More Details Emerge From President Zelensky's Historic Visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate

A much more complete picture has emerged of what occurred on 8 July 2023 in Constantinople (Istanbul,Turkey).It has been disclosed that President Volodomyr Zelensky briefed His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the Patriarchal Office on the situation at the front and recent crimes by the aggressor against Ukrainian civilians.President Zelensky thanked Patriarch Bartholomew for his unwavering support for Ukraine;prayers for peace;condemnation of aggression and crimes;comprehensive assistance to Ukrainians who suffered from Russia's war against Ukraine.Said President Zelensky:I want to thank His All-Holiness.Today is an important day-our struggle has been going on for 500 days-since the full-scale invasion.We have the support of His All-Holiness,prayers for our Soldiers,for the nation,for our people,for life in Ukraine.*President Zelensky added that the Ukrainian Peace Formula and return of children illegally deported from Ukraine were also discussed with the Patriarch.* For his part,Patriarch Bartholomew stated that:The Ecumenical Patriarchate as the Mother Church of all Orthodox in Ukraine is always on their side.I want to wish for the return of all the POWs and all the children who are now far from their homes.* All in all,it was a very moving visit for all concerned.President Zelensky and Patriarch Bartholomew shook hands several times for the photographers.You could see the mutual respect in their faces,this blog ascertained from examining a series of photos of the event.* The memorial service for the victims of Putin's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine had been chanted in Greek and Ukrainian by the Very Rev.Methodios,Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne,and Patriarchal Deacon Epiphanios.