HIERARCHS OF THE UOC OF THE USA MET WITH ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA

 Responding to the invitation of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, His Eminence Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel traveled to the ancient queen of cities- Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) for the celebration of the Glorious and Life-Giving Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George the Victorious.

Arriving to Constantinople, the hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA attended the Pentecost Vespers service, presided by His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch and served by the clergy of the ancient and historic cathedral.

Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel met with the Patriarch on Saturday, June 19, 2021 in order to provide His All-Holiness with the basic information about the life of the UOC of the USA in time COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges by which the Church was met in times of restrictions, yet providing spiritual care for the flock of Christ the Savior.

In addition, the discussion took place about the life of the parish communities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora in Europe, Australia and South America. His All-Holiness received with joy the news of the continued successes of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary of the UOC of the USA that provides clergy training for the future spiritual leaders of the Church not only in the US but also in Europe, Australia and South America.

In conclusion of the meeting, His Eminence Metropolitan Antony presented His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew with a Centennial Medal of the UOC of the USA, marking 100 years of spiritual ministry to the Ukrainian-America community in the United States of America. Receiving the medal, the Patriarch expressed his gratitude and pastoral love for the clergy and people of the UOC of the USA, hoping to visit with the North-America flock in the fall of this year.