ROC bishop: We have never disputed the primacy of honor of Phanar head
Patriarch Kirill (left) and Patriarch Bartholomew (right). Photo: bbc.com
Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Budapest and Hungary, chairman of the Synodal Biblical and Theological Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church, told RIA Novosti that the Russian Church has never disputed the primacy of honour of the Phanar head.
The Russian hierarch explained that the question is not in the primacy itself but "in understanding the boundaries of this primacy".
"We have never disputed the primacy of honour of the Patriarch of Constantinople. When the Patriarch of Constantinople came to Moscow, it was he who led the Divine service at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, not the Patriarch of Moscow," the hierarch recalled.
According to him, "This primacy of honour has belonged to the Patriarch of Constantinople since 1054 when communion with Rome was broken, and before that, the primacy of honour belonged to the Roman See."
"But one thing is the primacy of honour, and another thing is authoritative powers," emphasized the bishop. "This honorary primacy of honour does not grant the Patriarch of Constantinople any authoritative powers beyond the boundaries of his own Local Church."
Metropolitan Hilarion believes that the head of the Phanar "cannot, based on being the Ecumenical Patriarch, interfere in the affairs of Local Churches and make any decisions on their behalf".
As earlier reported, the ROC hierrarch commented on whether they consider Patriarch Bartholomew a heretic.
Read also
In the US, a leading hospital network refused to apply the new euthanasia law
The Advocate Health Care network stated that it will not participate in the assisted suicide program in the state of Illinois.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.