Bartholomew: 'Resurrection must be witnessed on the same day by Christians'

In Rimini, Italy, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in an interview marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, referred to the war in Ukraine as a 'fratricidal war' and a 'scandal for the Christian world'.

The Patriarch emphasized the need for Christians to raise united voices for justice, as 'without justice there is no peace.' Regarding the Council of Nicaea, he stressed that it was a 'milestone for the entire history of Christianity'.

Referring to the issue of a common date for the celebration of Easter, Bartholomew noted that 'in Nicaea it was decided that the Resurrection must be witnessed on the same day throughout the world.' He also expressed his joy at the intention of the new Pope Leo XIV to continue the ecumenical dialogue, with his first apostolic visit to Constantinople and Nicaea.

The Patriarch referred to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, stressing that 'behind these tragedies lie interests alien to the needs of the people.' He called on Christians not to forget prayer as a powerful weapon.

In conclusion, Patriarch Bartholomew stressed that the unity of Christians can become a beacon of hope in a bleeding world.