Patriarch Bartholomew: Those opposing Phanar are ignorant

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com

Those who challenge the Patriarchate of Constantinople are ignorant people, the online edition Orthodox Times cites the words of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

According to the head of Fanar, these people oppose their "benefactor" and challenge "what is considered sacred and right."

“Orthodox ecclesiology and canonical order cannot be changed and no one can question them however brave he thinks he is,” said Patriarch Bartholomew.

He assured that the privileges and rights of Phanar should not be deemed as hegemonic trends and desire for power, since the main concern of the Patriarchate of Constantinople is all Orthodox Churches.

“Some people are shamelessly accusing the Church of the Poor, although it was this Church that led them to Christ,” said Patriarch Bartholomew.

Among the duties of the Megas Ecclesiarch is to call to order those who violate the rules, he added.

According to the head of Phanar, the Hierarchy of the Throne exists in order to maintain order, peace, unity, discipline and proper functioning within the Churches through these very rules. The Patriarchate of Constantinople has many rights and privileges namely according to the Hierarchy.

Patriarch Bartholomew also said that the ROC should change its tactics in relation to Phanar.

Earlier, the head of Phanar said that his conscience is clear in relation to Ukraine. Besides, the patriarch particularly thanked the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos, for his personal stance in recognizing the OCU: “I read the letter of brother Ieronymos and I was moved. We also expect a continuation from other sister Churches, a continuation that will certainly come.”

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