Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: Faith should heal wounds and not reignite conflicts

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew calls for peace and love, emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity in today’s challenging times

In his message, the Patriarch focused on the need for unity and reconciliation, aiming for a better future for all.

The Ecumenical Patriarch referred to the need for religious experience “to be used to heal wounds and not to rekindle the fire of war conflicts”.

He described indifference to the division of Christianity as unacceptable and called on the new generation to take responsibility for continuing the dialogue and overcoming the divisions.

He also made special reference to the celebration of the 1,400th anniversary of the Akathist Hymn, for the rescue of Constantinople from the invasion of hostile enemies on August 7, 626. To commemorate the anniversary, the Phanar is dedicating 2026 to the historical anniversary, which is important for our tradition and identity.