Greek abbot: Woe to those who have caused schism today

Hegumen Dositheos. Photo: UOJ

Hegumen Dositheos, abbot of the Holy Protection Monastery under the Metropolis of Sidirokastro of the Church of Greece, commented in an interview with the UOJ on the current situation in global Orthodoxy caused by the emergence of the OCU.

Speaking about the Jesus Prayer, "which can be said everywhere and always," the abbot mentioned that “a person is not saved by this prayer alone.” In his words, “First and foremost, one must be Orthodox.”

“And I am glad that you are with Metropolitan Onuphry, and not with Epifaniy, who is a heretic, a papist, a uniate – I don’t even know what else – but certainly not Orthodox. He has caused great harm to our Orthodox faith by dividing Orthodoxy. We now have a schism, a great schism. And woe to those who caused this schism. Woe to them,” the abbot said, and wished them repentance.

“May God grant them repentance – both them and us – that we may repent and return to the true faith,” he underscored.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a Greek theologian had appealed to the Primates of the Churches over sacrilege in the Lavra.

Read also

Dumenko: We celebrate Christmas to gain strength for fighting the enemy

The head of the OCU believes that celebrating Christmas is necessary for confronting Russia.

UOC Chancellor explains to Serbian media why union with OCU is impossible

Metropolitan Anthony said the OCU arose outside the canonical order from schismatic structures – what took place was legalization, not the healing of a schism.

Forbes removes a defamatory article about UOC support action in Washington

The magazine took down a publication that cast believers as “Kremlin agents” after the St. John Society filed a defamation complaint.

Terror attacks by IS supporters prevented in Turkey

In Istanbul, police detained more than a hundred members of an extremist network that had called for attacks during the holiday season.

Monastic tonsure performed at Pochaiv Lavra

Three residents of the monastery embraced monasticism.

“Decolonizing Christmas” tour held by Berlin Forum of Religions

An attempt was made to present Christmas in Germany through the lens of colonialism and oppression.