Archimandrite Bartholomew, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou on Mount Athos, together with accompanying fathers, participated on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in the festive concelebration marking the feast of St. Vladimir the Equal-to-the-Apostles and Great Prince of Kyiv at the saint’s dedicated church in the Ukrainian capital.
The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, concelebrated by numerous hierarchs and clergy of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The presence of the Athonite fathers in the heart of Kyiv on this holy feast day carried profound symbolic significance, reaffirming the enduring spiritual bonds between Mount Athos and the faithful people of Ukraine.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Abbot Bartholomew delivered an address during the festive banquet in the presence of Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
His remarks also served as a heartfelt spiritual farewell to the long-suffering people of Ukraine.
Abbot Bartholomew expressed his deep emotion, noting that both he and the accompanying fathers would return to Mount Athos enriched by invaluable spiritual experiences that they would carry with them throughout their lives.
He emphasized that the daily reality they witnessed during their stay—where life continues despite the constant threat of war—stands as a powerful and inspiring example for all Christians from a spiritual perspective.
Just as the Ukrainian people continue to live, work, and persevere under the shadow of weapons and conflict, so too, he said, Christians must persevere in their spiritual struggle. Despite the “sirens” of temptations sounding all around them, believers should not be discouraged, but should continue their journey with unwavering faith and determination.
Bidding farewell to Ukraine, Abbot Bartholomew once again conveyed the monastery’s enduring spiritual support. He noted that during every Divine Liturgy, at the Holy Prothesis, prayers are offered daily for Metropolitan Epifaniy, the Church of Ukraine, and the entire Ukrainian people.
He concluded by extending his best wishes to Ukraine, expressing the hope that St. Vladimir would continue to protect the country and that peace would soon be restored.
