Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Condemns Russian Orthodox Church’s Actions in Africa

OCP News Service – 04/09/2024

Constantinople – Turkey: Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria has sent a letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, expressing grave concerns over recent actions by the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa. Patriarch Theodore condemns these actions as attempts to undermine Christian unity.

In his letter, delivered during the Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne in Constantinople, Patriarch Theodore criticized Russia’s appointment of a Hierarch as Patriarchal Exarch in Africa, which he described as an illegal and uncanonical move. The Hierarch has established himself in Cairo, within the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and has begun operations across Africa.

Patriarch Theodore emphasized that this intrusion violates Church canons and expressed dismay at the lack of response from other Orthodox Church Primates. He denounced their silence as effectively permitting the continuation of these uncanonical actions.

Patriarch Theodore questioned the rationale behind the “unacceptable, unjust, and unholy silence” in the face of the Russian Church’s encroachment into African parishes and the Patriarchate’s jurisdiction. He concluded his letter by urging the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to raise awareness about the violations suffered by the Patriarchate of Alexandria and to work to restore canonical order.

Synaxis Decision:

The Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne, which took place from September 1-3 in Istanbul, unanimously condemned the Russian Orthodox Church’s actions in Africa. The Synaxis issued a statement expressing its full support for Patriarch Theodore II and the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

The Synaxis also called on the Russian Orthodox Church to cease its uncanonical activities in Africa and to respect the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. The Synaxis urged all Orthodox Churches to condemn these actions and to stand in solidarity with the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Source:
OCP News Service