Patriarch Theodore tells why he began to commemorate Epiphany Dumenko

Briefing by Patriarch Theodore in Cyprus. Photo: aviketos.com

Briefing by Patriarch Theodore in Cyprus. Photo: aviketos.com

At the end of his week-long stay in Cyprus, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa commented on the reaction of the Russian Orthodox Church to the autocephaly granted to the Ukrainian schismatics and explained why he began to commemorate the head of the OCU. He spoke about this at a briefing after meeting with President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades on September 17, 2020, according to the website aviketos.com.

Answering the question of journalists about the termination of the Eucharistic communion of the Moscow Patriarchate with the Constantinople after the granting of autocephaly to the OCU, Patriarch Theodore noted that this is definitely a "wrong reaction".

He recalled that in November 2019, he commemorated Epiphany, “Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine”, at the liturgy, since “he wanted to express support for our Ecumenical Patriarchate and the right of the people of Ukraine to have their own autocephalous church.”

“I believe that over time we will see the problems more and more clearly, and all Churches will eventually come together to see that the unity between us and the ministry of the peoples of the earth prevail,” added Patriarch Theodore.

As reported by the UOJ, the visit of the Patriarch of Alexandria to Cyprus took place from 11 to 18 September. During the week-long trip, the head of the Alexandrian Church had scheduled meetings with the leadership of Cyprus and individual metropolitans of the Cyprus Orthodox Church. Two bishops, with whom Patriarch Theodore wanted to meet, had gone into lockdown due to the contact with the people who were diagnosed with coronavirus.

Read also

The war in Ukraine is evil and diabolical – Ecumenical Patriarch

According to Patriarch Bartholomew, war is contrary to the will of God, Who created us for love, peace, and joy.

State Duma member calls on ROC to defrock priest Andrey Tkachev

Nina Ostanina said that Tkachev casts a shadow on the ROC.

Bodoriak urges "Romanian" parishes of UOC to "choose autocephaly and truth"

The Chernivtsi "bishop" of the OCU claimed that Putin influences millions of Ukrainians.

Pat. Bartholomew to Ukrainian children: I do not forget your pain as you're my grandchildren

The Patriarch of Constantinople emphasized that he prays every day for the children of Ukraine and their families.

Church celebrates the Feast of Holy Chief Apostles Peter and Paul

On July 12, the feast day of the Apostles Peter and Paul, the Orthodox faithful conclude the Peter's Fast.

Pope to AI for Good Summit participants: AI requires ethical management

"AI requires proper ethical management and regulatory frameworks centered on the human person," warns the Pontiff.