Head of Macedonian Church: Phanar's terms for a tomos are unacceptable

Primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid. Photo: screenshot of Facebook Tv Star video

Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid, said that the three conditions set by the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which the Macedonian Orthodox Church must fulfill to receive the tomos, are unacceptable. He made this statement on May 21, 2024, in a comment to the TV channel Tv Star.

The Phanar, led by Patriarch Bartholomew, still refuses to issue a tomos on autocephaly to the Macedonian Orthodox Church - Ohrid Archbishopric until it fulfills its demands.

"The first is to abandon the name Macedonian Orthodox Church. Secondly, to abandon the Macedonian diaspora (i.e., the dioceses and parishes of the Macedonian Church outside of North Macedonia should come under the jurisdiction of Constantinople). And thirdly, to recognize the Church of Ukraine (the OCU – Ed.), whose autocephaly was recognized by Constantinople," explained Archbishop Stefan, stressing that all three requirements are unacceptable.

As reported by the UOJ, the Phanar is dissatisfied with the position of the Church of Macedonia regarding the OCU.

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