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

Hearing in Lower Lavra case postponed again due to judge’s illness

The session of the Northern Commercial Court of Appeal was scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Greek MP: Those who beat priests in Ukraine serve the devil

Greek politician and cardiac surgeon Nikos Papadopoulos, leader of the Greek Pulse party, condemned the persecution of Orthodox clergy in Ukraine.

OIDAC Europe report includes attack on Sviatohirsk Lavra

The international human-rights organization OIDAC Europe mentioned an attack on the Sviatohirsk Lavra in its report on hate crimes against Christians in Europe.

Hate crimes against Christians on the rise in Europe, report says

The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe reported 39 incidents targeting believers, churches, and religious symbols.

British Christians oppose idea of dresses for boys at school

Christian organizations have criticized a statement by the UK’s education minister suggesting that boys should be allowed to express their gender identity in primary school.

European Parliament hosts gender-identity class for schoolchildren

A session on gender identity was held in the European Parliament building for children aged 12–13 – participation was mandatory, and parents had no option to refuse.