The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received on Thursday, February 2, 2023, Dmytro Lubinets, Ombudsman of Ukraine, at the head of a multi-member group, consisting of Ukrainian men and women who fought on the fronts of the ongoing war, as well as relatives of citizens who they have been held as prisoners since the 2014 war until now.
The Ukrainian official, after thanking the Ecumenical Patriarch for his multifaceted support to the Ukrainian people, informed him about the situation of the millions of Ukrainians who found refuge in various countries, but also about the issue of the prisoners of war of 2014.
The Ecumenical Patriarch once again expressed his support to the Ukrainian people, who have been tested many times because of the war, who are fighting for their freedom and defending the territorial integrity of their homeland. The Patriarch pointed out that the Ecumenical Patriarchate urged all its Hierarchs, in whose provinces refugees are hosted, to take care of the ministry of our faithful brothers, and their spiritual and liturgical service. At another point in his opposition, he emphasized: “We have full confidence in God’s providence and the bravery of the Ukrainian people, that’s why we are sure of the final victory of Ukraine. And it won’t just be a victory for Ukraine, it will be a victory for justice and truth.”
The meeting was also attended by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, as well as Roman Nedilskyi, Consul General of Ukraine in the City.
On the morning of the same day, on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, the Ecumenical Patriarch presided over the Divine Liturgy held in the Patriarchal Church.
Hierarchs of the Throne, Renata Indjova, former Prime Minister of Bulgaria and President of the Bulgarian Eisenhower Foundation, the aforementioned Ukrainian Delegation, believers from Constantinople, and pilgrims from abroad attended.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Ecumenical Patriarchate