Abp. Theodosios Calls for Pan-Orthodox Dialogue on Ukraine

Abp. Theodosios of Sebastia. Photo: screenshot from the video Religions Today

JERUSALEM — Abp. Theodosios of Sebastia (Atallah Hanna) of the Jerusalem Patriarchate has expressed readiness to host a pan-Orthodox council dedicated to resolving the Ukrainian church crisis. He made the remarks in an interview with Religions Today, describing the situation surrounding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) as part of a broader crisis affecting global Orthodoxy.

According to Abp. Theodosios, existing divisions among Orthodox Churches are serious but not insurmountable. He stressed that dialogue, prayer, and fraternal engagement remain essential tools for overcoming ecclesiastical conflicts. “Patriarchs must meet, primates of the Churches must meet—there is no problem without a solution,” he said.

The hierarch confirmed that the Jerusalem Patriarchate recognizes only the canonical UOC under Metr. Onuphry and rejects other church structures in Ukraine. He condemned reported seizures of churches, pressure on clergy and believers, and arrests as a “shameful stain on the body of humanity,” urging Christian Churches and international rights organizations to respond.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Theodosios defended the UOC amid persecution. 

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