Head of Phanar сelebrates old-style Christmas with Russians in Istanbul
Russian women in Istanbul greet Patriarch Bartholomew at the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called. Photo: Phanar's Facebook page
On January 7, 2025, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople officiated the Nativity liturgy for the Russian-speaking community at the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called in Istanbul. The service was streamed live on the official Facebook page of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Parishioners welcomed the head of the Phanar dressed in traditional Russian kokoshniks and presented him with a symbolic loaf of bread. After the service, they also gifted him a handmade crocheted tablecloth.
Patriarch Bartholomew conducts Christmas services according to the Julian calendar for the Russian-speaking community in Istanbul annually. In 2024, parishioners similarly greeted him in traditional Russian attire.
Previously, the UOJ reported that OCU "Metropolitan" Mykhailo Zinkevych stated that those celebrating Christmas on January 7 are not aligned with Ukraine.
Read also
UOC faithful make pilgrimage to Georgia’s holy sites
The pilgrims visited churches and monasteries in Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kutaisi, and at the foot of Mount Kazbek.
Bulgarian Church Synod condemns suspended cleric's slander against Patriarch
The Holy Synod spoke out against the politicization of religion and the cleric's attempts to portray himself as a "victim."
UOC faithful hold religious procession to monastery in Zakarpattia
Pilgrims from Irshava visited the Dubrivka Monastery and churches in the villages of Bilky and Pryborzhavske.
Turkey begins installing protective covering over Hagia Sophia's dome
A temporary covering will be installed to preserve the structures, mosaics, and ensure workers' safety during the cathedral restoration.
Sviatohirsk Lavra celebrates its principal shrine
On July 29–30, the Holy Dormition Lavra celebrated the feast of the wonderworking Sviatohirsk Icon of the Mother of God.
Court extends restrictive measure for Met. Theodosiy until late September
The hierarch’s defense dismissed the prosecutors’ claims as empty formalism, stressing that there was no evidence of any violations.