Vladimir Zelensky invites Patriarch Bartholomew to Ukraine

Vladimir Zelensky with his wife at Phanar. Photo: Presidential Press Service

Vladimir Zelensky with his wife at Phanar. Photo: Presidential Press Service

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky and his wife visited Phanar and met with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the President’s press service reports.

During his visit to Turkey, Vladimir Zelensky and his wife thanked the head of Phanar for "unconditional personal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, our independence, as well as for all the support that the Patriarch provides to Ukraine."

The President also invited Patriarch Bartholomew to Ukraine: “I am grateful for everything you have done and are doing for Ukraine. Such support on the path to peace is important for us. Ukraine is warm and hospitable. We will all be very happy about your visit; it will be a very important visit for Ukraine."

The parties agreed on the approximate date of the visit. The most acceptable date was the 30th anniversary of the celebration of Ukraine's independence.

Vladimir Zelensky expects that by the time the head of Phanar arrives in Ukraine, “we will have the opportunity to move forward on the path to peace. And most importantly – about the prisoners: in the Donbass, in the Crimea and in Russia – I really want them to return home."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Vladimir Zelensky visited the St. George church in Phanar, where a prayer service was served in his honor.

OCU activist admits breaking into UOC church in Sloviansk

Oleksandr Onyshchenko said that the OCU held its first "service" at the Seraphim Church, which had previously been broken into by forcing the locks and doors.

Archimandrite Ioustinos, longtime keeper of Jacob's Well, dies in Jordan

Archimandrite Ioustinos (Mamallos), the keeper of Jacob's Well in Nablus, has died after a prolonged illness.

Pilgrim group from Kyiv Theological Seminary visits Mount Athos

KTS students are making a pilgrimage to the holy sites of Romania, Greece, Mount Athos and Italy.

UOC cathedral celebrates its patronal feast in Ternopil

The service in the cathedral of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia was led by Metropolitan Serhii of Ternopil, concelebrated by four hierarchs.

MinCulture marks centenary of Soviet-era reserve at Lavra's Refectory Church

Representatives of the Ministry of Culture presented awards to the Reserve's employees on the occasion of the anniversary at the Refectory Church of the Lavra.

Conference to mark 1700th anniversary of Christianity adoption held in Georgia

In Georgia, representatives of the Church and the state noted the defining role of Christianity in the country's cultural development.