Bartholomew Raises Ukraine’s Abducted Children in Zelensky Phanar Meeting
by Bill Giannopoulos · Greek City TimesCONSTANTINOPLE, October 2026 — Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew called for the return of Ukraine’s abducted children as he received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Phanar in Constantinople on Saturday 31 October.
It was the fifth visit by the Ukrainian president to the seat of the Patriarchate since his election, a Patriarchate statement said. His previous visit took place in early April.
The private meeting lasted about an hour in the Patriarchal Office. Before the talks, the Patriarch welcomed the Ukrainian leader in person.
What Patriarch Bartholomew told Zelensky
During the talks, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians repeated the Mother Church’s 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.
Read more: Rome Honours Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew With Honorary Doctorate
In particular, Patriarch Bartholomew placed special emphasis on Ukraine’s abducted children. Once again, he expressed the hope that thousands of children will soon return home and reunite with their families.
For his part, Zelensky thanked the Ecumenical Patriarchate for its constant support and prayers, the statement said. He thanked the Patriarch personally as well.
Zelensky also congratulated him on 35 years since his election to the Patriarchal Throne and offered him warm wishes.
Who attended the meeting
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.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accompanied Zelensky to the Phanar.
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.
Earlier on the same day, Zelensky met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. They discussed upcoming peace talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia.
Source: ERT
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