Assistant Secretary of State and Phanar exarch discuss observance of religious freedoms in Ukraine

The Stavropegion of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Kyiv hosted an important visit by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Riley M. Barnes. The visit, which took place on January 6, 2026, emphasized the significant mediation role of the Stavropegion in the context of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war and became a key platform for discussing issues of religious freedom, human rights and humanitarian assistance. Particular attention was paid to the protection of fundamental rights and freedom of conscience during the conflict.

As reported on the Facebook page of the Mission «Stavropegion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Ukraine», the American official was met by the Exarch of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Ukraine, Bishop Michael of Komana. He gave the guest a tour of St. Andrew’s Church, presenting in detail its rich history, spiritual work and cultural mission. The visit concluded with a short joint prayer for Ukraine and the United States, symbolizing unity and hope for peace.

During the meeting, the parties discussed humanitarian issues in depth, focusing on the situation of religious communities in times of war and the need for international solidarity to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and freedom of conscience. They emphasized the importance of preserving religious freedoms even in the most difficult circumstances of conflict.

Earlier, we reported that unexpected details about the recent corruption scandal involving the head of the Stavropegion of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Ukraine, Bishop Mikhail Anishchenko of Komana, were shared by religious scholar and media lobbyist Yuri Chernomorets. According to Chornomorets, Anishchenko’s attempt to bail out former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshev, who is one of the main suspects in the case of corruption and illegal enrichment in the highest echelons of the Ukrainian government, is connected with pressure on the bishop by the Security Service of Ukraine.