Ukraine's population is mostly Orthodox Christian, but is divided between an independent church based in Kyiv and another one loyal to Kirill in Moscow. Although the titular head of the Orthodox Church worldwide, other Orthodox leaders - including Kirill - are able to wield more power from their base in countries with larger Orthodox populations. Istanbul-based Bartholomew is considered "first among equals" among Orthodox patriarchs. The Polish church leader earlier this month urged the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, to use his influence with Russian President Vladimir Putin to demand an end to the war and for Russian soldiers to stand down - going further than Pope Francis in his public statements to date. "Many of the aggressor's actions bear the hallmarks of genocide," Gądecki said. Gądecki said Russia's invasion has resulted in the deaths of "thousands of innocent people" including "hundreds of children, elderly people, women, and men who had nothing to do with the hostilities." He added that solidarity with Ukrainians "is the only thing that can overcome evil and darkness in the world."īartholomew also met with Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, the head of the Polish Bishops' Conference, who went even further in his denunciation Russian actions which he said bore "the hallmarks of genocide." Unlike Bartholomew, Gądecki mentioned Russia by name. "It is simply impossible to imagine how much devastation this atrocious invasion has caused for the Ukrainian people and the entire world," Bartholomew said at a news briefing. Poland has accepted the largest number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine. WARSAW, Poland - The spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians on Tuesday denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an "atrocious" act that is causing enormous suffering.Įcumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I didn't mention Russia by name in comments made during a visit to Warsaw after meeting with Ukrainian refugees.
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