OCU’s "independence": Phanar hierarch said that Ukrainians are their flock

Patriarch Bartholomew and Epiphany Dumenko. Photo: riafan.ru

On November 6, 2020, a representative of the Phanar, addressing the “hierarchs” and “clergy” of the OCU, said that Ukrainians are an inseparable part of the flock of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, reports the Phanar's Facebook page.

After the “divine service” at the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, the Phanar hierarch, addressing the former Metropolitan of the UOC Alexander (Drabinko) and other members of the OCU, said that “today, with the blessing of Patriarch Bartholomew, you performed a liturgy in Ukrainian for our spiritual children – Ukrainians, here, in Istanbul".

He stressed that “Ukraine and all co-religionists living in the City (Istanbul – Ed.) are the flock of the Patriarch of Constantinople. We do not separate you; the Mother Church takes care of this with pastoral love."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the head of the Phanar, Patriarch Bartholomew, said that the granting of the Tomos to the OCU "favourably affects the church life" of Ukraine.

Read also

Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR

The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South

Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat

Atlanta, GA – Clergy from the Southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese gathered earlier this week for the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat. 

Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis

March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.

EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence

The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church

Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose

The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR

Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.