Pat. Bartholomew to Ukrainian children: I do not forget your pain as you're my grandchildren

Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

On July 8, 2025, at the Istanbul residence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar, Patriarch Bartholomew, addressing children from Ukraine, called them his grandchildren and promised to pray for them.

The Patriarch received more than 80 children from Ukraine. The delegation was accompanied by the Consul General of Ukraine in Istanbul, Roman Nedilskyi, as well as their compatriots who found themselves on the front lines of the ongoing war, some of whom were held prisoner by the invading forces.

Addressing the children, Patriarch Bartholomew said: "Each of you has a special story, a path full of trials that no child should have to go through. Some of you have fathers and mothers who are now fighting for the freedom of your land. Others are waiting for their own who are far away, in captivity. And some of you have lost your most beloved people, who became heroes and are now in heaven. Despite all this, your hearts remain strong, your souls bright."

He emphasized that he prays every day for all these children and their families: "I pray for the brave fathers and mothers who stand as guardians of justice, protecting what is most sacred: your home, your family, your land."

"I pray for those who are now in captivity, far from their homes and their children. I ask the Virgin Mary, who herself experienced the pain of separation from her Son, to protect them, give them hope and keep them strong, because they know that their most beloved people in the world are waiting for them – you, their children. And I call on all who can help, to work for the exchange of all the prisoners, because every family has the right to be together again, united," said the head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. 

Concluding his speech, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized: "For me, you are not just children visiting the Patriarchate. You are my own grandchildren, the children of my heart. Your bravery, the strength you show despite the trials, fills me with admiration and deep emotion. Despite everything you have been through, you are still children who know how to love, to hope, to dream."

"I promise you: as long as I live, I will pray for you and your families. I will do everything I can to help your homeland find peace. I will always stand by you, because you are my hope, my joy, my pride. I do not forget your pain because I have no right to forget the pain of my children," concluded the Patriarch.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Patriarch Bartholomew supports the «spiritual independence» of Ukraine.

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