Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, June 16. The Ecumenical Patriarch has been in Switzerland since the previous day, participating in the International Summit for Peace in Ukraine as the only invited religious leader.
In a social media post, President Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the Patriarch’s humanitarian support for Ukraine, particularly concerning the return of Ukrainian children and the exchange of prisoners. “We greatly appreciate the prayers of His All-Holiness for peace and assistance to the Ukrainians affected by Russian aggression,” Zelensky stated.
President Zelensky also thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for his efforts to promote and strengthen Orthodoxy in Ukraine and for his dialogue with clergy worldwide and partner countries.
It is noteworthy that the Ecumenical Patriarch was the only religious leader invited to the International Conference held on June 15-16, 2024, in Bürgenstock, Canton of Nidwalden. This conference saw participation from approximately 100 states and international organizations, represented at the highest levels.
Accompanying the Ecumenical Patriarch were Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Maximos of Switzerland, and Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Private Patriarchal Office.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, informing him of his upcoming visit to Constantinople to discuss matters related to the Patriarchate and the Greek community.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
