Greek hierarch: Situation with Sophia is result of lack of Churches’ unity
Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus. Photo: EUROKINISSI
The hierarch of the Hellenic Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus, is convinced that one of the reasons for the current events around Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was the lack of unity among the Orthodox Churches and the Orthodox countries. The corresponding statement of the hierarch was published by the Greek information resource “Romfea” on July 11, 2020.
Strictly criticizing the decision of the Turkish authorities to convert Hagia Sophia from a museum into a mosque, the metropolitan demanded that the Greek government immediately respond and not expect "any significant support from international organizations”.
The hierarch emphasized that one of the reasons for what is happening today to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is the lack of unity both among the Orthodox Church and Orthodox countries, which "cling to heretics" instead of uniting in a powerful Orthodox force.
"I hope now it is clear how tragic was a mistake to grant autocephaly to schismatics and the self-made assembly in Ukraine at the behest of the Euro-Atlanticists, a fact which broke the unity of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches," Metropolitan Seraphim resumed.
Read also
Met. Meletiy consecrates house of worship for UOC community in Dankivtsi
Members of the persecuted UOC Intercession parish in Dankivtsi have converted a house into a place for communal prayer and worship services.
OCU eparchy sells church center site to developer for housing
The OCU’s Volyn Eparchy sold land intended for a spiritual center to a private developer planning to build townhouses and residential buildings.
SBU names UOC priest’s wife a suspect in Cherkasy region
The SBU accused Matushka Kateryna Prykotenko of “spreading enemy propaganda” through correspondence with parishioners.
UGCC cleric calls Russian Orthodox literature dangerous for clergy
While examining the causes of divisions within the UGCC, Yustyn Boiko concluded that Russian Orthodox literature had influenced Greek Catholic clergy.
UOC will play major role in achieving peace, says Vadym Novynskyi
UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi believes the Church will help bring about reconciliation within Ukrainian society after the war ends.
Catholic media outraged by forcible conscription of Uniate cleric
The Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature has demanded the return of a forcibly mobilized Greek Catholic cleric.