Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reiterated the support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the beloved Ukrainian people, who are being severely tested by the unholy and diabolical war waged against their homeland by the Russian Federation, welcoming on Monday, June 26, at the Phanar, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Ankara, Vasyl Bodnar, and the Consul General in Constantinople, Roman Nedilskyi, with a Delegation of spouses and children of Ambassadors of Ukraine serving in various countries of the world.
The Ukrainian delegation, which will visit Pope Francis in the coming days, informed the Ecumenical Patriarch about the situation in the country and the struggle of the Ukrainian people for their freedom and the defense of the territorial integrity and independence of their homeland.
The Ecumenical Patriarch recalled the long-standing ties of the Mother Church of Constantinople with the Ukrainian people, for whose security, as he said, as well as for the prevalence of peace, he prayed unceasingly from the first moment the war broke out.
“As believers in Christ, we intensify our prayers and reiterate the need for peace and unity,” the Patriarch said, adding: “No Church and no Christian can justify violence in the name of religion. Genuine Christians must be peacemakers, striving for reconciliation and solidarity, turning threats into opportunities through dialogue.
Finally, he asked the members of the Ukrainian delegation to convey to their relatives and to all Ukrainians his patriarchal blessing and paternal wishes for a speedy restoration of peace and security in their homeland.
