Phanar head officiates service in Stavropegia with almost no parishioners

The head of Phanar, surrounded by representatives of the OCU and state security officers, climbs up the steps to the St. Andrew's church. Photo: facebook.com/oleksandr.drabinko
On August 21, 2021, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople officiated the vespers in St. Andrew's church in Kyiv, practically “free” of parishioners.
A video of the vespers of the head of Phanar was published on the Facebook page “Stavropegia of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Ukraine”.
In addition to Patriarch Bartholomew, the church was attended by “hierarchs” of the OCU, state security officers, journalists and guests. There were practically no ordinary believers of the newly created religious structure in the temple.
One of the Facebook users wrote under the video with the divine service of the head of Phanar: “But there are so many believers there. A dime a thousand. More a dime than a thousand."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that after his meeting with the VR Chairperson, the head of Phanar was taken out of the Verkhovna Rada through the courtyard.
Read also
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed
The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.
UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center
A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.
Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups
Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.
Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say
A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.
Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia
A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.
Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra
Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.