Phanar sees in Zelensky's visit sign of loyalty of entire Ukrainian people
In a conversation with the President of Ukraine, Pat. Bartholomew stressed the Patriarchate of Constantinople is very proud of the bestowal of the Tomos to the OCU.
During the visit of the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky to Phanar, the Patriarchate of Constantinople feels "love, respect and devotion of the entire Ukrainian people". Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople said this during a meeting with the head of the Ukrainian state, which took place on October 16, 2020, reports Orthodox Times.
“ We feel that you bring us feelings of love, respect and devotion of the entire Ukrainian people to the Mother Church of Constantinople from which you received the lights of Christianity and which will be always by your side with motherly affection and constant prayer,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch, addressing Ukrainian delegation. “The Mother Church demonstrated its feelings by granting autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which is progressing and flourishing.”
“ We are, therefore, very proud,” added Patriarch Bartholomew. “We follow the same path and we continue the works of our brother, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv. We thank God because he is worthy of being elected to the leadership of your Church.”
In addition, The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his joy for the continuous progress, stability, peace and prosperity that exists in Ukraine.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Vladimir Zelensky visited the St. George Church in Phanar, where a prayer service was celebrated in his honour, and also during a personal meeting he officially invited Patriarch Bartholomew to Ukraine.
We recall that during the previous visit to Phanar on August 8, 2019, Vladimir Zelenskyy refused to sign a joint statement prepared in advance by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry.
