Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch reaffirms Ukraine’s sovereignty ahead of war anniversary
Bartholomew says Ukraine’s independence 'not up for debate' amid ongoing conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) leaves after attending a mass lead by Fener-Greek Patriarch Bartholomew (R) in Istanbul, Turkiye on July 08, 2023.
LONDON
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Fener Bartholomew said on Sunday that Ukraine’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, stressing that it "cannot be debated or compromised under the guise of diplomacy."
Leading a Mass in Istanbul on the eve of the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, Bartholomew emphasized that any future peace agreement must include Ukraine as an equal participant in negotiations.
He also praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his “tireless effort” in defending the country’s independence.
His remarks reinforced his longstanding support for Ukraine, a stance that has put him at odds with the Russian Orthodox Church and its leader, Patriarch Kirill, who has aligned himself with the Kremlin.
Most Ukrainians identify as Orthodox Christians, but the country remains divided between the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), recognized by Bartholomew in 2019, and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which historically had ties to the Moscow Patriarchate.
Since the war began in 2022, Bartholomew has consistently condemned Russia’s aggression and voiced support for Ukraine’s right to self-determination.
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