Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew prayed for the victims of the war with Russia at the Patriarchal St. George's Cathedral in Fener.
Today, the war in Ukraine is on its 500th day, and Zelensky is visiting Istanbul.
“Our fight has been going on for 500 days since the start of the full invasion. We received here the support of His Holiness and prayers for our fighters, our nation, our people, for life in Ukraine," Zelensky said after meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch.
The Ukrainian president also said he was "very grateful to His Holiness, who is with us."
The Ecumenical Patriarch wished for peace to come to Ukraine and wished for the return of the prisoners emphasising the return of children who had been removed from their homes.
"The Ecumenical Patriarchate as the Mother Church of all Orthodox in Ukraine is always on their side," the Ecumenical Patriarch said.
Zelensky, who met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday night, went to the headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul this morning, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists.
After the short prayer, the two men talked away from the cameras.
Zelensky reported this on his Telegram channel, according to Ukrinform.
"A meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. We discussed the implementation of the Peace Formula and the return of children deported by the occupiers and whom we should return home to their relatives in Ukraine," the Ukrainian president said.
"Thank you for your unwavering support and prayers for peace! For condemning aggression and crimes, comprehensive assistance to Ukrainian men and women who suffered due to the war," he added.
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