Phanar head calls to pray for peace noting the Middle East but not Ukraine

Patriarch Bartholomew at a conference in Athens. Photo: fosfanariou.gr/Nikos Papachristou

On April 16, 2024, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew spoke at the 9th International Conference "Our Ocean", held at the "Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center" in Athens, at the invitation of the Greek government. He called for always remembering the importance of the devastating consequences of war on our planet and praying for peace in the Middle East and worldwide. This was reported by the fosfanariou.gr website.

The conference was also attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, many leaders of foreign states and economic figures from around the world, as well as Archbishop Hieronymos of Athens and All Greece.

Addressing the large audience at the conference in English, the head of the Phanar noted that this meeting is taking place at a time when the world is amid uncertainty, as the conflict in the Middle East escalates.

He asked everyone to observe a minute of silence, "as we turn our minds and hearts to the victims of the war in Israel and Palestine, as well as on our continent."

Specifically regarding the war in Ukraine, where, as he believes, his flock is located, Patriarch Bartholomew did not say anything.

As reported by the UOJ, the head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Patriarch Bartholomew expressed sympathy for the spiritual children of the Phanar in Russia following the recent terrorist attack at the Crocus City Mall.

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