Expert: Zelensky's visit to Phanar will not come to anything

Meeting of Vladimir Zelensky with Patriarch Bartholomew, 16.10.20. Photo: ec-patr.org

The visit of President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky to Phanar, which took place as part of the working trip of the head of the Ukrainian state to Turkey on October 16, 2020, will not lead to anything. This point of view was voiced by the Ukrainian political expert, candidate of historical sciences Konstantin Bondarenko in the commentary to the UOJ.

The expert noted that no documents were signed during his visit to Phanar, and Zelensky's invitation to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to visit Ukraine is "really nothing more than a courtesy formula".

“I think that someone in Zelensky’s circle simply decided before the elections to try to pick up one of Poroshenko's slogans, snatch away one of his cards,” the political scientist added. "So, I see it exclusively as a form of politesse (the established procedure for observing the forms of social etiquette – Ed.), which will not lead to anything."

As the UOJ reported, on October 16, 2020, Vladimir Zelensky visited Phanar. As part of his trip, Ukraine's President visited St. George's Church, where a prayer service was held in his honour, met with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and invited him to Ukraine. In Phanar, Zelensky's visit was regarded as a sign of "love, respect and devotion of the entire Ukrainian people".

Read also

Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos

The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.

UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary

Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.

Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”

The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl

UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.

Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom

The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.

Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million

Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.