On June 10, 2023, the head of the State Ethnic Policy Viktor Yelensky met with Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul, according to fosfanariou. A group of Ukrainian diplomats was also present: Ambassador to Turkey Vasily Bodnar, Chief Consul Roman Nedelsky, Consul Maxim Vdovichenko. Together with Yelensky, the speaker of the OCU Evstratiy Zorya also came to Phanar.

Yelensky congratulated the head of the Phanar on his name day “on behalf of the Ukrainian state and on my own behalf” and discussed “current issues” with him.

Later, Yelensky took part in the service of the Patriarch of Constantinople next to Patriarch Bartholomew, on his right hand.