Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has reiterated support for a unified Easter celebration on the same date by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. Speaking during a service in Istanbul, he addressed dissenters, clarifying that the agreement pertains solely to the celebration date and not to joint worship. He emphasized the need to overcome historical divisions and stressed the importance of peace, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, urging for the recognition of Ukrainian Orthodox believers facing persecution.