Phanar hierarch to Ukraine Ambassador to US: We support DOS and condemn ROC

Archbishop Elpidophoros and Oksana Markarova. Photo: Archbishop Elpidophoros of America facebook page

At a meeting with Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis), the head of the American Archdiocese of Phanar, spoke about his support for the position of the State Department, which accused Russia of instrumentalizing “Orthodox identity” for political purposes, the hierarch of the Patriarchate of Constantinople wrote on his Facebook page.

The Phanar hierarch stated that Ukrainians are “suffering from Russian imperialism,” and also accused the Russian Orthodox Church of “unfair treatment of the history and traditions of Orthodoxy” and “dividing Orthodoxy world over and scandalizing the People of God from Ukraine to Africa.”

“We welcome the US government's stance and the recent statement by a State Department spokesman condemning the Kremlin's 'malign efforts to instrumentalize Orthodox identity',” the Phanar hierarch wrote.

As reported by the UOJ, Patriarch Theodore complained about the ROC to the Abbot of the Sinai Monastery.

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.