{"id":24726,"date":"2026-10-31T23:18:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T23:18:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/31\/patriarch-bartholomew-receives-zelensky-at-the-phanar\/"},"modified":"2026-10-31T23:18:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-31T23:18:53","slug":"patriarch-bartholomew-receives-zelensky-at-the-phanar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/31\/patriarch-bartholomew-receives-zelensky-at-the-phanar\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriarch Bartholomew Receives Zelensky at the Phanar"},"content":{"rendered":"


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CONSTANTINOPLE, October 2026 \u2014 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew called for the return of Ukraine\u2019s abducted children as he received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Phanar in Constantinople on Saturday 31 October.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was the fifth visit by the Ukrainian president<\/a> to the seat of the Patriarchate since his election, a Patriarchate statement said. His previous visit took place in early April.<\/p>\n

The private meeting lasted about an hour in the Patriarchal Office. Before the talks, the Patriarch welcomed the Ukrainian leader in person.<\/p>\n

What Patriarch Bartholomew told Zelensky<\/h3>\n

During the talks, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians<\/a> repeated the Mother Church\u2019s support for Ukrainians. He said they are suffering from the war. He said the Patriarchate prays for peace and justice in Ukraine. It also prays for a peaceful end to all conflicts, and he encouraged every initiative in that direction.<\/p>\n

Read more: Rome Honours Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew With Honorary Doctorate\u00a0<\/p>\n

In particular, Patriarch Bartholomew placed special emphasis on Ukraine\u2019s abducted children<\/a>. Once again, he expressed the hope that thousands of children will soon return home and reunite with their families.<\/p>\n

For his part, Zelensky thanked the Ecumenical Patriarchate for its constant support and prayers, the statement said. He thanked the Patriarch personally as well.<\/p>\n

Zelensky also congratulated him on 35 years since his election to the Patriarchal Throne and offered him warm wishes.<\/p>\n

Who attended the meeting<\/h3>\n

Senior Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Metropolitan Gregory of Ancyra attended for the Patriarchate. Third Deacon Epiphanios, who is of Ukrainian origin, also took part.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accompanied Zelensky to the Phanar.<\/p>\n

After the meeting, Bartholomew went to the Throne Hall, where he blessed the rest of the Ukrainian delegation. Finally, he walked Zelensky to the entrance gates of the Patriarchate.<\/p>\n

Earlier on the same day, Zelensky met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan. They discussed upcoming peace talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia.<\/p>\n

Source: ERT<\/em><\/p>\n

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