Head of Macedonian Church: Phanar's terms for a tomos are unacceptable
Primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid. Photo: screenshot of Facebook Tv Star video
Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid, said that the three conditions set by the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which the Macedonian Orthodox Church must fulfill to receive the tomos, are unacceptable. He made this statement on May 21, 2024, in a comment to the TV channel Tv Star.
The Phanar, led by Patriarch Bartholomew, still refuses to issue a tomos on autocephaly to the Macedonian Orthodox Church - Ohrid Archbishopric until it fulfills its demands.
"The first is to abandon the name Macedonian Orthodox Church. Secondly, to abandon the Macedonian diaspora (i.e., the dioceses and parishes of the Macedonian Church outside of North Macedonia should come under the jurisdiction of Constantinople). And thirdly, to recognize the Church of Ukraine (the OCU – Ed.), whose autocephaly was recognized by Constantinople," explained Archbishop Stefan, stressing that all three requirements are unacceptable.
As reported by the UOJ, the Phanar is dissatisfied with the position of the Church of Macedonia regarding the OCU.
Read also
U.S. House of Representatives passes ban on sex-change surgeries for minors
The lower house of Congress supported an initiative limiting medical interventions that could have irreversible consequences for the health of minors.
Armenian Church to appeal to international bodies over government pressure
The decision was made by the Supreme Spiritual Council in Etchmiadzin against the backdrop of criminal cases, pressure on the clergy, and the state's attempts to interfere in church life.
Pashinyan's supporters attempt to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia
The confrontation around the Armenian Apostolic Church intensified after rebellious hierarchs called for the Catholicos's resignation and attempted to exert forceful pressure in Etchmiadzin.
Persecuted community of Maliatyntsi celebrates first patronal feast after seizure
In Bukovyna, the faithful of the St. Nicholas community in the village of Maliatyntsi celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia for the first time after the church seizure.
European authorities downplay scale of Christian persecution, report says
Human rights defenders reported an increase in attacks on believers in the EU and pointed out that official statistics do not reflect the real level of anti-Christian hostility.
Mukachevo Eparchy bishops congratulate orphaned children on St Nicholas Day
Metropolitan Theodore and Bishop Hilarion visited the “New Family” children’s shelter in Uzhhorod.