OCU delegation arrives in Constantinople (updated)

The delegation prayed during the evening service at the Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring, Archbishop Yevstratiy said in a statement on his Facebook page.

The hierarchs of the Jerusalem and Georgian Patriarchates, the Churches of Cyprus and Greece also prayed during the Liturgy.

At the end of the service, consul general of Ukraine in Istanbul Alexander Gaman announced an official greeting from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

On behalf of the clergy and faithful of the OCU, Patriarch Bartholomew congratulated Archbishop Yevstratiy (Zorya):

"It is difficult to overestimate your contribution to solving the long-standing church issue in Ukraine. You make titanic efforts for the development of Orthodoxy, the liberation of churches from evil influence, and do not seek rewards for this. Only the Lord knows how much effort it costs you, and only he can reward you properly for all your merits.

On behalf of Orthodox Ukrainians and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate you on the day of your namesake, assure you of your continued deep respect and express my sincere gratitude for your actions to establish an independent local Orthodox Ukrainian Church.

May the Lord, through the prayers of your heavenly patron saint, the Holy Apostle Bartholomew, your predecessors on the patriarchal throne, and all the Saints, grant you his blessing, good health, support you in your ministry, and protect you from all evil."