Zelensky calls Patriarch Bartholomew to extend Christmas greetings

Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: Office of the President

On December 24, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

“I thanked His Holiness for his spiritual support for Ukraine and prayers for the Ukrainian people. I wished the Patriarch a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Ukraine is doing everything possible to make 2025 a year of just and lasting peace for our nation and the world,” Zelensky shared on his Telegram channel.

The President emphasized the importance of the Patriarchate's efforts in strengthening global religious support for Ukraine and assisting the country in achieving spiritual independence.

Zelensky also expressed gratitude to the head of the Phanar for his warm words and wishes for the Ukrainian people, wishing them strength, courage, and God’s blessing, as well as for his holiday greetings.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian people with a Christmas message, highlighting that all Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on December 25 according to the New Julian calendar.

Read also

During Ramadan, Patriarch Theodoros hosts Islamic iftar at his residence

Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria hosted a meal for Muslim workers breaking their fast in the courtyard of the Patriarchate and thanked a sheikh for his “brotherhood.”

Lawsuit filed against Patriarch of Constantinople

A Turkish official has accused Patriarch Bartholomew and dozens of clergy of “illegal activity” and violating the Treaty of Lausanne.

OCU cleric buried with Church Slavonic funeral shroud

In the Ternopil Eparchy of the OCU, a cleric was buried under a funeral shroud bearing inscriptions in Church Slavonic.

Abp John about Gospel: "I felt the same joy that I had when I was a child"

The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Albania spoke about how reading the Gospel for the first time became a personal upheaval for him and the beginning of his journey to faith.

Former cleric: In OCU's monastery, cells are occupied by people with families

Former OCU cleric Yasenets said that in the Theodosius Monastery, more than half of the “brethren” are married clerics living in cells with their wives and children.

UGCC head highlights chief rabbi’s role in strengthening Ukrainians’ faith

Sviatoslav Shevchuk thanked Moshe Asman for his “words of truth.”