Phanar head: We are obliged to lead Local Churches as an elder brother
Patriarch Bartholomew speaking to the media outside the White House. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com
On October 25, 2021, Patriarch Bartholomew, after official meetings in Washington with American President Joe Biden and the head of the U.S. Department of State Antony Blinken, stated that the Patriarchate of Constantinople should lead the Local Autocephalous Churches, reports orthodoxtimes.com.
Speaking to the media outside the White House, the head of Phanar said that he has a responsibility to lead the Local Autocephalous Churches as "an elder brother". At the same time, he believes that other views on the role of the Patriarchate of Constantinople should not oppose his leadership in world Orthodoxy. “We have a responsibility to lead the Local Autocephalous Churches as an elder brother of one family. This sense of family is intrinsically Orthodox, and we cannot allow any shortsighted political agendas to interfere with our relationships that are through and in Christ Jesus the Lord and Savior of the world," Patriarch Bartholomew told reporters.
As reported, the Phanar head complained to Biden about the moves of the Russian Orthodox Church.
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.