Yelensky accuses Jerusalem and Antioch Churches of bribery

Viktor Yelensky. Photo: sud.ua

Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, said in an interview with ukrinform.ua that the struggle around the Tomos for the OCU is a big geopolitical story. At the same time, he noted the role of the ROC in this story: Moscow allegedly bribed the Local Churches so that they would not recognize the structure of the OCU. In particular, Yelensky accused the Jerusalem and Antioch Churches of taking bribes.

“Let's take the Church of Jerusalem or Antioch? Does anyone doubt that their non-recognition of the OCU was paid for by Moscow? If you remember how fierce the struggle around the Tomos was, then it is clear that this is a great geopolitical story,” Yelensky said.

When asked why the process of recognizing the structure of Dumenko among other Local Churches, which was announced by the leadership of the OCU, slowed down, Yelensky predicted that there would be a new wave of recognition, since this issue does not lie in the theological plane.

As the UOJ reported, in 2019 the Ukrainian media published a fake about the recognition of the OCU by the Bulgarian Church.

Read also

UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept

"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.

Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election

Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.

SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor

The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.

Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese

The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.

Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat

The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.