Crisis Deepens As the Church of Greece Recognize OCU 

Romfea

OCP News Service – 12/10/2019

Athens- Greece: The Church of Greece has recognized the Orthodox Church of Ukraine according to several media reports. The decision was made during the extraordinary session held on 12/10/2019. The recognition of the newly created Orthodox Chruch of Ukraine is a result of the ‘request’ from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The formal ceremony of recognition will take place on 19th October 2019 in Thessaloniki. Metropolitan Epiphanius – Primate of OCU thanked the Church of Greece for the recognition.

Orthodox times reported that ‘Archbishop will now commemorate and include Archbishop Epiphanius of the Church of Ukraine in the Orthodox family’.

The Ukranian canonical problem has already divided the Eastern Orthodox world. The Church of Russia broke communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople over the creation of OCU. Only the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Church of Greece has recognized OCU. The rest of the local Churches have distanced themselves from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

Experts believe that the recognition of OCU by the Church of Greece will result in a further crisis. This will worsen the already fragile situation. An official response from the Russian Orthodox Church is expected as well.

Source:
OCP News Service