Synodals of Phanar meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister in Istanbul
Patriarch Bartholomew and Andriy Sybiha. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
On 22 October 2024, the newly constituted Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople held its first meeting, reports the website of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Metropolitan Makarios of Gortyna and Arkadia has been appointed the head of the new synodal body.
It is reported that during the midday break, Patriarch Bartholomew, along with the members of the Synod, welcomed the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha. Following this, "a long and substantive discussion took place on both sides". Details of the conversation have not yet been made public. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that Sybiha and the synodals "discussed Ukraine's spiritual independence and support for Ukrainians abroad."
The work of the Synod will continue in the coming days, focusing on key church issues.
As reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv recorded a video message to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople after the second attempt to seize St Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy. The Metropolitan urged the Patriarch to intervene and stop the iniquities committed in Ukraine.
Read also
Most Britons oppose abortions, poll finds
The survey found that 62% of UK residents support legal protection for unborn children from the moment their heartbeat is first detected.
Annual academic conference opens at Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary
The fifteenth annual conference was dedicated to the anniversaries of Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn Ostrožský and Metropolitan Rafail (Zaborovský).
Feminists attack Roman Catholic churches in Latin America
During protest actions, members of radical groups attacked cathedrals in several Latin American countries, assaulted police officers, and threw paint at believers.
UOC hierarch takes part in German bishops’ conference
Bishop Veniamin of Boyarka took part in the OBKD assembly in Düsseldorf.
Ivano-Frankivsk scraps school project planned on demolished UOC church site
The authorities in Ivano-Frankivsk have dropped plans to build the school for whose construction a UOC church was demolished.
Shostatsky to UOC: If you are so righteous – do not cling to your churches
The OCU metropolitan called on UOC faithful and clergy to pray rather than defend their churches from seizures.