On Patriarch Bartholomew's support for "war-peace"
On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia's invasion, Patriarch Bartholomew delivered an inspiring speech dedicated to Ukraine. It was filled with lofty rhetoric, but its main point remained unclear.
The Patriarch rightly described the deaths and suffering of Ukrainians: "Countless lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and entire communities displaced. Families remain separated, cities lie in ruins, and millions have been forced into exile." One might think that he was leading up to the need for an immediate end to the war.
But no. Immediately, the head of the Phanar states that "true peace cannot be dictated by force or external whims", and goes on to make purely political statements, supporting Zelensky and protesting against being "deceived by false narratives and disinformation".
He does not elaborate on his words, but it’s not difficult to guess that he is referring to Trump’s peace initiatives and Zelensky’s negative response to them.
In other words, while the head of the Phanar uses "peacemaking" rhetoric, he actually supports continued military actions, with all the deaths, suffering, and destruction that entails. Meanwhile, he asserts that the Phanar "will continue to speak the truth, advocate for justice, and stand beside those who suffer".
Thank you, Your All-Holiness, millions of UOC believers have long felt your "advocacy for justice" and "standing those who suffer". They hear your reaction to the churches seized by your militants, and the beating of UOC priests and parishioners.
As for the climax of Bartholomew’s speech, one could consider his quoting the UPA slogan from 70 years ago: "Christ has risen – Ukraine will rise!"
How did the apostles not realize that they should have led the liberation war against the Romans under this slogan? It’s elementary: "Christ has risen – Judea will rise!"
But seriously, Ukraine can only "rise" with an immediate onset of peace and the cessation of deaths. As for the words of a man whom Biden called "his great friend", this is more the speech of a politician than a pastor. And, more specifically, a politician with a specific agenda.
