Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is shocked by the current invasion of the armed forces of the Russian Federation on the territory of the Republic of Ukraine, he said in a telephone conversation with Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kiev, head of the Autocephalous Church of Ukraine, expressing his deep sorrow and its support for the Ukrainian people defending their native lands.
The statement said:
“His Holiness condemns this unprovoked attack by Russia against Ukraine, which is an independent and sovereign European state, as well as the brutal violence against its neighbors and especially against civilians.
He prays to the God of Love and Peace to enlighten the leadership of the Russian Federation to understand the tragic consequences of its decisions and actions, which could ignite even a world war.
The Ecumenical Patriarch calls on the leaders of all countries of the European institutions and international organizations to work for a peaceful settlement of this critical situation through honest dialogue, which is the only means of resolving every problem and resolving every dispute.
Finally, he called on the local Orthodox Churches, as well as all Christians and every person of good will, to pray incessantly for the Ukrainian people and for the establishment of peace and justice in Ukraine.
Source: Orthodoxy.info
