Greek theologian accuses Patriarch Bartholomew of heresy

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Photo: panorama

John K. Diotis, a Greek priest and theologian, believes that the actions of Patriarch Bartholomew to grant "autocephaly" to the OCU can be regarded as heresy. He stated this in his appeal published on the website of the Orthodoxos Typos.

In particular, commenting on the bestowal of the Tomos to the OCU by Patriarch Bartholomew, Fr. John remarks that "not a single autocephaly has ever been granted with such terrifying violations, trampling and rejection of the Holy Canons, as it has happened now."

The priest believes that in this case "the actions of Patriarch Bartholomew became a real temptation and scandal for the Church."

In his opinion, the head of Phanar violated a number of canons, including “an overt incursion into someone else’s canonical jurisdiction, two bishops in one area, non-recognition of church punishments imposed by another Local Church, which were recognized by all other Churches, etc.”

At the same time, the priest emphasized that "the rejection of the Holy Canons is a heresy."

Protopresbyter John K. Diotis was born in 1930 in the village of Paleokatuna (Greece). After serving in the Navy, he graduated from the theological faculty of the University of Athens. Since 1957, he has served in the Athenian temple of St. Great Martyr Panteleimon. He is a winner of many honorable awards, among which are the awards of the Athenian Academy of Sciences and the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to Protopresbyter John K. Diotis, the OCU is a pseudo-church and a malignant formation.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.