"The UOC does not need autocephaly," – Metropolitan Nikolaos (Hadjinikolau)

Bishop of the Orthodox Church of Greece, Metropolitan Nikolaos (Hadjinikolau) of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki states that the problem of granting autocephaly is not a diplomatic issue, but a spiritual one.

"The Ukrainian Orthodox Church does not need autocephaly," said the hierarch of the Greek Church. - I mean, we, the Orthodox, need unity. Let us recall the Creed: I believe in the One, Catholic and Apostolic Church. So, in general, autocephaly is important if it facilitates pastoral care and helps people acquire holiness, if full-fledged church life is impossible without autocephaly. For any religious community, holiness and, of course, unity are important. I would never seek autocephaly, if it could break the unity of the Church and disrupt its connection with the Universal Orthodox Church. "

Vladyka emphasized that autocephaly is not seized by force, but is received by the grace of God.

Read also

Report: Vance Confronts Bartholomew Over Ukraine Schism

Vance supposedly accused the Ecumenical Patriarchate of receiving money from the U.S. government in exchange for granting "autocephaly" to the schismatic Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

Cardinal Cupich’s Award to Sen. Durbin Sparks Pro-Life Outrage

A local pro-life activist called the decision “un-Catholic” and scandalous, urging Catholics to contact the Archdiocese to protest.

Pat. Bartholomew Arrives in NYC

A patriarchal doxology was held at the St. Nicholas National Shrine early Thursday afternoon, with former Vice President Mike Pence making an appearance.

National Antiochian Orthodox Choir to Perform at Carnegie Hall

Those who wish to join the choir as singers must submit their applications by this Sunday, September 21. 

Orthodoxy Grows in West with Baptisms in Chile and Netherlands

Converts were received into the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas and the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western Europe, respectively.

Theophilos Greets Kirill After Snubbing Bartholomew

The Patriarch of Jerusalem met with the Patriarch of Moscow during a conference in Kazakhstan. Notably, Theophilos avoided meeting the Patriarch of Constantinople during his recent visit to Istanbul.