"Metropolitan Emmanuel conveyed the fraternal greetings of His Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and congratulations on the feast of Iliaoba to His Holiness and Beatitude, as well as condolences on the death of Bishop Damiane (Khupenia). 

The guest also noted that the pandemic has somewhat weakened ties and spoke about the need for bilateral visits to strengthen friendship and unity in order to mutually overcome modern difficulties and challenges.

At the meeting, both sides expressed grief over the tragic events taking place in Ukraine and emphasized the need to take appropriate steps to end the war and promote peace," - the Patriarchate said in a statement.