Exarch of Africa: ROC does not claim primacy, we rely on the Gospel
Metropolitan Leonid of Klin. Photo: a screenshot of the video on the Youtube channel "Spas”
The Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Leonid (Gorbachev) of Klin, said on the "Spas" TV channel that the Russian Orthodox Church does not claim primacy, but now it has an ecumenical mission to protect the Orthodox canons.
According to the bishop, the ROC is not engaged in expansion to destroy the Alexandrian Orthodox Church but opposes the violation of the canons. He noted that if in the Western world such phenomena as a mockery of canons and family law are already quite natural, the Russian Church is ready to offer the world a different agenda.
“We do not seek to destroy the Alexandrian Orthodox Church and never engage in expansion, but we will never allow anyone to mock the Orthodox canons, their sacredness, family law, our traditional historical milestones and foundations,” said Vladyka Leonid.
The bishop urged not to be afraid of ecumenicalism, which the ROC is now entering, since this is not a desire to become the first, but, on the contrary, as the Gospel calls, to become servants in order to help people. “As the Holy Scripture says, if you want to be the first, be the last, become a servant. We are those people who become servants and will serve and help people. This is the task of the Church,” said the Patriarchal Exarch of Africa.
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.