Bartholomew I, the head of Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul and spiritual leader of the world of Eastern Orthodox Christians, 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.
The Russian military launched the highly anticipated invasion of Ukraine earlier on the same day, when President Vladimir Putin ignored international condemnation and sanctions and threatened others countries that any attempt at interference lead to “consequences you never saw”.
Big explosions were heard before dawn in KyivKharkiv and Odessa like world the leaders decried start of a Russian invasion it could cause mass casualties and democratically overthrow Ukraine elected government. Russian military columns crossed the Ukrainian border to Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Lugansk regions, the Ukrainian Border Guard Service said in what appears to be an assault along the entire border with Russia.
Seven soldiers deceased in Russian airstrikes in the first some hours of the invasionsaid the Ukrainian Interior Ministry.
the head of Ukrainian military said on Thursday he had been ordered by President Volodymyr Zelensky to repel Russian forces invasion of son country.
“The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine gave the order to inflict maximum losses against the aggressor,” Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Ukraine, said General of division Valery Zaluzhny.
Earlier on On Thursday, Zelenskyy introduced martial law, saying Russia was targeting Ukraine military infrastructure and explosions are heard across the country. Zelenskyy said he had just spoke to President Joe Biden and the United States was rallying international support for Ukraine. He urged Ukrainians to stay home and not to panic.
