Yelensky: Patriarch Bartholomew takes risks reaching out to Ukrainians

Volodymyr Zelensky and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: UNN

Speaking on Radio Maria, the Head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), Viktor Yelensky, called Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew a “true friend of Ukraine.” According to the official, the head of the Phanar is consciously taking risks in support of Ukraine.

The head of the agency stressed that the Patriarch continues to take “serious and courageous steps” towards the Ukrainian people. As examples of this position, Yelensky cited the granting of the Tomos to the OCU and the signing of the final communique at the Peace Summit in Switzerland.

The latter decision was called particularly dangerous by the official, as it provoked open "displeasure from the Turkish government." "He went ahead with it because it is extremely important for him to be on the side of truth," Yelensky stated. He added that in addressing the "Ukrainian question," the head of the Phanar faced a colossal challenge. The fact that Patriarch Bartholomew later withdrew his signature from the Peace Summit Communiqué was something the DESS head chose not to mention.

According to Yelensky, Patriarch Bartholomew was under "extremely intense pressure" and “emerging temptations” publicly offered by Moscow.

In conclusion, the official noted that the current Patriarch has held the Throne longer than any of his predecessors since the Byzantine era. The DESS head considers the level of respect and trust he enjoys in Ukrainian society to be “fully deserved.”

As the UOJ reported, Yelensky called for the exclusion of the ROC from the World Council of Churches.

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