Head of the Cypriot Church: We try to have friendly relations with Russia

Archbishop George of Cyprus. Photo: protothema.gr

Archbishop George of Cyprus said that the Cypriot Church tries to have friendly relations with Russia, reports orthodoxianewsagency.gr.

Archbishop George, answering a question about how the unity of world Orthodoxy is possible without the Russian Orthodox Church, said that the Phanar’s granting the Tomos to the OCU, which led to the break of communion between the Churches, "is enshrined in the acts of the last millennium".

The Church of Cyprus has always had a special relationship with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, he said.

But, he continued, "We try to have friendly relations with Russia not only as a state but also as a Church."

According to Archbishop George of Cyprus, the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church made a mistake by refusing to participate in the 2016 Council of Crete.

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.