Bartholomew: Our privileges were envied by the West and now by the East

Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

On November 21, 2023, Patriarch Bartholomew, the head of the Constantinople Patriarchate, stated that the privileges of the Church of Constantinople were initially envied by the West and later by the East, according to orthodoxianewsagency.gr.

Addressing a newly ordained deacon, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized that "the Council of Chalcedon, in addition to its doctrinal provisions, issued 30 canons for church organization and bestowed honors and privileges of service and responsibility upon the Patriarchal See of Constantinople."

According to him, this "aroused envy from the West at that time and later to this day from the East."

As it was earlier reported by the UOJ, Patriarch Bartholomew believes the Phanar received its privileges from the apostles, which is not subject to discussion.

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.