ROC Synod condemns Phanar head’s visit to Kyiv

A meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. Photo: patriarchia.ru

The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church condemned the visit of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to Ukraine and called it a gross violation of the canons. This is stated in the decision of the Synod (Journal No. 60) published on the website "Patriarchia.ru".

The Synod ruled that the trip of the head of the Phanar and those accompanying him to Kyiv without an invitation from the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus, Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine and the legitimate hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is a gross violation of the canons, in particular, the 3rd Canon of the Sardinian Council and 13th Canon of the Council of Antioch.

The Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church also condemned "the continuing anti-canonical deeds of the Patriarch of Constantinople aimed at destroying the unity of Orthodoxy" and noted "the purely political nature of the visit of Patriarch Bartholomew, revealing his dependence on forces external to the Church."

As reported, the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church was held in Moscow on September 23-24, 2021.

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