Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew commemorated the victims of the war in Ukraine on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. He described it as unjustified, stressing that it violates the principles of justice and peace.
Mr. Bartholomew officiated at the divine service at the church of Agios Nikolaos, in Tzimbali, on the shores of the Horned Gulf, a temple that has been granted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the needs of the Ukrainian parish in Constantinople.
After the end of Sunday’s service, the Patriarch held a trisayo in memory of the victims and then in his sermon, delivered in English and translated into Ukrainian, he wished for a quick end to the war and a just peace.
“The invasion of the Russian forces in Ukraine is a shocking example of the kind of injustice and subjugation that the Church must condemn. It cannot be justified or justified”
As he said, “we have gathered to pray and solemnly commemorate the souls of all those who have perished during the ongoing struggle for freedom in your homeland over the past decade.”
At the beginning of his sermon, Mr. Bartholomew reminded that ten years ago the world witnessed bravery and sacrifice, when in Independence Square in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine ordinary men and women rose up in defiance of corruption, abuse of power and of oppression.
Meanwhile, it has been two years since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine, “in a conflict that seems to have no end in sight,” Mr. Bartholomew said, noting that the wounds left by this unjustified act are still fresh and the pain is still noticeable.
“The invasion of the Russian forces in Ukraine is a shocking example of the kind of injustice and subjugation that the Church must condemn. It cannot be justified or justified,” the Patriarch said, calling the invasion “an attack on the dignity and sovereignty of a people who have long struggled for self-determination and long suffered under the yoke of tyranny.” It violates the fundamental principles of justice and peace that lie at the heart of our faith, he commented.
At the same time, Mr. Bartholomew encouraged Ukrainians not to lose hope and put aside any differences in order to achieve their goals together, ensuring that the loss of those who fought for their country will not be in vain. “We believe in their victory and we hope to celebrate it as soon as possible with all of you,” he said.
“We remember the sacrifices of countless Ukrainians”
He also emphasized that as people of Faith we are called to raise our stature in favor of justice and speak out against oppression and totalitarianism, wherever they appear. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a stark reminder of the enduring presence of evil and hatred in our world, Mr. Bartholomew said, noting the “urgent need for all people of goodwill to unite to oppose injustice.”
“On this day, we not only remember the sacrifices of countless Ukrainians, but also redefine ourselves to the principles for which so many people gave their lives. As we remember the victims of war and oppression, let us stand together in solidarity, united in our determination to build a Ukraine where such honorable principles and rights are upheld for all,” added Mr. Bartholomew.
The Ecumenical Patriarch called on the international community not to ignore the ongoing bloodshed. As he said, the Holy Great Church of Christ reminds everyone that they are here with the members of the local beloved Ukrainian community and around the world as they continue their struggle towards a better future.
Concluding, the Ecumenical Patriarch asked everyone to work for the long-awaited reconciliation and just peace, “knowing that God is with us in all our struggles”, and wished the memory of all those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Ukraine to is eternally blessed and may their sacrifice inspire us to build a world where peace, justice, mercy and love will reign.
The divine service was attended by many members of the Ukrainian community in the City, as well as the Consul General of Ukraine in Istanbul, Roman Nedinsky.
Source: APE – MEB
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