Metr. Apostolos Defends Ecumenical Patriarch’s Mission

Metr. Apostolos. Photo: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey/Facebook

WESTFIELD, NJ — His Eminence Metr. Apostolos of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey issued an emphatic condemnation of Russian state-linked statements targeting Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, calling them “unacceptable and gravely slanderous.” The statement, shared by the Metropolis on social media, underscores deep concern over rhetoric perceived as an attack on the primacy and unity of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Metr. Apostolos stressed the spiritual mission of the Patriarchate, saying, “The Phanar theologizes; it does not engage in politics. It serves; it does not rule. It is crucified; it does not crucify . . .” He further affirmed his respect for the Ecumenical Patriarch, noting “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is widely recognized as a steadfast servant of the unity of the Church.”

The Metropolitan’s address highlights a call for unity among Orthodox Christians and a reaffirmation of traditional ecclesiastical roles within global Orthodoxy.

These remarks from Metr. Apostolos come at a time when the Patriarchate’s controversial role in Ukraine has been under scrutiny. While Metr. Apostolos, and several other hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, have forcefully denounced what they have described as slander against Constantinople, there has been no acknowledgement of the real-world consequences of Patriarch Bartholomew’s backing of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).

That support, critics note, has coincided with the documented persecution of priests and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), including physical violence, church seizures, intimidation, and state pressure. They further contend that portraying Patr. Bartholomew solely as a unifying figure dismisses the suffering of UOC communities who see his actions as having legitimized their repression under the banner of ecclesiastical reform.

Multiple hierarchs of the UOC, including Metr. Theodosiy of Cherkasy, have asked for Patr. Bartholomew to give attention to the matter.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Anthony outlined potential motives behind Pat. Bartholomew’s actions in Ukraine. 

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