Zelensky reassures Patriarch Bartholomew of no religious persecutions in Ukraine and urges unity against ROC
During a meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that there are no signs of religious persecution or discrimination against religious communities in Ukraine.
He highlighted Ukraine’s commitment to religious tolerance, ensuring that the rights of believers are protected by law and equality principles.
At the same time, Zelensky called on the international community and church structures to unite efforts to counter the destructive influence of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which he accused of destabilizing Ukraine and supporting aggression.
The Ukrainian leader also mentioned that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) will have to resolve its legal issues through courts due to its affiliation with ROC.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to Patriarch Bartholomew for his solidarity, ongoing prayers, and support for Ukraine’s spiritual independence, as well as for the Orthodox Church’s development in Ukraine from Constantinople.
He stressed that finding peace paths remains a top priority, inviting the Patriarch to visit Ukraine.
In response, Bartholomew confirmed his readiness to support the further development of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and reiterated Constantinople’s ongoing support for Ukrainian believers.
During the discussion, they also touched upon ways to unfreeze Russian assets and other financial support options for Ukraine.
Above all, the conversation reinforced the strong condemnation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, which the Patriarch called illegal and criticized ROC for blessing violence and murders of Ukrainians.
Both leaders expressed mutual desire to continue cooperation: the Patriarch invited Zelensky to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Zelensky extended an invitation for Bartholomew to travel to Ukraine to strengthen spiritual and inter-church ties.