Ecumenical Patriarch to mark 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence with Divine Liturgy

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will attend a Divine Liturgy marking the 35th anniversary of the official declaration of Ukraine’s independence on Monday, August 24, 2026.

The Ecumenical Patriarch will visit the Church of Saint Nicholas of Cibali in Istanbul at approximately 10:00 a.m., where he will preside from the throne at the Divine Liturgy, which will be celebrated in the Ukrainian language.

Members of Istanbul’s Ukrainian-speaking community are also expected to attend the service, joining in prayer on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will officiate at a memorial service for the repose of the victims of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

A reception will follow the commemorative events.