On May 30, 2021, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople led the Divine Liturgy, which was attended by priests and pilgrims from Ukraine, as well as the Consul of Ukraine in Istanbul, Maxim Vdovichenko. This is reported by orthodoxtimes.
After the service, the head of the Phanar blessed the pilgrims from Ukraine, expressing his great joy that he will visit the country in August on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of independence.
“You are in a sacred place in Constantinople, where the Ecumenical Councils met. From here the missionaries traveled to spread the Gospel of Christ to the Slavic peoples. Coming here from Ukraine, you are not just guests, but you come to your home, to your Church-Mother,” the patriarch addressed the pilgrims.