Yelensky discusses Ukrainian parishes in Germany with Constantinople bishop
Yelensky in Berlin. Photo: DESS
On October 14, 2025, Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), met in Berlin with Bishop Emmanuel (Sfiatkos) of the German Metropolis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The meeting took place at the Parish of the Ascension of Christ.
The main topics of discussion were the spiritual care of Ukrainians residing in Germany and the specifics of German legislation concerning relations between the state and religious institutions. Special attention was given to how Ukrainian Orthodox communities can obtain official status in Germany.
The report did not specify whether the UOC parishes were discussed during the meeting.
That same day, Yelensky also held a meeting at the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany with Ukrainian Orthodox and Greek Catholic clergy, during which the sides discussed ways to improve pastoral support for Ukrainians who had migrated to Germany because of the war.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Cologne authorities honored a UOC parish for its contribution to the city’s public life.
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.