Responding to the invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel traveled to 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.
Upon arriving in Constantinople, the hierarchs attended the Pentecost Vespers service, presided by Bartholomew Iand served by the clergy of the ancient and historic cathedral, the Church’s press service reports.
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 of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges the Church has faced amid restrictions, yet providing spiritual care for its followers.
In addition, the parties discussed the life of the parish communities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora in Europe, Australia and South America. The Patriarch 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 in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South America.
In conclusion of the meeting, Metropolitan Antony presented 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.
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 this year’s fall.
On Sunday morning, June 20, 2021, upon the invitation of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel concelebrated the Divine Liturgy and took part in the Most Holy Eucharist in the patriarchal cathedral of St. George – celebrating the Great Fest of Pentecost.
