Metropolitan of Morphou: Decisions of UOC Council in Feofania are canonical
Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou. Photo: UOJ
In an interview with the UOJ, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou of the Cypriot Church said that he considers the decisions of the UOC Council in Feofania to be in line with the canons of the Church.
“The decision regarding the chrism is the right one, and in my opinion, even somewhat belated. Onuphry and his Synod could have made it earlier. And they had to make this decision even before the start of the war,” said Metropolitan Neophyte.
In his opinion, the Churches can take chrism from some historical center: Jerusalem, Antioch, or Constantinople. But this tradition is only a tribute to them.
“If someday the Cypriot Church makes such a decision, it will be able to boil myrrh itself, as, for example, it itself celebrates the Divine Liturgy. It's canonical. But there are reasons for special reverence and respect when you take the chrism from some historical center, such as from Constantinople or Jerusalem – the Mother of Churches,” the bishop said.
According to him, the decisions of the Council of the UOC regarding the formula for commemoration of the patriarch, as well as the opening of foreign parishes, are also canonical. At the same time, Metropolitan Neophytos considers the practice of having several Local Churches represented on the same territory negative.
“For example, if Russians or Ukrainians come to Cyprus. What, will they organize their Russian or Ukrainian Church here? No. They must submit to the Orthodox Church of Cyprus. What will happen if Russians come here and want to make their Russian Church here, Americans – American, Serbs – Serbian, Bulgarians – Bulgarian? You can not do it like that. It is forbidden,” said the Metropolitan of Morphou.
According to him, this problem should be addressed by the future Ecumenical Council.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to Metropolitan Neophytos, today Metropolitan Onuphry bespeaks the truth in Ukraine.
Read also
In Cherkasy, UOC believers celebrate feast day of seized cathedral
Metropolitan Theodosiy led the Divine Liturgy at the Three Saints Cathedral in Cherkasy.
OCU cleric demanding 150,000 UAH from Metropolitan Theodosiy
The victim in the case against Metropolitan Theodosiy is demanding compensation for moral damage.
Experts: Law on same-sex marriage may deprive Ukraine of U.S. aid
Zelensky's statement sparked a heated debate on social media and among experts.
UN opens 12 centres for victims of sexual abuse in Ukraine
The UN Fund in Ukraine is providing assistance to individuals affected by the war and sexual violence related to the conflict.
Zelensky revokes Patriarch Kirill's Order
The president signed a decree revoking state honors from 34 citizens of Ukraine and Russia, including Patriarch Kirill.
Archon: ROC will have its own Ecumenical Patriarchate if Phanar is expelled
According to Rocky Sisson, given such a threat, OSCE members "must secure the presence and rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople."