Zelensky tells Bartholomew that Ukraine celebrated Christmas with Phanar

Volodymyr Zelensky and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: president.gov.ua

On 26 December 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Patriarch Bartholomew that Ukraine celebrated Christmas together with the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The head of State said on his Telegram channel that he had a telephone conversation with Patriarch Bartholomew "to exchange Christmas greetings".

Zelensky wrote that "this year Ukraine celebrated Christmas at the same time as the Mother Church."

The Ukrainian President thanked Bartholomew "for the warm Christmas greetings to the Ukrainian people, prayers for peace in Ukraine and the participation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the meetings of advisors on the Formula for Peace."

He said that he invited the representative of the Phanar to the next such meeting in Switzerland.

As reported, according to Zelensky, all Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on 25 December "as one nation".

Read also

In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom

Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."

Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot

The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.

Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution

International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.

Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children

“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.

His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv

At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.

Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects

According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.