Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria: The Church does not worship politicians

Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria

The Church does not offer worship to politicians but lives according to her canons. This was announced on September 30 by Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa after the Great Consecration Rite of the Transfiguration of the Savior Cathedral in Bolgrad, reports the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

His Beatitude Theodoros II noted that he had come to Odessa to testify his love and the fact that the UOC is the only canonical Church in Ukraine.

“I used to live here and shed tears for this country,” the Patriarch said. “I came here now to say that I am always with you.”

The Primate of the Church of Alexandria noted that he would tell the Patriarchs of all the Local Churches about the situation in Ukraine, about what he had seen with his own eyes.

“I will also tell all the Patriarchs that the Church does not worship politicians,” the First Hierarch said. "In the Church there are Apostolic rules <...> The canonical Church is ruled by canons. Namely in accordance with the canons has she lived and will always live."

Patriarch Theodoros II noted that in this difficult time he would pray for Ukraine.

“The church life is not always calm: there are troubles, splits <...> We will not accept what the devil dictates, who wants to have a separation between us. In our prayers we pray for Ukraine! Years will pass but you always remember that the Patriarch of Alexandria came to you from the East. Then you will remember that you belong to the Church of Christ, which is one,” the Patriarch noted.

Also, the Primate of the Church of Alexandria wished His Beatitude Onufry patience and many years of life.

“The clouds will scatter and the Light of Resurrection will shine again,” concluded Patriarch Theodoros II.

On September 30, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, and His Beatitude Onufry, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine, consecrated the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Bolgrad.

As reported by the UOJ, the Most Blessed Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa arrived in Odessa on September 27 with a friendly visit. After the prayer service in the Odessa-based Savior Transfiguration Cathedral, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria appealed to believers to remain faithful to the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

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