South Korea’s President seeks support for peace initiative from Ecumenical Patriarch

South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in asked for the support of the Orthodox Church for his government’s efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and establish peace, along with its efforts to protect its natural environment, Yonhap reports.

The call came in a meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew held Friday, December 7, 2018, at the Blue House in Seoul.

“I understand the patriarch is deeply dedicated not only to religious activities of the Orthodox Church but also to reconciliation between different religions and global peace, as well as the environment,” Moon said in the meeting held at his office Cheong Wa Dae.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew talking to President Moon Jae-in at his presidential office. Photo: Cheong Wa Dae

“Those issues are also the biggest challenges to South Korea. Reconciliation and unity between people of different beliefs, peace between South and North Korea and restoration of the environment damaged by development are challenges now facing our country,” he added, according to Cheong Wa Dae pool reports.

The president asked the Orthodox Church leader to pray for his country and its efforts to build lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Bartholomew I stressed the need for humanitarian assistance to North Korea, especially its children.

“What I wish to stress once again is about North Korean children,’ the Ecumenical Patriarch said referring to the dangers faced by the children in North Korea.

His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited South Korea on December 3-8, 2018, to take part in the 50th anniversary of the construction of St Nicholas Cathedral in Seoul.

Photo: Cheong Wa Dae

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