Phanar organizing Ukrainian-language services in Turkey’s Izmir
In Izmir, the Constantinople Patriarchate has launched Ukrainian-language Orthodox services for the Ukrainian diaspora.
On January 19, 2026, it became known that in Turkey’s Izmir the Constantinople Patriarchate initiated the celebration of regular services in the Ukrainian language, the Consulate General of Ukraine in Istanbul reported.
According to the published information, the services are presented as a form of spiritual support for the Ukrainian diaspora living in the region. The liturgies are expected to be served on a regular basis – once a month, on the third or fourth Sunday.
As the statement notes, the services will be celebrated with the blessing of Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna at the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Photini.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Constantinople Patriarch threatened his critics with Judgment Day.
