ROC Primate: Constantinople identified itself with schismatics

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus

The Patriarchate of Constantinople has identified itself with the schismatics and fell into schism itself. It was said on this October 19 by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus, reports TASS.

“The Patriarchate of Constantinople identified itself with the schismatics. Uncanonically, breaking all the rules, it invaded our jurisdiction, forgave the schismatics. So, identifying itself with the schismatics, it became schismatic itself,” said the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, speaking at a plenary session of the VIII All-Church Congress on Social Service.

Patriarch Kirill also noted that the majority of believers support the decisions of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, adopted on October 15.

“Now I feel that absolute majority of the Orthodox are supportive of this decision,” the Patriarch said. “The clergy must do their best to ensure that such actions of the hierarchy have the broad support of our pious people.”

On 15 October, 2018, the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church broke off the Eucharistic communion with the Church of Constantinople. Also, the hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church called "Primates and Sacred Synods of Local Orthodox Churches for a proper assessment of the anti-canonical acts of the Patriarchate of Constantinople."

Read also

Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training

Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Cherny, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.

Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again

A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.

OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience

More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.

Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors

The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.

Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies

ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.

Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says

Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.