Ecumenical Patriarch: Our Slavic Brothers are Fragmenting Pan-Orthodox Unity
Patr. Bartholomew tells Greek leaders that religious nationalism is “tormenting contemporary Orthodoxy,” while saying the Russian Church has a leading role in pan-Orthodox divisions.
ATHENS — Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Presidential Mansion in Athens on Thursday during the Patriarch’s official visit to the Greek capital. Earlier in the day, Patr. Bartholomew attended celebrations at the headquarters of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation marking the broadcaster’s 60th anniversary and the launch of television channel ERT Kosmos.
During the meeting, Patr. Bartholomew warned about the rise of ethnophyletism, or religious nationalism, within global Orthodoxy. He also specifically said the Russian Church has contributed to divisions in pan-Orthodox unity. As reported by the Orthodox Times:
“The curse of ethnophyletism has entered the body of the Orthodox Church and torments contemporary Orthodoxy,” he said. He added that “our Slavic brothers, led by the Church of Russia, are primarily those who are fragmenting pan-Orthodox unity.”
Tasoulas also praised the Patriarch’s long spiritual leadership and described him as a major voice for Orthodox Christians worldwide. He also highlighted Patr. Bartholomew’s recent address before the Greek Parliament, particularly its focus on human dignity, ecology, and peace.
Previously, the UOJ reported that two Greek tourists had been arrested for displaying a flag in Hagia Sophia.
