The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who welcomed more than 80 Ukrainian children accompanied by their country’s Consul General in Istanbul, Mr. Roman Nedilskyi, as well as their compatriots who were on the front line of the ongoing war, some of whom were held as prisoners by the invading forces.

“From the very first moment of this horrible war, I stood before the whole world and said: this is evil, this is injustice, this is satanic. No one has the right to steal children from their parents, to break up families, to sow death and pain. War is always the defeat of humanity; it is contrary to the will of God who created us for love, for peace, for joy. That is why I continue to say and will say until my last breath: No to war! Yes to peace!”

The children from war-torn Ukraine will be hosted in Turkey for a few days of rest and change of scenery, as was the case in previous years. Concluding his speech, His All Holiness assured them that he will always stand by their side and will continue to do everything he can to restore peace in their homeland.

“I promise you: as long as I live, I will pray for you and your families. I will do everything I can to help your country find peace. I will always stand by you, because you are my hope, my joy, my pride. I do not forget your pain because I have no right to forget the pain of my children.”