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.”

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