Patriarch Irinej of Serbia: Temptation has befallen Patriarch Bartholomew
His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia
The Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Irinej, condemned the Phanar’s decision to grant autocephaly to the schismatic Churches of the UOC KP and the UAOC, reports the “Hram” TV channel of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
“I believe that all the Churches will indicate how catastrophic this decision is, in order to avoid the most catastrophic Church division,” he said, expressing his firm hope.
“Our Church is in a great temptation today,” the Serbian Primate said. “A temptation that has befallen our first hierarch, the Ecumenical Patriarch: to make a decision that could be catastrophic for the Church—to do something that he has no right to do—to recognize a schismatic church, and even give it autocephaly.”
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has made an unprecedented decision it has no right to make, said His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, commenting on the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s official recognition of the schismatics in Ukraine.
Patriarch Irinej also emphasized that such a move is totally unprecedented.
“I believe that all the Churches will indicate how catastrophic this decision is, in order to avoid the most catastrophic Church division,” he said, expressing his firm hope.
On October 11, 2018, the Synod of the Patriarch of Constantinople returned the canonical status to the heads of schismatic organizations of the UOC KP and the UAOC and restored its metropolis in Kiev.
Read also
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.