Bartholomew I, the head of Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul and spiritual leader of the worldEastern Orthodox Christians, called for the end of the war in Ukraine on Sunday.
“We address another plea end the war now. Immediately stop any action of violence, anything that spreads pain and death” Bartholomew I said in A declaration.
Bartholomew also described the war as abominable and expressed its solidarity and support with the Ukrainian church, which obtained son independence from Moscow, and the Ukrainian church “seriously suffering” people in his statement.
In 2019 Barthélemy granted autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, making it independent, in a historic split strongly opposed by Russia.
Recently, the cleric has also condemned what he called a ” attack by Russia against Ukraine.”
In remarks by the Patriarchy website, the Archbishop said the invasion East in “violation of human rights” and is leading to “brutal violence” against civilians.
Bartholomew appealed to the Russians and world the leaders at work towards a peaceful settlement of this critical situation “which can even trigger global war.”
He urged the faithful to pray for peace reigns in Ukraine.
