Call for Unity of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew called for the unity of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine during a joint liturgy with Metropolitan Epifaniy, which took place on January 6, 2026, at the Venerable Patriarchal Church on the feast of Theophany. In his address, published on the 'Phos Fanar' website, the patriarch emphasized the importance of dialogue and unity in Ukraine, noting that seven years have passed since the restoration of the ecclesiastical status in the country.
Call for Reconciliation and Dialogue
During the liturgy, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew called for reconciliation and dialogue in church matters, emphasizing that the seventh year, the year of forgiveness, is approaching. He quoted the words:
‘Give your brother as much as he needs’The patriarch also referred to Jesus Christ, saying:
‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick... I have come to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance’Bartholomew expressed confidence that prolonged coexistence and shared exercising will lead to a clearer manifestation of God's will, for which he acknowledged Saint Basil.
This event became an important step towards strengthening the unity of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and mutual understanding among believers.
The call of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for unity in the Orthodox Church in Ukraine highlights the importance of uniting believers in difficult times. This address could serve as a impetus for further development of interfaith dialogue and reducing the tensions that exist within the church environment in Ukraine. The patriarch outlined the importance of reconciliation, which could contribute not only to spiritual growth but also to stability in society as a whole.