Phanar sees in Zelensky's visit sign of loyalty of entire Ukrainian people
A meeting of the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com
During the visit of the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky to Phanar, the Patriarchate of Constantinople feels "love, respect and devotion of the entire Ukrainian people". Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople said this during a meeting with the head of the Ukrainian state, which took place on October 16, 2020, reports Orthodox Times.
“ We feel that you bring us feelings of love, respect and devotion of the entire Ukrainian people to the Mother Church of Constantinople from which you received the lights of Christianity and which will be always by your side with motherly affection and constant prayer,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch, addressing Ukrainian delegation. “The Mother Church demonstrated its feelings by granting autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which is progressing and flourishing.”
“ We are, therefore, very proud,” added Patriarch Bartholomew. “We follow the same path and we continue the works of our brother, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv. We thank God because he is worthy of being elected to the leadership of your Church.”
In addition, The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his joy for the continuous progress, stability, peace and prosperity that exists in Ukraine.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Vladimir Zelensky visited the St. George Church in Phanar, where a prayer service was celebrated in his honour, and also during a personal meeting he officially invited Patriarch Bartholomew to Ukraine.
We recall that during the previous visit to Phanar on August 8, 2019, Vladimir Zelenskyy refused to sign a joint statement prepared in advance by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.