New York, September 25, 2025
Photo: Romfea
Strong reactions have erupted across Greece following a public appearance by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who raised his patriarchal staff and said “Glory to Ukraine” to President Vladimir Zelensky—a slogan that many associate with Nazi collaborators and war crimes during World War II.
The incident has caused shock as the Patriarch, rather than addressing the persecution of Orthodox Christians in the Middle East or speaking about the persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its clergy, chose instead to highlight Crimean Tatars, historical enemies of Hellenism and allies of the Zelensky regime, reports the Greek Orthodox outlet Romfea.
In a video posted by Pres. Zelensky on X, Pat. Bartholomew can be seen raising his staff with a triumphant expression, while Archbishop Elpidophoros of America smiles behind him. The scene, which many felt resembled a political rally more than a Patriarchal greeting, provoked a storm of reactions.
I discussed with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew the ways to achieve a genuine peace and the further development of the church in Ukraine.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 23, 2025
I informed him about the protection of religious freedom in Ukraine, shared details of our cooperation with the American team, and invited… pic.twitter.com/2XHsK8XWdq
Several commentators noted that the Patriarch’s role is not to function as a “propagandist” or reproduce divisive slogans, but to provide spiritual guidance to the Orthodox world.
The meeting took place on Monday as world leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
The controversy comes amid growing concerns within the Greek Orthodox Church about the persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. According to a recent report from Greek Orthodox publication Vima Orthodoxias, hundreds of protest messages have flooded the outlet following its coverage of violent seizures of monasteries and churches in Ukraine by forces supporting the Zelensky government and the schismatic “Orthodox Church of Ukraine.”
The Patriarchate’s turn toward supporting the Zelensky regime, its silence regarding the persecution of canonical Orthodox Christians in Ukraine, and its approach to groups hostile to Hellenism are creating increasing alienation between the Patriarchate and its own flock.
“The Phanar’s turn in favor of the Zelensky regime, the silence toward the persecutions of canonical Orthodox in Ukraine, and the approach with groups hostile to Hellenism are creating an ever-growing alienation between the Patriarchate and its own flock,” Romfea concludes.
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