Dumenko visits Istanbul
Serhii Dumenko and Patriarch Bartholomew dining together. Photo: OCU's website
On March 7, 2025, the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Epifaniy Dumenko, accompanied by Yevstratii Zoria, arrived for a visit to the Phanar, according to the OCU's website. He was welcomed at the airport by Ukraine’s Consul General in Turkey, Roman Nedilskyi, along with other diplomats from the consulate.
Later that evening, Dumenko and Zoria attended a reception hosted by the newly appointed Metropolitan of Ireland, Iakovos, for Patriarch Bartholomew and other distinguished guests.
On March 8, Patriarch Bartholomew celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Dumenko, during which the head of the Phanar welcomed the OCU leader, "reaffirming the motherly care of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the suffering people of Ukraine." After the liturgy, the participants dined together. During the meal, Dumenko told those present that love reigned among them as disciples of Christ. "And where there is love, the Lord helps overcome all difficulties and challenges," assured the head of the OCU.
Previously, the UOJ reported that during a prayer breakfast in the United States, Epifaniy Dumenko hinted at the necessity of Ukraine regaining nuclear weapons.
Read also
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.
Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland
An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.