Phanar’s Exarch attends Jewish celebration in Anatevka
Guests and clergy at the celebration in Anatevka. Photo: OrthodoxTimes
On August 26, 2025, Bishop Michael (Anishchenko) of Comana, the Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarch in Ukraine, at the invitation of the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Reuven Asman, participated in festivities in the settlement of Anatevka in the Kyiv region, reports OrthodoxTimes.
The celebrations took place in Anatevka – a settlement founded in 2015 by the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine as a refuge for Jewish families forced to leave their homes due to military conflict.
The festive program combined several events: the opening of the Matityahu House, named after Matityahu Samborsky, the late son of Rabbi Asman; the inauguration of the Alley of Heroes in memory of fallen Jewish soldiers; and a traditional Jewish wedding (chuppah). In addition, the community marked the 10th anniversary of Anatevka.
Bishop Michael participated in the opening ceremony, cutting the ribbon at the entrance to the Matityahu House. This gesture was presented as a symbol of interfaith solidarity.
Among the invited guests were U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine Julie D. Fisher, Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky, Polish diplomat Piotr Łukaszewicz, Israeli Minister of Religious Services Michael Malchieli, and other officials and dignitaries.
Organizers emphasized that the event had both a commemorative character and importance for community life, serving as a sign of memory and support in difficult times.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that DESS announced the organization of “the world’s largest Jewish pilgrimage.”
Read also
DESS head: Revival of Judaism in Ukraine is a true miracle
Viktor Yelensky opened a school for Jewish boys in Anativka.
Metropolitan Onuphry shares how Saint Nicholas leads people to faith
In his sermon on the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas, the Primate of the UOC gave an example of a Soviet family that turned to the saint in despair and found faith.
Priest of Pokrovsk Vicariate of UOC killed in Kostiantynivka shelling
Archpriest Valeriy Voskresensky consciously remained at his parish in the Donetsk region, despite the constant threat of shelling.
Verkhovna Rada to consider bill on pornography decriminalization
The bill on decriminalizing pornography proposes to remove criminal liability for the production and distribution of pornography between adults.
Metropolitan Onuphry leads Liturgy at Intercession Monastery of Kyiv
On the Feast of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas's Cathedral of the Intercession Monastery and offered prayers for peace in the Ukrainian land.
Persecuted community of Verkhni Stanivtsi celebrates archpastoral Liturgy
For the second year in a row, the parishioners have been celebrating their patronal feast day outside the walls of their church, which was seized by OCU supporters with police backing in April 2025.