Patriarch Bartholomew hopes for the end of “fratricidal war” in Ukraine

"We pray for the unity of the Ukrainian people. We pray for peace in Ukraine. Our hope is that the fratricidal war will cease," Patriarch Bartholomew said.

He stressed that the history of Ukraine should serve as a lesson to Ukrainians, so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past. The Patriarch cited a hortative example of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, who cared about the spread of Christianity and the unity of the state.

"In his will, Yaroslav tried to prevent the struggle between his five sons, dividing his empire between them. Realizing the danger that may arise as a result of divisions between brothers, he bequeathed them to live in peace with each other. Unfortunately, they did not follow the advice of their wise father, and as a result, there were splits that weakened the state of Kiev," said the head of the Constantinople Church.

In his opinion, Prince Vladimir's choice of Christianity as a state religion was determined by the desire to bring peace and stability for the sake of prosperity of culture and spiritual development.

"The same is true today. Unity and peace are very welcome and important for the people and the Church of Ukraine. This spirit of unity is at the same time a fragile treasure and gift from above that was given to us by the Trinity God for our preservation and enjoyment. It is in this spirit of unity that we warmly pray and hope that it will also prevail in Ukraine," he concluded.

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