Head of OCU invited to Phanar to concelebrate with Patriarch Bartholomew

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and the head of the OCU Epiphany Dumenko will hold a joint liturgy on the Feast of the Epiphany, on Tuesday, January 6, at Phanar. This event should «emphasize the liturgical communion and unity between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.»

According to the Orthodox Times, citing an official statement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, «on the feast of the Holy Theophany of the Lord and God and our Savior Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, January 6, His All-Holiness the Patriarch will lead the festive Divine Liturgy in the Patriarchal Church, concelebrating with His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine.»

This joint liturgy in the Patriarchal Church of St. George «is a significant event that demonstrates liturgical communion and unity between the two Churches.» The festive service will be followed by the traditional service of the Great Blessing of the Waters.

It is especially emphasized that «after the festive service, the blessing of the waters will be held on the Phanar embankment under the chairmanship of both Primates,» which emphasizes the joint nature of the festive events.

As reported, on December 26, 2025, on the feast of the New Style Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos, a joint service was held by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria at St. George’s Church in Phanar. During the service, Patriarch Bartholomew commemorated the head of the OCU Epiphany Dumenko.