Patriarch Theodore: Russian Church had a long-term dream to invade Africa
The head of the Church of Alexandria, Patriarch Theodore, said that the Russian Orthodox Church had long dreamed of invading Africa, according to the Vima Orthodoxias publication.
Patriarch Theodore said that he “always respected the ecclesiastical boundaries of each Church,” and his “heart hurts when another Orthodox Church strikes at a poor missionary and the missionary Church,” referring to the creation of the Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa.
Answering a journalist's question why the Russian Church did this, Patriarch Theodore stated that "it was a long-term dream, which seized the moment to become a reality."
He agreed with the journalist’s statement that the creation of the Exarchate is revenge for the recognition of the OCU, and said that his “late predecessor (Patriarch Peter VII – Ed.) deposed two Russian and two Serbian priests twenty-five years ago, who went to Johannesburg to trespass" the borders of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
“They have always had a dream to expand their activities in Africa, because this is fertile ground because of the poverty of the people,” summed up the head of the Church of Alexandria.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Patriarch Theodore called the clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church "jackals and bears from the North.”
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.