The Catholic and Anglican Archbishops of Armagh have said they will write jointly to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow to reinforce their call for all Christians of Europe, including the Russian Orthodox leader, to unite in spiritual and practical efforts in support of an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.

Speaking in Armagh on the eve of St Patrick’s Day, Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop John McDowell called for an end to the “relentless bombardment which has trapped countless civilians in a nightmare of destruction and displaced millions of others from their homes and families”.

They expressed their fear that the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine may yet accelerate before it dissipates.

“Although we are many miles away from the horrific bombardment and loss of life, the sacrifice of the Ukrainian people shockingly comes home to us this St Patrick’s Day,” they said.