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.
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