Dumenko and Zoria arrive on a visit to Belgian Metropolis of Phanar
Dumenko and Zoria were received at the Phanar's Belgian Metropolis. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency
On June 21, 2026, the head of the OCU, Epifaniy Dumenko, accompanied by his delegation, met with Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium at his residence in Brussels, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The head of the OCU arrived in the Belgian capital at the invitation of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation to participate in a conference on the situation in Ukraine.
In the Throne Room of the Metropolis, the parties exchanged gifts and discussed issues of cooperation in the Benelux region. Metropolitan Athenagoras expressed full solidarity with the OCU and spoke about the establishment of new parishes for Ukrainians under the omophorion of the Phanar.
The hierarch of the Patriarchate of Constantinople also spoke about the practice of ordaining and "receiving" OCU clergy into the local Church. A joint dinner in honor of the guests concluded the official part of the reception in Brussels.
As the UOJ reported, Patriarch Bartholomew conveyed words of support to the Lavra brotherhood through Dumenko.
Read also
Dumenko holds "service" at seized UOC church in Boyarka
On September 29, the head of the OCU performed a "divine service" at St. Michael's Church in Boyarka and rewarded the raider-rector.
UOC hierarchs mark 30th anniversary of Holovchyntsi Convent's revival
UOC bishops and clergy of the eparchy congratulated the abbess of the Transfiguration Convent and her sisters on the memorable date.
UOC cleric discusses life of Ukrainian parishes with Hungarian official
A UOC priest and a Hungarian official paid particular attention to issues of practical interaction between Ukrainian parishes and government authorities.
Ukrposhta issues stamp featuring Lavra for Soviet-era reserve's anniversary
The new postal block, issued in a print run of 40,000 copies, depicts the Lavra's churches, bell tower, and ancient frescoes.
Met. Theodosiy links his criminal case to ex-prosecutor named in NABU tapes
A Cherkasy court extended Metropolitan Theodosiy’s preventive measure for another two months – until November 29, 2026.
Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code
The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.