Head of Phanar assures there is no schism in Orthodox Church
Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: tovima
On January 3, 2021, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, in an interview with the Greek newspaper Vima tis Kyriakis, said that there is no schism in the Orthodox Church, the Orthodox Times website reports.
The head of Phanar, answering the question about granting "autocephaly" to the OCU, stressed that "there is no schism within Orthodoxy," and he "has no right to take a step back."
The Patriarch of Constantinople believes that the position of the Russian Orthodox Church is "a different view", and the suspension of communion with Phanar and the other Orthodox Churches that have recognized the OCU was "a wrong action."
“I can’t let the Orthodox ecclesiology change on the altar of lesser interests. I have no right to take a step back. The word of truth is ‘sharper than any knife.’ It is testified by history, the sources, the documents, the facts. It is altered by money, intimidation, propaganda and pipe dreams,” said the head of Phanar.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Serbian Patriarch Irinej asked the head of Phanar not to cause split.
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.