Priest of the Greek Church believes the Head of Phanar should be deposed

Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: sib-catholic.ru

The famous Greek priest, theologian, publicist and head of the center for patristic publications in Athens, Protopresbyter John K. Diotis, believes that Patriarch Bartholomew should be deposed.

In an article on the pages of the newspaper "Κιβωτὸς τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας" (Ark of Orthodoxy) dated March 11, 2021, which was published by the Orthodoxostypos edition, Priest John analyzes the address of Patriarch Bartholomew to the members of the Ukrainian delegation that visited him in Istanbul on March 6, 2021.

In this article, the clergyman claims that the actions of Patriarch Bartholomew to grant "autocephaly" to the OCU did not bring the declared result – healing the schism and unity of Orthodoxy, but only exacerbated the situation.

Protopresbyter John is sure that the Tomos of the OCU is "a pseudo-autocephaly that Patriarch Bartholomew gave his personal pseudo-church in Kyiv to the excommunicated, self-ordained, anathematized and schismatics."

Having cited many examples of the fact that World Orthodoxy ahs been split because of this activity, the priest asserts that "the current Patriarch is subject to overthrow."

As a substantiation of his position, he referred to the work of Metropolitan Panteleimon of Corinth, in which on page 481 it is said that the bishop, if he falsely said and it was proved that the heretics of his diocese had allegedly returned to the Orthodox faith, or that they returned thanks to him but in fact, thanks to another one’s actions, he is subject to defrocking.

“If an extreme spiritual punishment is provided for the bishop only for such an insignificant lie, how should Patriarch Bartholomew be punished then?” Protopresbyter John questions.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to the priest John K. Diotis, the insanity of Patriarch Bartholomew inflicted a lot of wounds on World Orthodoxy.

Read also

Wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon Makes Historic First Visit to Japan

The wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon made its first-ever pilgrimage to Japan, drawing hundreds of faithful to Tokyo and Kyoto for prayer, veneration, and a historic celebration of Orthodox unity.

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.