On Christmas eve, Zelensky speaks with Ecumenical Patriarch Barthomew

The head of state of Ukraine reported this on X, Ukrinform saw.

“On the eve of Christmas, I spoke with His All-Hiness Ecumenical Patriarch Barthomew. I expressed my gratitude for His spiritual support of Ukraine and prayers for the Ukrainian pele. (…) Ukraine is doing everything to ensure that 2025 becomes a year of just and lasting peace for our country and the entire world.,” Zelensky said.

Read also: Zelensky meets with representatives of Ecumenical Patriarchate

He noted that Ukraine deeply values the Patriarchate's efforts to strengthen support for Ukraine within the global religious community and its contribution to the nation’s spiritual independence.

"I am grateful to Patriarch Barthomew for wishing the Ukrainian pele strength, courage, and God's blessing, as well as for his Christmas greetings," the President said.

Read also: Pe calls for Christmas ceasefire on all war fronts

As Ukrinform reported, last year in Ukraine, on December 25, Christians of the Western and Eastern Rites celebrated Christmas together for the first time.

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Cathic Church switched the calendar on September 1, 2023. Now most church dates are celebrated 13 days earlier.