Exarch of Africa: Phanar's words on ROC sound like "Stop thief!" proverb
Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Leonid. Photo: valenteshop.ru
The Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Leonid of Klin, said in an interview with RIA Novosti that the statement of the Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople regarding the creation of the Patriarchal Exarchate in Africa was inappropriate.
According to Metropolitan Leonid, "the statement of the Patriarchate of Constantinople evokes tragic laughter and reminds of the well-known Russian proverb "Stop the thief!" (meaning no one shouts “thief!” louder than thieves, i.e. the Patriarchate of Constantinople in this case – Trans. note).
Metropolitan Leonid said that the ROC is restoring canonical order on the African continent.
“It is not we who trespassed on the canonical territoriality of another Church, it is not we who subjected the Ukrainian people to troubles and travails, it is not we who abscond from a reasonable fraternal dialogue that would help cool the mentor tone of the Primate of the Church of Constantinople. As for the canonical order on the African continent, it was restored under the omophorion of the Russian Orthodox Church. The ROC will henceforth stop anti-canonical actions of any leaders who encroach on the laws, foundations, and traditions of the Church,” said Metropolitan Leonid.
The UOJ wrote that, according to the Exarch of Africa, the Russian Church is not engaged in expansion.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.