Exarch of Phanar: Ukraine's denominations drifted further apart after Tomos
The exarch of the Phanar, Bishop Michael (Anishchenko) of Comana. Photo: a screenshot of the YouTube channel "Spiritual Front"
The exarch of the Phanar, Bishop Michael (Anishchenko) of Comana in an interview with the resource "Spiritual Front" said that Orthodox denominations of Ukraine only distanced from one another after the Tomos was granted.
"Unfortunately, it seems to me that the Orthodox jurisdictions have become further apart, especially at this time during the war," the exarch said and added that "one can only guess" why this is happening.
At the same time, the exarch assured that the Phanar gave the Tomos to "absolutely all the Orthodox of Ukraine to unite all in one local Church", and it is not his fault that the UOC did not "recognise" this.
According to the bishop, after the granting of the Tomos, now "the questions are already to the local figures, how open and ready for mutual understanding they are."
The exarch refused to comment on the actions of the authorities concerning the UOC, "because the state as a monopolist in this matter surely has more detailed information".
As earlier reported, a Phanar priest appealed to the exarch in Kyiv to respond to the persecution against the UOC. The latter remained silent.
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.