DECR MP: We received nothing but schism from Patriarch Bartholomew

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev). Photo: tatmitropolia.ru
The chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate (DECR MP), Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev), in the programme “Church and World” on the Russia 24 TV channel, said that the Russian Orthodox Church received nothing but schism from Patriarch Bartholomew.
“We remember very well where we got the Orthodox faith – we got it from Constantinople, but only Patriarch Bartholomew did not participate at all in this. We did not receive any Orthodox faith from him, we did not receive anything good from him – only the schism that he caused right on the canonical territory of our church,” said Metropolitan Hilarion.
“Under the guise of healing the schism, Patriarch Bartholomew legalized the schism, and now he is trying to force everyone to recognize this unlawful and anti-canonical act. We do not need such an "elder brother", who does not care about us, who does not care about Orthodox canons and Orthodox unity," added the head of the DECR MP.
As previously reported, Patriarch Bartholomew postponed his visit to Athos due to the outbreak of COVID among the monks.
Read also
Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy marks 30 years since restoration
The Pantanassa Icon and relics of Prince Volodymyr have arrived in Kovel and will visit churches across the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the episcopal see.
Bukovyna faithful bring humanitarian aid to Kherson region residents
The UOC’s Chernivtsi Eparchy delivered food to Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson.
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.