The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew held a meeting yesterday with members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations. For 25 years the Council has worked together for peace and mutual understanding as reported by fosfanariou.gr.
As the Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine explained to the Ecumenical Patriarch, during those years of coexistence of Christians of various denominations, Muslims and Jews, and due to long wars, Ukraine has a unique interfaith background.
Through this historical experience, representatives of different religious communities can work together on the basis of mutual respect and equal rights, overcoming conflicts and reaching consensus despite differences of opinion.
Thanks to the broad experience of inter-Christian and inter-religious dialogue, known internationally as “the one who build bridges,” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew always emphasizes the need for dialogue and cooperation between people.
He specifically noted the role of the Church in resolving contradictions in society, as it is able to “use faith to soothe and heal the wounds of others and not to rekindle new fires of hatred.”
“It is a sign of hope that despite the horrors of the 20th century, the most difficult time in human history, understanding dialogue is becoming an increasingly important tool for building bridges and reconciliation,” said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The Ecumenical Patriarch planted a tree in Volodymyrska Hill in Kyiv
After a meeting with members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations on August 23, 2021, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew planted maples in the capital’s Volodymyrska Hirka Park, commemorating his visit to Ukraine.
Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, as well as representatives of Christian denominations and religions, planted trees, which is a symbol of unity regarding environmental awareness.
The Ecumenical Patriarch is known throughout the world as the “Green Patriarch” because from the beginning of his ministry he places great importance on environmental issues.