Phanar hierarch: Our Russian brothers want to head Orthodoxy

Patriarch Kirill and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: vaticannews.va

Bishop of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Metropolitan Theodoretos of Laodicea said that the Russian Orthodox Church wants to head Orthodoxy.

According to Metropolitan Theodoretos, "the Russian Church plays a decisive role in the disintegration of the unity of the Orthodox Church."

He stated that "the problem remains with our dear brothers, our Russian brothers, who in the name of power and the desire to head Orthodoxy create all these unpleasant situations."

At the same time, the Metropolitan of Laodicea noted that "even in these unpleasant situations created by Moscow, the Ecumenical Patriarch is doing his best by regularly remembering Moscow Patriarch Kirill at divine services."

As earlier reported, at a meeting with the Patriarch of Georgia, Metropolitan Amfilohije (Stergiu) of the Patriarchate of Constantinople said: "There is an opinion that the Church is headed by Christ. But in fact, the Church is headed by the Ecumenical Patriarch".

Also, Archbishop Elpidophoros believes that "the world centre of Orthodoxy – the Ecumenical Patriarchate – is in Istanbul".

Read also

Metropolitan Theodosiy: We must defend our churches and show that we exist

The UOC hierarch is confident that the time will come when the country returns to the rule of law, and those now persecuting the Church will be held accountable.

Police and National Guard surrounding two UOC churches in Cherkasy leave

Orthodox Christians who came out to defend their churches from OCU raiders plan to pray in their churches through the night.