"We are close to you", - Ecumenical Patriarch to Ukrainian journalists

During the pilgrimage to Istanbul group of the Ukrainian journalists had met His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on July 2. He addressed the group and through them Ukrainian people with the inspiring speech.

"It is our joy today to address the Ukrainian people through the Ukrainian media. The journalistic profession has a significant function today, in a world of instant communication. The role of journalists is to convey true information to people in order that they would understand better the challenges and the situations in which they live. This function demands great responsibility and may present many temptations. As a political figure recently stated, “when news outlets spread despicable lies, they are no longer journalists. They are organs of influence”. Journalists, especially when they consider themselves Christians, should always speak the truth, in order to serve faithfully our Lord Jesus Christ who is “the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6)", stressed the Patriarch.

He recalled with great emotions his visit to Ukraine in 2008 and the most generous and magnificent hospitality he received in Kyiv. "Throughout the years of our patriarchal ministry, there has been constant contact between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Ukrainian people, and this is not surprising, since the spiritual relations that unite the Mother Church with Ukraine could never disappear. The Ukrainian people received the baptism into the Christian faith from Constantinople at the time of the Holy Great Prince Vladimir of Kiev, and, therefore, the Church of Constantinople remains forever the Mother Church of the Ukrainian people. As a loving mother, the Mother Church can never forget her spiritual children, especially at moments of trial and difficulties".

"We are close to you, especially during trying times; we accompany you with our prayers and blessings. We send our blessing, love and concern for each and every Ukrainian, without any exception. We pray for the unity of the Ukrainian people. We pray for peace in Ukraine", noted patriarch Bartholomew.