Media: A year ago Zelensky requested Phanar to give OCU patriarchate status
Volodymyr Zelensky and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: president.gov.ua
According to Greek sources, during a meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on July 8, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky possibly requested that the Phanar grant the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) the status of patriarchate.
The Greek publication "Romfea" reported that at the meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew, Volodymyr Zelensky directly asked him to appoint Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon (instead of Archbishop Hilarion of Canada) as the head of the Constantinople Patriarchate's commission, which was supposed to address issues of unity within Ukrainian Orthodoxy.
Additionally, "Romfea" writes that the President of Ukraine asked the Primate of the Constantinople Church to grant the OCU the status of patriarchate.
Moreover, Greek media claim that "in light of the escalating military-religious situation in Ukraine, new figures have appeared in Zelensky's circle, which, according to experts, indicates a changing position of the Ukrainian authorities on church matters."
As reported by the UOJ, in 2023, Dumenko urged Bartholomew not to send a delegation of the Constantinople Patriarchate to Ukraine.
Read also
Bancheny Monastery reports provocation
The UOC monastery in Bancheny has reported a provocation by unidentified individuals.
Romanian Church to hold joint prayer for peace in Ukraine
On the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, special prayers for an end to the hostility will be offered in all churches of the Romanian Patriarchate, both in the country and abroad.
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.