Belarusian Church asks to suspend granting autocephaly to Ukraine
Metropolitan Pavel of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus
Metropolitan Pavel of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, has called on Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to suspend the process of granting autocephaly to the Ukrainian church, reports "Interfax".
At a press conference, which took place on Friday in Minsk, he emphasized that Patriarch Bartholomew’s actions could cause division in the global Orthodox Church.
"Our statement was made in such a way as to call on Patriarch Bartholomew and the Synod of the Constantinople Church to rethink the decisions being taken and to do everything possible to recall, stop this process, which is now taking on the clear forms of a church schism in the entire global Orthodox Church," said Metropolitan Pavel.
"To somehow sober up the hotheads, it was decided to suspend our service with Constantinople bishops, suspend our participation in all events chaired by representatives of Constantinople," the exarch stated.
"This isn't a break yet," he said. "It's a call, an attempt to ask Patriarch Bartholomew to suspend this act, which may lead to a schism," Metropolitan Pavel warned.
"We regret what is happening in Ukraine," he noted.
Earlier, the Synod of the BOC expressed its full support to the His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine – the canonical Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and called on the clergy and flock of the Belarusian Church to pray for correction and repentance of those who provoke church disorder and schisms.
Read also
After Criticism from National Herald, GOARCH Shares Public Schedule of Pat. Bartholomew
Questions had previously been raised about the Patriarch of Constantinople's upcoming visit to the U.S., which initially had a schedule of meetings that was seemingly restricted to the more privileged members of the archdiocese.
Serbian Orthodox Priest: There Is Only One Canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine — The UOC
Archpriest Slobodan Zeković affirms the exclusive canonical status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onuphry and explains the Church’s stance on Holy Communion and intercommunion with other Christian communities.
Pat. Porfirije: The Church Must Resist Applause at Appearing 'Modern'
Serbian Patriarch warns against diluting the Church’s mission during visit to historic Belgrade parish.
Pat. of Jerusalem: We Must 'Serve and Guard the Holy Places'
"Our unity also has its fruits, which is the salvation of all," said Theophilus II. "Our unity guarantees the way and the means of salvation."
Met. Longin: Mobilization of Priests 'Lawless', a 'Disgrace'
"Today, they are taking our priests to war. They have no right to do this because we cannot then raise our hands to God—they will be stained with blood," the Metropolitan declared.
London ROCOR Cathedral Marks Milestone in Food Aid to Refugees and Needy
Cathedral food bank distributes nearly 2,800 boxes since launch in 2022.