Orthodox Americans respond to Archons' accusations of working for Putin

Day of Action in support of the persecuted UOC on Capitol Hill. Photo: UOJ-USA

On March 31, 2026, the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco (SSJ) issued an official statement in response to accusations from the Order of Archons of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The document was published by the UOJ-USA.

An email circulated amongst the Archons on Monday morning referred to the SSJ as a "'pan-orthodox' Russian group," calling the organization "pro-Moscow", allegedly acting in Russia's interests.

In a public statement, the Society dismissed the Archons’ warning about Russian influence as lacking credibility, calling the message "alarmist" and saying some assertions "border on the delusional." The group also criticized what it described as a tendency to label fellow Orthodox Christians as foreign actors, arguing that such rhetoric "reduces the rich and diverse life of Orthodoxy in this country to a crude geopolitical caricature."

The SSJ further took issue with what it called an overemphasis on tensions between Moscow and Constantinople, stating that the “Moscow vs. Constantinople” narrative has become an “ideological battle cry” that does not serve the unity or mission of the Church.

Rejecting the accusations outright, the organization emphasized its identity as a “pan-Orthodox initiative,” adding that its work is “directed toward the defense of religious liberty, the strengthening of Orthodox unity, and the witness of the Gospel in American society.”

"Our work – whether on Capitol Hill or in our parishes – is directed toward the defense of religious liberty, the strengthening of Orthodox unity, and the witness of the Gospel in American society. It is a sad thing when fellow Orthodox Christians choose to spend their time attacking their brothers and sisters, constructing elaborate conspiracies, and even attempting to block lawful engagement with public officials," the statement reads.

The statement also notes that efforts to discredit and obstruct the organization's activities could be directed toward pastoral and missionary work, including helping those in need.

"We at the Society of Saint John will continue undeterred in that mission. And perhaps the Archons might consider doing the same, rather than building monuments to themselves while casting suspicion on those laboring for the good of the Church," the authors concluded.

Earlier it became known that the Archons are collecting funds to counter the so-called "Russian influence" in the USA, and are also criticizing the activities of Orthodox believers who defend the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

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