Patriarch Bartholomew speaks about necessity of dialogue

Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: the Ecumenical Patriarchate's press service

On July 6, 2025, during the liturgy at the Phanar, attended by the Consul General of Ukraine, Nedilsky, and a group of Ukrainian pilgrims, Patriarch Bartholomew spoke about the necessity of dialogue.

"Dialogue is not an optional choice; it is an evangelical obligation. It is not a luxury reserved for theologians, but a Christian duty inscribed at the heart of our vocation as baptized people. For how can we claim to love God, whom we do not see, if we do not love our brothers and sisters, whom we do see?" stated the Patriarch.

At the same time, he did not mention the events in Ukraine, where representatives of the OCU use violence against the clergy and believers of the UOC, but shifted to the topic of ecumenism and ecology.

"We deeply believe that true ecology is inextricably linked to the conversion of the heart. There can be no peace on earth without respect for the earth. Our relationship with the Church of Rome is also a source of joy: especially since the encyclical Laudato Si' of Pope Francis, we walk together to safeguard the common home that God has entrusted to us," the Patriarch said and wished Ukranians that peace will prevail as soon as possible in their Homeland but also throughout the world.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Chernivtsi Metropolitan Meletiy appealed to Patriarch Bartholomew to stop the violence of the OCU representatives.

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