GOC bishop: US puts pressure on Local Churches in terms of OCU recognition

Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira. Photo: iellada.gr

Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira of the Greek Orthodox Church said that the United States is putting pressure on the Local Churches, forcing them to recognize the Tomos of the OCU, reports Rentapostagma edition.

According to Metropolitan Seraphim, "the thorny and complex Ukrainian issue, unfortunately, arose as a result of constant and grave pressure from political actors (the United States and the Ukrainian leadership) on the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on Greece and other countries."

He also stressed that “in a similar way, the Ecumenical Patriarchate is trying to achieve agreement and recognition of this accomplished event from 11 Orthodox Churches, which, referring to ecclesiological and canonical grounds, object to the recognition of Ukrainian autocephaly”.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to Metropolitan Seraphim, the fact that the Council of Bishops allegedly recognized the OCU is a mistake and delusion.

Read also

Media shows conditions in which persecuted communities of Volyn have to pray

After their churches were seized, UOC faithful are compelled to pray in poorly equipped facilities.

UOC parishioner fined for comments about OCU in Rivne Region

The defendant fully admitted his guilt.

Ministry of Culture attempts to conduct inventory at Pochaiv Lavra

A monastery representative reminded officials that the Lavra fulfills its contractual obligations and uses the property for its intended purpose.

Cherkasy Prosecutor's Office demands seizure of UOC church in Horodyshche

The Cherkasy Regional Economic Court has initiated proceedings upon the prosecutor's lawsuit, with a court hearing already scheduled.

Reserve Director: Relics are exhibits handled by anthropologists

The Chernihiv Reserve's director assured that after the expulsion of the UOC community from the Trinity Cathedral, the relics of the saints have been registered as state property.

Chernihiv official: Nuns are deluded they will stay in convents forever

The director of the Chernihiv Reserve believes that the nuns are illegally residing in the convent and are "propaganda captives".