Today, Ukraine once again fights not only for its territorial integrity but for its very existence. No force can extinguish the spirit of a people who refuse to be broken. No nation has the right to impose its will upon another, and no power can erase a people’s history. The war in Ukraine is not merely a conflict between nations; it is a moral test for Europe and the entire world.
As reported by Ukrinform, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew stated this in the address to the Ukrainian diplomatic corps and the local Ukrainian community in Istanbul on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine during a service at St. Nicholas Church in Istanbul, which he led.
“As we gather in prayer in this Holy Temple, the spiritual home of the Ukrainian-speaking faithful in this City, we reaffirm the unwavering solidarity of the Mother Church of Constantinople with Ukraine. From the outset, we have condemned this aggression, supported Ukraine’s sovereignty, and spoken against imperial ambitions that have no place in today’s world. The Holy Great Church of Christ cannot remain indifferent when injustice prevails,” His Holiness addressed the audience.
Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized that throughout all the historical difficulties, persecutions, and attempts to erase their identity, Ukrainians remained steadfast, preserving their faith, language, and culture.
“Today, Ukraine once again fights not only for its territorial integrity but for its very existence. No force can extinguish the spirit of a people who refuse to be broken. No nation has the right to impose its will upon another, and no power can erase a people’s history. Ukraine’s sovereignty is not up for debate, nor can it be negotiated away under the guise of diplomacy,” His Holiness emphasized.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew pointed out that true peace cannot be dictated by force or external whims, and the process itself should include Ukraine as an equal participant.
“We acknowledge the tireless efforts of President Zelensky for the defence and protection of Ukraine’s sovereignty and integrity.
The international community must not look away or be deceived by false narratives and disinformation… The war in Ukraine is not merely a conflict between nations; it is a moral test for Europe and the entire world,” the appeal reads.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led the Liturgy on the occasion of the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine at St. Nicholas Church in Istanbul, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its people.
According to the Consul General of Ukraine in Istanbul, Roman Nedilsky, in a post on his Facebook page, the service was attended by: numerous Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities of the city; relatives of prisoners and missing persons of the 115th separate mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; representatives of the diplomatic corps of Istanbul, including Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Moldova, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Romania, France, and Switzerland.