Head of Phanar сelebrates old-style Christmas with Russians in Istanbul
Russian women in Istanbul greet Patriarch Bartholomew at the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called. Photo: Phanar's Facebook page
On January 7, 2025, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople officiated the Nativity liturgy for the Russian-speaking community at the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called in Istanbul. The service was streamed live on the official Facebook page of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Parishioners welcomed the head of the Phanar dressed in traditional Russian kokoshniks and presented him with a symbolic loaf of bread. After the service, they also gifted him a handmade crocheted tablecloth.
Patriarch Bartholomew conducts Christmas services according to the Julian calendar for the Russian-speaking community in Istanbul annually. In 2024, parishioners similarly greeted him in traditional Russian attire.
Previously, the UOJ reported that OCU "Metropolitan" Mykhailo Zinkevych stated that those celebrating Christmas on January 7 are not aligned with 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
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.
"The entire family has been massacred in Baniyas, Syria. They were Orthodox Christians. Humanity has failed!"
Social media is telling the stories Corporate Media will not, and people are taking notice.