Phanar head could stop church raids with a single word, says UOC hierarch

Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: diefxon.com

Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv told the Greek news agency Romfea that the Patriarch of Constantinople has the real ability to stop the forcible seizures of churches in Ukraine and put an end to the country’s religious conflict, but has chosen not to do so.

“Even now, Patriarch Bartholomew could intervene and influence his clerics in Ukraine, who in most cases are the instigators of these crimes,” Metropolitan Theodosiy said. “All it would take is a public blessing to end the aggression, prohibit the seizure of churches, and stop the beating of believers... But unfortunately, that is not happening.”

According to the Cherkasy metropolitan, by creating a parallel church structure, the Ecumenical Patriarch created a deeply problematic situation in Ukraine and should have understood where it could lead. “Could the Patriarch have foreseen and understood the tragic consequences of his actions – what would eventually happen to UOC churches and believers, and ultimately to world Orthodoxy itself? I think he had an idea. For those familiar with the situation, the outcome was already obvious even then.”

Metropolitan Theodosiy cited the seizure of the cathedral in Cherkasy as an example. “When I myself was beaten by representatives of the ‘Most Holy Church of Ukraine,’ at the very last moment, before I was driven out of my own cathedral together with the clergy and faithful, I appealed directly to Patriarch Bartholomew from the altar of our Cherkasy cathedral while it was under siege by armed thugs. The appeal was translated into several languages and is available online, yet it received no response or reaction from the Patriarch. It is deeply regrettable,” the bishop said.

As the UOJ reported, the Patriarch of Constantinople earlier warned his critics about the Last Judgment.

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