Patriarch Bartholomew celebrates service for Ukrainians in Istanbul

Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: Fos fanariou

Patriarch Bartholomew celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the Ukrainian-speaking community in Istanbul on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. Following the service at the St. Nicholas Church in Cibali, the Primate of the Church of Constantinople served a memorial litia for those killed in the military conflict, reports Fos fanariou.

The service was attended by the Consul General of Ukraine in Istanbul Heorhiy Filatov, Metropolitan Joachim of Prusa, Bishop Adrian of Halicarnassus, as well as diplomatic representatives of Greece, Great Britain, the United States, Romania, and other countries. The Ukrainian diplomat thanked the head of the Phanar and foreign representatives for their support of affected citizens.

The head of the Phanar addressed words of support to the families awaiting the return of their loved ones home. "Today our hearts and prayers are turned in a special way to those who wait," said Patriarch Bartholomew. "We think of the mothers, fathers, spouses, and children of prisoners of war. You are not forgotten, and those you are waiting for are not forgotten either. The Mother Church of Constantinople remembers them and brings their names before God in prayer."

According to the Patriarch, all these years Ukraine and its people have held a special place in the pastoral care and prayer of the Mother Church of Constantinople. "We have shared moments of joy with you. We have also been by your side in moments of sorrow. And today we are here again. Not merely to speak about you, but to pray together with you," he added.

Patriarch Bartholomew also recalled his visit to Kyiv in August 2021, during which he celebrated a joint service with the head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko at the Saint Sophia Cathedral. The Patriarch expressed hope that after the end of the military conflict he would be able to visit Kyiv again to "personally embrace the beloved flock whom we always carry in our hearts."

As the UOJ reported, Patriarch Bartholomew received OCU clergy at the Phanar.

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