Constantinople responds to Russia's criticism of Patriarch Bartholomew
Patriarch Bartholomew in the Kremlin with the ROC Patriarch and the RF President. Photo: Kremlin Press Service
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has officially responded to harsh criticism directed at Patriarch Bartholomew by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia (SVR), which accused him of plans to displace the Russian Orthodox Church from the Baltic countries and seeking to legitimize the so-called Montenegrin Church. The Russians also called the Ecumenical Patriarch "the devil incarnate" and "the antichrist in cassock." In a press release, the Patriarchate described such accusations as “fake news” and assured that they would not affect its “ecumenical mission".
"Since 2018, when the Ecumenical Patriarchate decided to grant Autocephalous status to the Church of Ukraine, the Mother Church has avoided commenting on the countless similar attacks that have come from either ecclesiastical or political centers and individuals in Russia. It does the same today," the text states.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Bartholomew promised not to revoke the Tomos from the OCU.
Read also
The Internet showed the condition in which Chernihiv cathedrals were transferred to the Church
Archival photographs testify that the ancient churches of Chernigov were transferred to believers after decades of neglect and destruction.
In the Alexandrian Diocese, "Nikiforov Readings" on the History of the Region Were Held
Local historians and clergy of the UOC have systematized information about anniversary churches and the lives of local saints.
After the USA, the Jerusalem Patriarch will visit Greece and Russia
The Primate of the Jerusalem Church announced official trips to Athens and Moscow.
American missionary saya he is amazed by the faith of the Serbian people
A priest from the United States visited St. Sava Cathedral to venerate the Belt of the Mother of God and found in the Serbian capital an example of true piety.
MinCulture allows OCU to "restore" prayer services in Lavra's Near Caves
Attendance at OCU prayer services in the Near Caves is permitted only by prior registration and under the supervision of OCU representatives.
LGBT march takes place in Jerusalem
Liberal opposition in Israel has turned the annual LGBT march into a large-scale political action against the current government.