On Friday, June 2, 2023, the group of pilgrims of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in the ancient capital of the Byzantine Empire – Constantinople (modern day Istanbul, Turkey).

Having arrived the main administrative office of the Patriarchate, the group (led by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel) was welcomed by the archdeacons of the Patriarchate, who diligently explained the historical importance of the Patriarchal offices, which is also a monastic community that consists of 15 monastics of the Patriarchate.

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch received the group of 33 pilgrims of the UOC of the USA in the main audience hall of the Patriarchate, addressing each pilgrim by their name and presenting each with memorable gifts.

Addressing the Patriarch, Archbishop Daniel stated: “Your All-Holiness, it is a great joy and honor to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate and to ask for your blessing – the successor of the patriarchal Throne of the Holy Apostle Andrew, the First-Called. We bring you greetings of His Eminence our Metropolitan Antony, who continually offers his prayers for your well-being as you fearlessly lead the flock of Christ…”

Having said those words, the Patriarch immediately interrupted Vladyka Daniel and inquired about Metropolitan Antony and passed his prayerful greetings and blessing to the spiritual father of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA.

In his remarks, the Patriarch welcomed the pilgrims of the UOC of the USA to their spiritual home – the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which is a home for Orthodox Christians throughout the world.

Having visited the most sacred places of the Holy Land, you are embarking on a long journey home filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit and renewed understanding and zeal for the service in His Vineyard.

The Patriarch reiterated his love and concern for the people and nation of Ukraine at the time of the barbaric invasion by the Russian Federation. He stated that he is deeply disappointed in the actions of the patriarch of Moscow, who singlehandedly blesses the war and the slaughter of the innocent people.

His All-Holiness stated that the people of Ukraine are very dear to him and that he prays daily for the peace and stability in the ancestral home of the pilgrims of the UOC of the USA.

In conclusion of the meeting, Archbishop Daniel presented Patriarch Bartholomew with a traditional Pascha (ostrich) egg, decorated in the traditional Carpathian Mountains motives.

Memorable photo of the visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate was taken as the group journeyed through the sacred space of the Patriarchal cathedral of St. George the Victorious.