Head of Phanar сelebrates old-style Christmas with Russians in Istanbul

Russian women in Istanbul greet Patriarch Bartholomew at the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called. Photo: Phanar's Facebook page

On January 7, 2025, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople officiated the Nativity liturgy for the Russian-speaking community at the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called in Istanbul. The service was streamed live on the official Facebook page of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Parishioners welcomed the head of the Phanar dressed in traditional Russian kokoshniks and presented him with a symbolic loaf of bread. After the service, they also gifted him a handmade crocheted tablecloth.

Patriarch Bartholomew conducts Christmas services according to the Julian calendar for the Russian-speaking community in Istanbul annually. In 2024, parishioners similarly greeted him in traditional Russian attire.

Previously, the UOJ reported that OCU "Metropolitan" Mykhailo Zinkevych stated that those celebrating Christmas on January 7 are not aligned with Ukraine.

Read also

წმინდა ცოტნე აღმსარებლისა და წმინდა გაბრიელის სახელობის ტაძრის საძირკველი იკურთხება

25 ივლისს ნაძალადევში მშენებარე ტაძრის საძირკვლის კურთხევის ცერემონიას წალკელი ეპისკოპოსი გრიგოლი (კაცია) აღასრულებს.

September 19 is the commemoration day of Archangel Michael

Feast of the Archangels - the day commemorating the miracle performed by Saint Archangel Michael in Khoni.

"Orthodox shrines are inviolable" - Archpriest David Jishkariani

Priest David Jishkariani told the Union of Orthodox Journalists about the challenges and issues that are currently relevant for Georgia and the entire Christian world.

Giorgi Berishvili responds to the confrontation on Melikishvili Avenue

The president of the Georgian diaspora in Ukraine, "Georgian Christian World," responded to the noisy confrontation that occurred at the election headquarters of the Mayor of Tbilisi.

The Union of Orthodox Journalists begins active work in Georgia

The goal of the Union of Orthodox Journalists is to strengthen the Orthodox faith, protect Christian values, and promote them in the wider society.

Scientists invent brain-computer chip capable of reading human minds

The "brain-computer" interface will help people who have lost the ability to speak communicate through the power of thought.