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.

Earlier, Metropolitan of Piraeus said that Greece is investing in the Western world, which constantly betrays it.

Read also

Metropolitan Serhiy Led the Festive Liturgy at the Kreshchatyk Monastery

At the UOC's St. John the Theologian Monastery in Bukovyna, hundreds of faithful celebrated the patronal feast.

Mystery donor hides gold coins in English churches to help parishes

An Anglican parish in the village of Melling found gold coins beneath the altar and sold them to repair the church, avoiding closure.

Met. Anthony opposes recognizing LGBT lifestyle as normal for EU accession

The UOC Chancellor commented on calls to support the rights of LGBT individuals as one of the alleged conditions for Ukraine’s European integration.

Analyst on Lavra pantheon: Zelensky wants to strike Church where it hurts

According to Bondarenko, there is no need to place the pantheon specifically in the Lavra – the president is driven by cynicism and a desire to hurt believers.

Archaeologists discover 4th-century Christian basilica in Italy

Italian authorities decided to revise a residential development plan in order to preserve the archaeological find from the Late Antique period.

EU accused of ignoring persecution of Armenian Church

Nikol Pashinyan accuses senior clergy of supporting the violent overthrow of the government.