Head of Phanar admits being upset by meeting of Primates in Amman

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Photo: tovima.gr

On October 24, 2021, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople admitted in an interview with the Cypriot edition “Politis” that he was upset by the meeting of the Primates of the Orthodox Churches in Amman.

Talking about the "prerogatives" of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the head of the Phanar said that he has a "unique obligation" to "receive petitions" from other Local Churches.

According to Patriarch Bartholomew, the opposite is happening today – "the brothers are entering the canonical boundaries of the Local Churches and threaten with schisms and divisions".

But, the head of the Phanar is sure, the real reason for what is happening "goes beyond the Orthodox idea that the Church acts on the basis of the national consciousness of Her children, and not on the basis of geographical boundaries".

The Patriarch of Constantinople emphasized that as the “First” he only helps others, makes “sacrifices” and “does not fall into the trap of ‘descent from the Cross’ precisely because he lives in the place where the Risen Lord placed him – in the Church”.

That is why, he said, the Phanar "was definitely upset with the initiative to hold a ‘fraternal meeting’ in Amman". “All these are new demons in relation to the teaching of our Church and its tradition,” said Patriarch Bartholomew.

According to Patriarch Bartholomew, without the First, Orthodoxy is only a federation of church groups.

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