Church of Alexandria expresses "sorrow" over ROC Exarchate in Africa

The Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria will respond to the decision of the Russian Orthodox Church. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

On December 30, 2021, the Patriarchate of Alexandria expressed "sorrow" over the decision of the Russian Orthodox Church to create its own Exarchate in Africa, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency website.

The statement from the Chief Secretariat of the Alexandrian Holy Synod reads the following: "The ancient Patriarchate of Alexandria expresses its deepest sorrow at the synodal decision of the Russian Patriarchate to establish an Exarchate within the normal limits of the jurisdiction of the Ancient Church of Alexandria, a decision taken in the midst of the Nativity of Christ and the divine Epiphany, during which Christ the King of Peace is projected."

The Patriarchate of Alexandria assured that “it will continue to carry out its pastoral duties towards the flock which has been entrusted to it by the Lord, which fall under the spiritual legacies of the great Greek Fathers of the Church, who, according to the modern Russian theologian the late Fr. George Florovsky, left an indelible mark on Orthodox Theology and the Church".

The document also says that "the decision of the Russian Patriarchate will be discussed at an upcoming session of the Synod of the Patriarchate, at which time relevant decisions will be taken".

As reported, the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa was formed in the ROC.

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