DECR MP Chairman: Patriarch Bartholomew lost his canonical consciousness
Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Photo: unn.com.ua
The recognition of Ukrainian schismatics and self-ordained persons by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople indicates that he has completely lost his canonical consciousness, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk said in the Church and Peace program, the DECR MP official website reported.
Commenting on the decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church that the head of Phanar no longer has the right to call himself the leader of Orthodoxy, the hierarch of the ROC said that the legitimacy of the current bishops who serve in the Church is based solely on the fact of apostolic succession, viz. the continuous chain of ordinations. At the same time, the Patriarch of Constantinople recognized the Ukrainian schismatics, whose hierarchy is completely illegitimate. “The so-called ‘hierarchy’ of one of the branches of the Ukrainian schism originated from two adventurers – a fugitive deacon posing as a bishop and a defrocked bishop. Patriarch Bartholomew recognized these impostors as bishops,” said Metropolitan Hilarion.
In addition, according to the hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, by his sole decision the head of Phanar somehow abolished the multimillion-strong Ukrainian Orthodox Church and “transferred” all its rights to the new structure he had created – the OCU. Now with the help of loyal authorities Patriarch Bartholomew is trying to ensure that the property of the canonical Church be transferred to this structure. “All these acts are so illegal, so much insane, as His Holiness Patriarch Kirill said, that they testify to the fact that Patriarch Bartholomew has completely lost his canonical consciousness. Moreover, he has lost the idea that he must act coherently with other Local Churches,” summed up Metropolitan Hilarion.
As the UOJ reported, the Russian Orthodox Church said that Bartholomew had no right to call himself the leader of Orthodoxy.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.