Andrius Buska, a parishioner of the Exarchate of the Constantinople Patriarchate in Lithuania

For the Lithuanian community, the visit of His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew was a genuinely historic and deeply joyful event. As soon as news of his arrival became known, people began looking forward to the meeting. If one looks at the history of Orthodoxy in Lithuania, it is fair to say that such visits are extremely rare. The fact that Patriarch Bartholomew has visited our country for the second time in just a few years demonstrates how important Lithuania and the development of Orthodox life here are to him.

The strongest impression from meeting His All-Holiness is his simplicity and openness. When you meet him in person, you do not feel any distance at all. For him, there is no distinction between a statesman, a clergyman, or an ordinary parishioner. He treats everyone with the same warmth, listens attentively, offers his blessing, and finds kind words for every person.

It is especially moving to watch him interact with children. He always tries to give them special attention, sometimes presenting a small icon, prayer beads, or simply offering a blessing with a sincere smile. Even when a car is already waiting for him and every minute of his schedule is accounted for, he may stop to take a photograph with someone who asks. There is neither arrogance nor any sense of unapproachability in him. Despite his high office, he remains a very simple, humane, and warm-hearted person.

I joined the Exarchate almost from the very first months of its existence, when I learned that our priests had been restored to their clerical rank. Since then, I have watched our Church develop. The number of parishioners continues to grow, and it is especially encouraging to see young people joining. Many young people are searching for authentic Orthodoxy in the Lithuanian language, taking an interest in global Orthodoxy, reading and watching foreign sources, and then finding their way to our parishes.

It seems to me that more and more people are beginning to understand the importance of an independent Lithuanian Orthodoxy that is connected to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and free from Moscow’s political influence. Of course, there are still people who continue to live within the sphere of Russian propaganda, and for them this reality is more difficult to accept. Yet the overall trend is obvious: our Exarchate is growing and becoming stronger.

At the service attended by the Patriarch, the church was completely full. People stood not only inside but also outside. By our estimates, more than 250 people gathered. What is especially important is that they were not only Orthodox Christians. Representatives of other denominations attended, as did ordinary residents of Vilnius who wanted to see the Patriarch, pray with us, and become part of this historic event.

For us, this visit was not merely an official occasion. It was evidence that Lithuania’s Orthodox community has not been forgotten, that it enjoys the support of the Mother Church of Constantinople, and that it has a future. That is why we welcomed His All-Holiness with profound gratitude, joy, and hope.