The war in Ukraine is evil and diabolical – Ecumenical Patriarch

Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: Burak Kara

On July 8, 2025, at the Istanbul residence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar, Patriarch Bartholomew called Russia's war against Ukraine "diabolical". 

During a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation, accompanied by the Consul General of Ukraine in Istanbul, Roman Nedilskyi, Patriarch Bartholomew stated: "From the first moment of this terrible war, I stood before the whole world and said: this is evil, this is injustice, this is diabolical.".

"No one has the right to steal children from their parents, to break up families, to sow death and suffering," emphasized the Patriarch.

According to him, "war is always a defeat for humanity, it is contrary to the will of God who created us for love, for peace, for joy". 

"That is why I continue to say and will say until my last breath: 'No to war! Yes to peace!" declared the head of the Constantinople Patriarchate. 

He assured that he prays every day "that this tragedy will end as soon as possiblee" and promised Ukrainians that he would do "everything possible to help your homeland find peace".

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Patriarch Bartholomew called the children from Ukraine his grandchildren.

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