Ever since the beginning of Russia’s unjust and inhuman war in Ukraine, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has spoken out courageously and prophetically in defense of the freedom and sovereignty of the Ukrainian people. His All-Holiness has repeatedly called upon Russia to end its fratricidal war against its Orthodox Christian brethren, and to restore the peace of the region.
On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Ecumenical Patriarch met with over 80 Ukrainian children at the Phanar. Some of these children have been orphaned in the conflict; some are away from home fighting the Russians; and some are suffering as prisoners of war. His All-Holiness addressed them with heartfelt and compassionate words regarding the human cost of this bloody and needless conflict.
“From the very first moment of this horrible war,” said His All-Holiness, “I stood before the whole world and said: this is evil, this is injustice, this is diabolical. No one has the right to rob children of their parents, to break up families, to sow death and suffering. War is always a defeat for humanity; it is contrary to the will of God, who created us for love, peace, and joy.”
On Feb. 27, 2022, just three days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, the Ecumenical Patriarch stated: “We address another plea to end the war now. To immediately stop any act of violence, anything that spreads pain and death.” This has been His All-Holiness’ continual message, which he reiterated again on March 9, 2025, when he said: “The Ecumenical Patriarchate is constantly praying for an end to the violence and for the establishment of a just peace, following the decisions of the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church (Crete, 2016), which condemned war ‘as a result of evil and sin in the world’ and stressed that ‘every war is a threat to the destruction of creation and life.’”
Echoing these prophetic words, the Ecumenical Patriarch told the Ukrainian children: “That is why I continue to say, and will say until my last breath: ‘No to war! Yes to peace!’ I pray every day that this tragedy will end as soon as possible, that all families will reunite, and that all children will live with their parents in peace.”
His All-Holiness spoke in moving words to the children, saying: “When I look at you, dear children, I see genuine little heroes. Each one of you carries a unique story—a personal journey marked by trials no child should ever endure. Some of you have fathers and mothers fighting for the freedom of your land. Others await their loved ones who are far away, held. And some have lost their dearest, who became heroes and now rest in heaven. Yet despite all this, your hearts remain resilient and your spirits shine brightly.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch then assured them: “Know this, dear children: every morning, I pray for you and your families. I pray for the courageous fathers and mothers who stand as guardians of justice, protecting what is most sacred—your homes, your families, and your land. I ask God to grant them strength, health, and a swift, safe return to you.”
His All-Holiness added: “I also pray for those held captive, far from their homes and children. I entrust them to the care of the Virgin Mary, who herself endured the pain of separation from her Son. May she protect them, instill hope in their hearts, and sustain their strength, knowing that the most beloved in the world—you, their children—await their return. I urge everyone who can make a difference to work earnestly towards the exchange of all prisoners, for every family deserves the right to be reunited, to stand together once again.”
Addressing those who lost parents in the war, he said: “My deepest prayers are for you, dear little angels, who have lost your precious parents. Your moms and dads have become eternal heroes. Now they reside in heaven, close to the Lord, watching over you with infinite love. Their love has not faded—it lives vividly in your hearts, in your memories, and in every kind and noble act you carry out. And know this: all of us who love you are here, standing beside you as your extended family.”
In May 2022, His All-Holiness called upon Moscow Patriarch Kirill to demonstrate the same courage these Ukrainian children have displayed. The Ecumenical Patriarch included this call amid observations about how Kirill had failed the great challenge that the war had presented to him:
It would not be possible for all the Churches not to condemn the violence, the war. But the Church of Russia let us down. I did not want the Church of Russia and Brother Patriarch Kirill to be this tragic exception. I don’t know how he can justify himself to his conscience. How he’ll justify it, how history will judge him. He had to stand up for himself. Because one can object to being pressured by President Putin. He should react to the invasion of Ukraine and condemn the war as all the other Orthodox Primates did. He did not, that is to his detriment and I am very sorry….If it is required to even sacrifice his throne, and tell Putin, Mr. President, I cannot agree with you, I resign, I leave. Or put him in jail, I don’t know what President Putin would do if the Patriarch reacted to his plans, but that is what we, the other Primates, would expect.
As His All-Holiness’ words made clear, the courageous Ukrainian children who visited the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople stand in sharp contrast to Patriarch Kirill’s self-serving failure. The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate strive in all our activities to heed the Ecumenical Patriarch’s prophetic call and demonstrate the courage he asks for in the support and defense of religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and all people of good will.
