued Imprisonment of UOC Hierarch