Zelensky and Bartholomew discussed "prospects for the development of the Ukrainian Church" in Istanbul

During his visit to Istanbul, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to discuss humanitarian issues and prospects for the development of the Ukrainian church. In addition, the head of state invited the hierarch to visit Ukraine.

According to the Official Internet Representative Office of the President of Ukraine, the Head of State congratulated Patriarch Bartholomew on the coming Easter and thanked him for his prayers for the Ukrainian people. Particular gratitude was expressed for the implementation of the «Heat for Ukraine» initiative, which provides energy equipment to the regions affected by the hostilities, as well as for the support for the families of Ukrainian servicemen.

During the dialog, issues of church development in Ukraine were also discussed. Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his condolences over the death of the head of the UOC-KP Filaret Denisenko. At the end of the meeting Zelensky invited the head of the Phanar to visit Ukraine. It was noted that this year the country will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of independence, which coincides with the 35th anniversary of Patriarch Bartholomew’s ministry. The Patriarch expressed interest in combining these two significant dates during his future visit.

Earlier, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon already stated that the Phanar does not intend to reconsider the decisions on the legalization of the OCU and granting the Tomos of autocephaly to Ukrainian schismatics. The hierarch said that the interest in such a development of events on some sides of the interchurch conflict is the cause of «spiritual illness» and «ecclesiological deviation».