GOC hierarch: Tomos of OCU is the source of many evils and a gaping ulcer
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira. Photo: tideon.org
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira of the Orthodox Church of Greece said that the non-canonical "autocephaly" granted by the Patriarchate of Constantinople to the OCU is the "source of evil and a gaping ulcer," reports Rentapostagma edition.
The Metropolitan of Kythira believes that the commemoration of the name of Epiphany Dumenko by Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus resulted in "the division of the Synodal body of the Autocephalous Church of Cyprus."
In addition, according to him, "a year ago, the liturgical mention of the name of ‘Metropolitan Epifanios’ as the head of the autocephalous church of Ukraine by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece caused controversy and discontent in the Church of Greece, as it happened outside the canonical vote and the official decision of the Council of hierarchs of Greece."
“A gaping and pus-oozing ulcer of non-canonical and anti-church autocephaly in Ukraine remains the source of so many evils! One evil begets another thousand evils,” emphasized Metropolitan Seraphim.
He also noted that “unfortunately, this deep wound will not heal until Patriarch Bartholomew and all the Beatitude Primates of the Local Autocephalous Orthodox Churches gather for a Pan-Orthodox Council to address in the Holy Spirit this essential ecclesiastic inter-Orthodox problem that needs to be immediately resolved”.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to Metropolitan Seraphim, the United States is putting pressure on Local Churches to recognize the OCU.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
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.