Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy talked with Patriarch Bartholomew I and thanked him for supporting Ukrainians. He reported this on his Twitter page.
“Your words are like hands that support us at this difficult time. Ukrainians feel the spiritual support and strength of your prayers. We hope for peace to be established soon,” the president said.
Дякую за теплу розмову, Ваша Всесвятосте #Варфоломій. Ваші слова – як руки, що підтримують нас у цей тяжкий час. Українці відчувають духовну підтримку та силу ваших молитов. Сподіваємося на швидке настання миру.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 27, 2022
During the phone call, Patriarch Bartholomew assured that he would continue to support the freedom of the Ukrainian people. He also confirmed that the Orthodox Church is united and prays for the war in Ukraine to end.
Bartholomew also congratulated Zelenskyy on his “steadfast fighting spirit and the inspiration and support he gives his people, through his courage and resilience to bring peace to Ukraine as soon as possible”.
Earlier, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Metropolitan Epiphanius wrote an appeal to Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. He called on Patriarch Kirill to take home the bodies of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine.