Metropolitan Hilarion to discuss the situation in Ukraine with Pope Francis
митрополит Волоколамский Иларион
The head of the DECR of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk intends on Friday to discuss with Pope Francis the church situation in Ukraine and the complication of relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, reports the TASS news agency.
“Yes, I am going to talk about this with the Pope,” the ROC hierarch replied to a journalist’s question. “We do not expect the Pope to intervene in this situation, somehow trying to resolve it. But I will inform him of the decision taken by our Synod.”
According to the news agency, on Thursday, Metropolitan Hilarion spoke at the Synod of Catholic Bishops in the Vatican on the topic of youth. The Vatican explained that the ROC hierarch took part in the meeting as a "representative of the fraternal Church." In the evening, in one of the central basilicas of Rome – the Holy Apostles’ – a concert of the Academic Great Choir "Masters of Choral Singing" took place, in which the compositions of the metropolitan were performed.
Earlier, a diplomatic source in the Vatican said that the Holy See "categorically does not interfere in the affairs of Orthodoxy" and assumed that "the Holy See would not come into contact with the Church recognized by [Patriarch of Constantinople] Bartholomew".
Read also
Constantinople hierarch: UOJ engages in propaganda journalism in defense of UOC
Archbishop Elpidophoros accuses the Union of Orthodox Journalists of "Russian propaganda" without providing a single fact.
Phanar’s Archdiocese in U.S. tried to derail meetings held in defense of UOC
A leaked letter from Archbishop Elpidophoros to Patriarch Bartholomew has revealed that while Orthodox Christians were seeking protection for the UOC in Washington, the Phanar was coordinating a campaign to sabotage their meetings with American politicians.
EXCLUSIVE: Abp Elpidophoros’ letter to Pat Bartholomew on defending UOC in US
Archbishop Elpidophoros reports to Patriarch Bartholomew on his efforts to derail actions by Orthodox clergy and faithful in the United States in defense of the UOC.
Zelensky awards chief rabbi "for the defense of the country"
At the celebration of Moshe Asman’s anniversary, representatives of the Presidential Office and the Territorial Defense Forces presented the rabbi with state awards and read out a message from Zelensky.
Gates foundation allocates $1 billion to promote abortion in Africa and Asia
Bill Gates and other private donors will direct funds to organizations seeking to legalize abortion and change laws in countries with traditional values.
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.