Bartholomew: I forgive UOC Chancellor but won’t let him doubt my privileges
Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: fosfanariou.gr
On December 6, 2021, during a conversation with Ukrainian journalists in Istanbul, the head of Phanar said that he’d forgiven Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich), Chancellor of the UOC, but would not let him question the privileges of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, according to the Left Bank newspaper.
At the meeting of Patriarch Bartholomew with journalists from Ukraine, there was a representative of Phanar, Archimandrite Gregory, who said that it was "painful for him to hear" how badly Patriarch Bartholomew is treated and "dragged through the dirt."
In particular, Archimandrite Gregory told media workers that the head of Phanar "is accused that the decision to grant the Ukrainian Church autocephaly was revenge for the fact that the Russians did not come to the Council in Crete in 2016."
In turn, Patriarch Bartholomew noted that he was not upset by what the Russians accuse him of, and what, in particular, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk or Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil say about him.
“I forgive them. But we will not call into question the rights and privileges of the ecumenical throne, granted to us by the Ecumenical Councils and thousand-year history,” the head of Phanar emphasized.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Patriarch Bartholomew believes that the Bulgarian Church became “schismatic” due to the fact that “it was incited by Moscow to rebel against the Phanar”.
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.