"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

New Hampshire Becomes 20th State to Ban All Gender Transition Procedures for Minors

Governor Ayotte signs laws prohibiting surgeries, hormones, and puberty blockers for youth.

Media: Abp. of Cyprus blackmails Patr. Bartholomew with Onuphry mention

Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus says that, if Patriarch Bartholomew does not punish Metropolitan Tychikos, he will commemorate Metropolitan Onuphry, according to Fr. Evangelos Papanikolaou. 

WCC Demands 'Protection' for St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai

The WCC also passed resolutions on the Armenian Genocide and the terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus.

Russian Orthodox Church Provides Aid to Earthquake Victims

Volunteers from the Petropavlovsk and Kamchatka Diocese are providing food and aid at the Holy Trinity Cathedral’s humanitarian warehouse to support residents affected by a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake in Kamchatka.

Serbian Patriarch Slams 'Undemocratic' Ruling Against Republika Srpska Leader

Patrarch Porfirije condemned the verdict as "unlawful and undemocratic." He is a vocal supporter of autonomy for Bosnian Serbs.

UOC House Church Set Ablaze in Khmelnytskyi Region

Police have identified the arsonist.