Patr. Bartholomew Criticizes Moscow Over Activities in Africa

IMBROS, TURKEY — Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew criticized the Moscow Patriarchate and made pointed remarks concerning Serbian Patriarch Porfirije during an Aug. 12 address on his native island of Imbros, where he was joined by Patr. Theodore II of Alexandria and Abp. John of Albania.

Speaking at the Church of St. George in Agioi Theodoroi following Great Vespers and a Paraklesis service, Patr. Bartholomew praised the missionary work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Africa before accusing the Russian Orthodox Church of establishing what he called an uncanonical parallel jurisdiction there.

He said Moscow had entered the canonical territory of Alexandria in recent years and sent bishops to locations including South Africa and Cairo. Patr. Bartholomew also criticized what he described as the Russian Church’s “ingratitude” toward Constantinople, which he said had brought Christianity and civilization to Russia.

By contrast, the Ecumenical Patriarch praised Abp. John, saying the Albanian primate had continued the work of the late Abp. Anastasios with zeal, conscientiousness, and fear of God.

Patr. Bartholomew also appeared to refer to Patr. Porfirije without naming him directly. He criticized primates who, despite being elected and enthroned four or five years ago, have not made an official visit to Constantinople, noting that some had visited other Orthodox Churches while omitting “the first.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Bartholomew was welcomed to Imbros for the 65th anniversary of his ordination.