The Ecumenical Patriarch Mr. Bartholomew and the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky issued a joint message in favor of peace and unity of the international community, with their statements to APE-MPE, today from the Headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Fanari.
A.Th. Panagiotis the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, warmly welcomed His Excellency. President at the Patriarchal Office and then they had a private meeting that lasted an hour and a half.
His Holiness, among other things, expressed the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s support for peace efforts, as well as his undiminished concern for the thousands of kidnapped children from Ukraine, whom he wished would soon return and be reunited with their families in Ukraine.
In his exclusive statements to APE-MPE, His Holiness pointed out that the Ecumenical Patriarchate always prays for the prevalence of peace and supports negotiations for the peaceful resolution of all conflicts.
“We are close to our fellow human beings who are suffering in the Middle East, in Ukraine and everywhere else in the world,” emphasized the Ecumenical Patriarch, who escorted the Most Excellent President of Ukraine to the propylaea of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, in his statements to APE-MBE, emphasized that “Ukraine remains steadfast in its pursuit of a just peace. Every step we take is to protect our people and restore our sovereignty. The unity of the world is our strength and together we will ensure that freedom prevails over aggression.”
Regarding the possibility of holding new peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that it was one of the topics he discussed with the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during the meeting he had earlier, as it is necessary to continue the negotiations.
The meeting between the Ecumenical Patriarch and Volodymyr Zelensky was attended on behalf of the Mother Church by Rev. Metropolitan of Geron Chalkidon, Mr. Emmanuel, and the Panosiols. M. Ecclesiastical Mr. Aetios, Director of the Special Patriarchal Office, and the Ukrainian-born Triteyon Mr. Epifanios, and as members of the Ukrainian Delegation the Ex. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Andrii Sybiha, the Ex. Ambassador of Ukraine in Ankara, Mr. Nariman Dzhelialov, the Hon. Consul General of the country in the City Mr. Roman Nedilskyi, officials of the Presidency and other factors.
