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

Czech Republic drops Istanbul Convention over gender ideology

The Czech government has overturned the previous cabinet’s decision to continue ratifying the document because it uses the concept of “gender” instead of biological sex.

UOC eparchy marks 25 years since St. Nicholas of Iskrivka’s glorification

A festive service was held in Iskrivka, Kirovohrad region, to mark the 25th anniversary of the glorification of the local 20th-century hieromartyr.

Rivne Eparchy provides update on mobilized 59-year-old cleric

The UOC eparchy reported that Archpriest Pavlo Stepaniuk has passed a military medical examination, has legal grounds for discharge, and will temporarily serve in Mlyniv.

Zelensky orders all archives on Volhynia massacre opened

Following a meeting on relations with Poland, the Ukrainian president announced a decision to open archival documents concerning the Volhynia massacre and expand exhumation work.

Prosecutors seize church taken over by OCU in Bushevo

A Kyiv region court invalidated ownership of the Holy Trinity Church, which was seized by Dumenko’s supporters in 2025, and transferred it to the state.

Kyiv authorities hold forum to discredit UOC communities in Europe

At the event in the capital, attended by representatives of the Presidential Office, DESS, and security agencies, UOC parishes abroad were portrayed as an instrument of Russian influence.