Head of Phanar at the presentation of the Exarch of Lithuania: He knows Russian language excellently

On June 7, 2026, at the Holy Trinity Church in Vilnius, the Ecumenical Patriarch presented to the faithful his exarch in Lithuania - Bishop Panaret of Tamasos. During his speech, Patriarch Bartholomew placed special emphasis on the hierarch's linguistic skills. This is reported by Orthodoxia News Agency.

According to the Patriarch of Constantinople, the appointment of the exarch is dictated by the "historic duty of the Mother Church." He emphasized that Bishop Panaret is called to become a "true spiritual father" who will address refugees from "bloodied Ukraine" and other Slavic-speaking countries in "the language of their ancestors."

"His deep and perfect knowledge of the Russian language, as well as his ability to perform sacred services in the ancient Church Slavonic language and according to the Slavic Typikon, are a bridge of comfort and a channel of communication for the multilingual and deeply wounded flock of the Baltic countries," declared Patriarch Bartholomew.

The newly appointed exarch himself, in his response, assured those present that the Patriarchate of Constantinople came to Lithuania "not to divide, but to unite." The service was also attended by Catholic Archbishop of Vilnius Gintaras Grušas, Vatican Nuncio Georg Gänswein, and ambassadors from several states, including Ukraine.

As reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists, Patriarch Bartholomew accused the Russian Orthodox Church of destroying Orthodox unity.

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