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.
Read also
Court to choose preventive measure for Met. Arseniy in Dnipro on December 5
The prosecutor demands that the detention of the UOC hierarch be extended.
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy delivers 20 tons of food to Kyiv Theological Schools
Believers of the UOC eparchy collected vegetables, grains, and oil for KDAiS students.
Pashinyan forbids priests to mention Armenian Church head during services
The Prime Minister of Armenia publicly confirmed that state structures demand that Catholicos Karekin II be not commemorated during services attended by the politician.
Pope and Slovak President discuss consequences of war in Ukraine for Europe
During the meeting, the Pontiff and the Slovak President discussed the international situation, with particular attention to the war in Ukraine.
UOC monastery in Kniazhychi faces imminent takeover – lawyer
A UOC lawyer has reported a risk of the forcible eviction of the brethren of the Transfiguration Monastery on the morning of December 5.
Orthodox Church in Czech Republic faces threat of losing special rights
The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic has initiated administrative proceedings against the Church amid the bankruptcy of the Prague Diocese.