Ukrainian Church Crisis

On September 7, 2018, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople sent two exarchs, one from the U.S. and another from Canada, to Kiev in order to initiate the process of "legitimatizing" a schismatic "autocephalous" church in the Ukraine, breaking its former promises not to do any such thing, and without any consultation with the existing canonical Church, which constitutes the vast majority of practicing Orthodox Christians in Ukraine.

Because of the lack of information on Ukrainian Church history and reality available in English, and the resulting misinformation being spread, OrthoChristian.com will be gathering articles on the subject in this section. We hope also by this to help our readers understand why this move violates our Church canons and accepted traditions.

News

Earlier news

ARTICLES

9/7/2018

The Church of Christ Cannot be Closed or Cancelled

Report from the general meeting of the clergy, monks and laity of the Zaporozhie Diocese concerning the ban on the UOC

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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The Church of Christ Cannot be Closed or Cancelled

Report from the general meeting of the clergy, monks and laity of the Zaporozhie Diocese concerning the ban on the UOC

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

What options do the clergy and laity of our Church have after its ban?

Herodias’s Demand

Theses for a conversation with Alexander Shelest

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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Herodias’s Demand

Theses for a conversation with Alexander Shelest

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

Our only “guilt” lies in our desire to follow God’s Law and our refusal to compromise with the world, to call evil good.

On False Unity. Open Letter to His Beatitude Onuphry Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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On False Unity. Open Letter to His Beatitude Onuphry Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

On my own behalf and on behalf of the flock entrusted to me by God, in response to this appeal, I would like to emphasize once again that the unity of the Church of God can only be achieved by the return to Her fold of those who have strayed from the Truth and taken the path of falsehood.

Scandalous Bill No. 8371 “On Banning the UOC”

Alexander Koval

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Scandalous Bill No. 8371 “On Banning the UOC”

Alexander Koval

There is an attempt to “Catholicize” Ukrainians. Banning the UOC would allow the transfer of believers first to the schismatic OCU, and then to the Greek Catholic Church of Ukraine.

Rwanda and Ukraine

Metropolitan Luke’s wartime notes

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko)

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Rwanda and Ukraine

Metropolitan Luke’s wartime notes

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko)

Now is a similar time. Also people who call themselves journalists, with the help of the media call white black, call for the destruction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, slander it.

To Representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations

Metropolitan Luke’s wartime notes

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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To Representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations

Metropolitan Luke’s wartime notes

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

All the representatives of the UCCRO who went as a united group to the USA to deceive the American people by claiming that there are no persecutions against the Church in Ukraine know very well that they are lying.

An address to all participants in the military conflict concerning the damage resulting from missile attacks on the Protection Cathedral in Zaporozhie

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko)

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An address to all participants in the military conflict concerning the damage resulting from missile attacks on the Protection Cathedral in Zaporozhie

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko)

I call upon the faithful children of our diocese to increase their prayer to God, that He might strengthen all of us and give wisdom to those in whose power it is to put an end to this madness.

Death and Faith in Donbas

A word from Archbishop Barsonuphy of Novoazovsk to the clergy of Pskov Diocese

Archbishop Varsonofy (Vinnichenko)

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Death and Faith in Donbas

A word from Archbishop Barsonuphy of Novoazovsk to the clergy of Pskov Diocese

Archbishop Varsonofy (Vinnichenko)

The war is on not for us, but for each one of you, because if we don’t win we won’t exist. Remember this.

"Public Orthodoxy" Defends the Persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Archpriest John Whiteford

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"Public Orthodoxy" Defends the Persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Archpriest John Whiteford

Recently Public Orthodoxy published an article by Lidiya Lozova, in which she excused the government sponsored persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and alleged that this reflects the popular opinion of the Ukrainian people.

Everything That Does Not Have Unity Is Doomed to Destruction

Metropolitan Luke’s Wartime Notes

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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Everything That Does Not Have Unity Is Doomed to Destruction

Metropolitan Luke’s Wartime Notes

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

The cause and root of all divisions is in hell.

Metropolitan Mark (Arndt): “The danger is that there will be efforts to completely destroy the Church in Ukraine”

Metropolitan Mark (Arndt)

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Metropolitan Mark (Arndt): “The danger is that there will be efforts to completely destroy the Church in Ukraine”

Metropolitan Mark (Arndt)

This is being sought by those who are ruled by the devil, and their goal is to destroy the spiritual bonds of the nation.

“Soon they’ll forbid us to speak. We have to say what’s most important before that happens.”

Metropolitan Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Cherkassy and Kanev

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“Soon they’ll forbid us to speak. We have to say what’s most important before that happens.”

Metropolitan Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Cherkassy and Kanev

Metropolitan Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Cherkassy and Kaniv gave a video talk to his flock while under house arrest, which we reproduce in English translation below.

Expelling the Church From the Lavra: Astounding Parallels With the Communist Twentieth Century

Vasily Polyakov

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Expelling the Church From the Lavra: Astounding Parallels With the Communist Twentieth Century

Vasily Polyakov

The little-known testimony of historian and archaeologist Nadezhda Vladimirovna Linka, a contemporary to those events, show through historical documents that the cases of former and current persecutors and expropriators of church property are the same.

Bishop Theodosius of Seattle about the Kiev Caves Lavra: the government of Ukraine is acting like the Bolsheviks

Bishop Theodosius of Seattle

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Bishop Theodosius of Seattle about the Kiev Caves Lavra: the government of Ukraine is acting like the Bolsheviks

Bishop Theodosius of Seattle

We see how today the same thing is happening as at the dawn of Soviet rule, only with a greater kind of blasphemy, because they find time to mock at the graves of the Primates of the UOC.

Victory Can Only Be with Christ

Met. Luke’s wartime notes

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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Victory Can Only Be with Christ

Met. Luke’s wartime notes

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

What evil has our Church done to these people? Who have they offended? What harm have they done to the state?

There is Nothing New Under the Sun

Metropolitan Luke’s Wartime Notes

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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There is Nothing New Under the Sun

Metropolitan Luke’s Wartime Notes

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

We do not choose the time we are to be born in this world, but we do choose how we will spend our time in the world. We choose how to leave this world—either holding on to Christ’s hand, or hooked onto the devil’s tail.

A Call For Prayer: Persecution against the Kiev Cave Monks

Bishop Irenei (Steenberg)

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A Call For Prayer: Persecution against the Kiev Cave Monks

Bishop Irenei (Steenberg)

To all pious Christians, above all I exhort you to pray. Pray to our Almighty God that He will work a miracle amongst His pious flock in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Hierarchs On the State Expelling Holy Orthodoxy from the Kiev Caves Lavra

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Ukrainian Hierarchs On the State Expelling Holy Orthodoxy from the Kiev Caves Lavra

A number of hierarchs have made statements on the situation, emphasizing that the Church built, has prayed in, and rebuilt the Lavra, and that the state has no legal grounds to expel the monatics.

The Persecuted Church in Ukraine:Have We Lost Our Courage?

Archpriest Geoffrey Korz

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The Persecuted Church in Ukraine:Have We Lost Our Courage?

Archpriest Geoffrey Korz

Now, should it surprise us, when confronted with the persecuted canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine, that such compromised consciences might be faced with a dilemma?

"If it says horse, that means it’s a horse." On the Persecutions Against the UOC

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"If it says horse, that means it’s a horse." On the Persecutions Against the UOC

So it is clear that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is about to face the same kind of persecution that they did under Communist rule.

Schism: What Is It?

Stanislav Minkov, Valery Sinilshchikov

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Schism: What Is It?

Stanislav Minkov, Valery Sinilshchikov

What Gehenna befits the one who slaughters Christ Himself and tears Him up to pieces?

“We are witnessing an extraordinary surge of spiritual strength in Ukraine”

A talk with Bishop Victor (Kotsaba)

Bishop Victor (Kotsaba) of Baryshevka

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“We are witnessing an extraordinary surge of spiritual strength in Ukraine”

A talk with Bishop Victor (Kotsaba)

Bishop Victor (Kotsaba) of Baryshevka

It may seem surprising and incredible, but in almost every village where a church was seized (over 100 places, mainly in the western regions of Ukraine) a new one has already been built, or is under construction, or funds are being raised for its construction.

On Orthodoxy in Ukraine after the “Euromaidan Revolution”

Part 2: On theological education in the UOC-MP, and the “Renaming Law” as a ploy to do away with the Church

Metropolitan Kliment (Vecherya)

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On Orthodoxy in Ukraine after the “Euromaidan Revolution”

Part 2: On theological education in the UOC-MP, and the “Renaming Law” as a ploy to do away with the Church

Metropolitan Kliment (Vecherya)

For several years now the new statutes of our parishes, dioceses, monasteries and educational institutions haven’t been registered. New parishes, monasteries and convents are being set up in the country, but no one is registering them—they are outside the legal framework.

Orthodoxy in Ukraine after the “Euromaidan Revolution”

Part 1: Misinformation and biased education

Metropolitan Kliment (Vecherya)

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Orthodoxy in Ukraine after the “Euromaidan Revolution”

Part 1: Misinformation and biased education

Metropolitan Kliment (Vecherya)

Despite the change of government in Ukraine in the spring of 2019, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (the UOC-MP) continues to feel pressure from the central authorities, and remains a target of propaganda attacks.

“The Unilateral Decision by Patriarch Bartholomew on Ukraine Threatens Pan-Orthodox Unity with a Schism of Monstrous Proportions”

Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tellyria

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“The Unilateral Decision by Patriarch Bartholomew on Ukraine Threatens Pan-Orthodox Unity with a Schism of Monstrous Proportions”

Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tellyria

The fundamental problem which will occupy us in the course of our presentation is whether “autocephaly” was granted to Ukraine by right or by error.

The Topic of Autocephaly is the Only One Worthy of a Pan-Orthodox Council

Bishop Irinej of Bačka

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The Topic of Autocephaly is the Only One Worthy of a Pan-Orthodox Council

Bishop Irinej of Bačka

I consider this to be a very tragic situation, and a dangerous one, but I believe that as on the day of Pentecost, as throughout the entire history of the Church, the Holy Spirit guides the Church.

Self-validation as the OCU Schismatics' Ultimate Goal

An interview with Archimandrite Markell (Pavuk), the father-confessor of the Kiev Theological Academy and Seminary

Deacon Sergei Geruk, Archimandrite Markell (Pavuk)

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Self-validation as the OCU Schismatics' Ultimate Goal

An interview with Archimandrite Markell (Pavuk), the father-confessor of the Kiev Theological Academy and Seminary

Deacon Sergei Geruk, Archimandrite Markell (Pavuk)

Currently, their major goal is self-validation. To achieve this, for one, they use state political leverage in an attempt to gain, in league with Patriarch Bartholomew, recognition of their leadership by all Autocephalous Orthodox Churches, even sacrificing Philaret, who conceived them, on their way. On the other hand, they initiated a massive rewriting of history.

“Both Russian and Greek Orthodox Christians Are Persecuted by the Godless of This World”

An Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos and Orinis. Part 3

Metropolitan Isaiah (Kykkotis) of Tamassos

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“Both Russian and Greek Orthodox Christians Are Persecuted by the Godless of This World”

An Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos and Orinis. Part 3

Metropolitan Isaiah (Kykkotis) of Tamassos

The secular world seeks to devour us like "a roaring lion" and rob us of our sanctity. This is the greatest danger, much greater than this accursed separation.

When You Love Someone, You Tell Him the Truth

An Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos and Orinis. Part 2

Metropolitan Isaiah (Kykkotis) of Tamassos

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When You Love Someone, You Tell Him the Truth

An Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos and Orinis. Part 2

Metropolitan Isaiah (Kykkotis) of Tamassos

My only objection and disagreement with this policy of the West is that we have mixed the history and theology of the Orthodox Church with the foreign policy of states, resulting in a serious threat to the future of Orthodox unity.

Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos, on All Aspects of the Ukrainian Question

An Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos and Orinis. Part 1

Metropolitan Isaiah (Kykkotis) of Tamassos

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Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos, on All Aspects of the Ukrainian Question

An Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos and Orinis. Part 1

Metropolitan Isaiah (Kykkotis) of Tamassos

His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos and Orinis gave an interview to the Romfea Church news agency, which we have translated into English in three parts, frankly answering all the questions about his position regarding the actions of Constantinople, the West, and Moscow, and also commenting on the behavior of the Archbishop of Cyprus.

A Political Structure and an Unwanted Autocephaly

An interview by Kathimerini with Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev). Part 2

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev)

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A Political Structure and an Unwanted Autocephaly

An interview by Kathimerini with Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev). Part 2

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev)

How did any autocephaly in Church history begin? With this or that Church declaring its desire to receive independence. This process did not always go smoothly. And unlike what the hierarchs of the Patriarchate of Constantinople are indoctrinating everyone with now, Constantinople certainly did not grant autocephaly in every case.

The Lord Has Entrusted Us With a Church That Has Existed for 1,000 Years

An interview by Kathimerini with Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev). Part 1

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev)

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The Lord Has Entrusted Us With a Church That Has Existed for 1,000 Years

An interview by Kathimerini with Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev). Part 1

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev)

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, the Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, answered questions from the Greek newspaper Kathimerini on the breaking off of Eucharistic Communion, Russian Church unity, and the Council of Crete.

A Cheap Imitation of World Orthodoxy is Being Built Before Our Eyes

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspol and Brovary

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A Cheap Imitation of World Orthodoxy is Being Built Before Our Eyes

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspol and Brovary

A defective and malicious copy of world Orthodoxy is now being built before our eyes. In this parallel system, such aspects as the perversion of the canons, the legalization of schismatics, concelebration with people who have no valid ordination, and the trampling of the conciliar format of Church governance are considered natural and normal.

We Commune, Aware That We Are the Dust of the Earth

An Interview with the Ukrainian Primate, Metropolitan Onuphry

Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

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We Commune, Aware That We Are the Dust of the Earth

An Interview with the Ukrainian Primate, Metropolitan Onuphry

Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

What is needed to restore Eucharistic communion between the Phanar and the Russian Orthodox Church? Is there a threat to Ukrainian Orthodoxy from the Muslim world? How should the Church and its clergy carry out their mission today, and how do today’s trials affect the spiritual life of the faithful?

Cypriot Metropolitan: The Russian Church Was Justified in Breaking Communion with Constantinople

The Conclusions of Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos’ Canonical Study of the Ukrainian Issue

Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tellyria

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Cypriot Metropolitan: The Russian Church Was Justified in Breaking Communion with Constantinople

The Conclusions of Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos’ Canonical Study of the Ukrainian Issue

Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tellyria

The witness of Met. Nikiforos and his new book is especially important because it demonstrates that, despite the loud insistences of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Ukrainian scandal is not about Russians rejecting the special role of Constantinople and the Greek people within the Church, but rather, it is a question of fidelity to the Orthodox canons and theology.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church: Which is Our True Mother Church, and Who is our True Father?

Part 2 of an interview with Abbess Seraphima (Shevchik)

Deacon Sergei Geruk

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The Ukrainian Orthodox Church: Which is Our True Mother Church, and Who is our True Father?

Part 2 of an interview with Abbess Seraphima (Shevchik)

Deacon Sergei Geruk

When I see footage of people in camouflage with Right Sector armbands, swearing and shouting, with rebar and weapons in hand, throwing bloodied elderly people out of churches, beating priests, cutting locks, kicking down church doors—in a word, rioting—my heart bleeds.

“The Strength of Ukraine is in its Orthodox Faith”

A Talk with Abbess Seraphima (Shevchik) for the 30th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Deacon Sergei Geruk

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“The Strength of Ukraine is in its Orthodox Faith”

A Talk with Abbess Seraphima (Shevchik) for the 30th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Deacon Sergei Geruk

Despite internal vicissitudes, the actions of schismatics, and political attacks, life itself has testified that the canonical Church has a healthy core that the gates of hell cannot overcome.

The End of the Calm

Alexander Koval

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The End of the Calm

Alexander Koval

In this situation the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will play the role of one of the “enemy’s” faces—an internal enemy upon which it is easiest to pour out all their rage; and by passing anti-church laws for the confiscation of churches from the faithful it is easy for the Russophobic portion of society to create an illusion of victory.

“You Support Blasphemers Dressed Up in Priestly Vestments”

Open Letter of Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye to Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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“You Support Blasphemers Dressed Up in Priestly Vestments”

Open Letter of Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye to Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

First of all, I want to thank you for becoming an instrument of God’s providence, thanks to which Christ grants our Ukrainian flock crowns of confession, and perhaps martyrdom.

The “Tomosology” of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Part 3

Pavel Darovsky

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The “Tomosology” of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Part 3

Pavel Darovsky

The “Patriarchal Ecumenical Throne” of Constantinople is declared as the head of the Church, and not the Lord Jesus Christ, who is merely called the “Founder” of the Church. This carries already not only canonical, but also critical dogmatic significance.

The “Tomosology” of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Part 2

Pavel Darovsky

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The “Tomosology” of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Part 2

Pavel Darovsky

This document, in actuality, begins a new era of “nominal autocephaly,” in which the number and qualities of the rights of supposedly independent autocephalic Churches are greater than those of autonomous Churches.

Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev, 2008: Creating Parallel Jurisdictions Will Not Heal the Schism

Metropolitan Vladimir (Sabodan)

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Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev, 2008: Creating Parallel Jurisdictions Will Not Heal the Schism

Metropolitan Vladimir (Sabodan)

As we see from events in Ukraine since Patriarch Bartholomew created the “Orthodox Church in Ukraine” in 2018, against the plea here expressed by Metropolitan Vladimir and the fullness of the UOC, Metropolitan Vladimir was completely correct in his foresight.

The Self-Willed and Unexpected Action of the Archbishop of Cyprus

George N. Papaphanasopoulos

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The Self-Willed and Unexpected Action of the Archbishop of Cyprus

George N. Papaphanasopoulos

By recognizing the schismatic archbishop of Ukraine, the Archbishop of Cyprus has completely ignored conciliar order and trampled upon the sacred canons.

“Ignoring and Despising His Own Holy Synod”

Four Cypriot Metropolitans’ Call for Their Archbishop to Cease Commemorating the Head of the Ukrainian Schismatic Church

Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol, Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tellyria, Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos, Bishop Nicholas of Amathountos

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“Ignoring and Despising His Own Holy Synod”

Four Cypriot Metropolitans’ Call for Their Archbishop to Cease Commemorating the Head of the Ukrainian Schismatic Church

Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol, Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tellyria, Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos, Bishop Nicholas of Amathountos

In their appeal, they reaffirm the stance that Patriarch Bartholomew and the other primates who have accepted the schismatics have acted arbitrarily and anti-canonically in Ukraine and only threaten greater disunity and schism in the Church.

On the Freedom of the Ukrainian Church

Archimandrite Markell (Pavuk)

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On the Freedom of the Ukrainian Church

Archimandrite Markell (Pavuk)

In this interview, Fr. Markell discusses freedom in general and the freedom of the Church in particular, how spiritual freedom and political freedom are related, whether a Christian can be free when the Church of Christ is politically oppressed, and what relations are like between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian state today.

Ukrainian Autocephaly: A Call to Unity or the Destruction of the Unity of the Church?

Protopresbyter Anastasios Gotsopoulos

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Ukrainian Autocephaly: A Call to Unity or the Destruction of the Unity of the Church?

Protopresbyter Anastasios Gotsopoulos

As an insufficient, flawed jurisdiction does not imply autocephaly, so an autocephaly which challenges the pan-Orthodox ecumenical (universal) unity of the Orthodox Church, is truly “malcephaly”.

Reunification of the Kiev Metropolitanate With the Russian Church: How Did it Happen and Why

Sergei Kravets

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Reunification of the Kiev Metropolitanate With the Russian Church: How Did it Happen and Why

Sergei Kravets

The spirit of the Constantinopolitan Patriarchate has significantly changed over the last three centuries.

“First Without Equals”

Archpriest Vladislav Tsypin

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“First Without Equals”

Archpriest Vladislav Tsypin

The heads of Local Churches, no matter what place they occupy in the diptychs, are equal in powers, and a certain position in the diptychs, including the first of them, refers to honor, not to power. Moreover, sacramentally speaking, not only the Primates of Local Churches, but all Bishops in general, even those with a significant difference in their administrative status, are equal.

Shine Forth O Kiev the New Jerusalem—The Mother of Churches Watches Over You

More on Historical Pan-Orthodox Councils Called by the Jerusalem Patriarch

Sergei Shumilo

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Shine Forth O Kiev the New Jerusalem—The Mother of Churches Watches Over You

More on Historical Pan-Orthodox Councils Called by the Jerusalem Patriarch

Sergei Shumilo

The year 2020 marks exactly 400 years since the restoration of Orthodox hierarchy in Ukraine by the Patriarch Theophanes III of Jerusalem.

Mike Pompeo in Kiev and the Ukrainian Church Conflict

Alexander Koval

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Mike Pompeo in Kiev and the Ukrainian Church Conflict

Alexander Koval

Ukraine is slowly but surely losing all signs of sovereignty, no matter how consequential it may sound.

The Ukrainian Experiment of the Vatican and the Phanar as a Step Towards Uniting Orthodoxy with Papism

Professor Kyriakos Kyriazopoulos

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The Ukrainian Experiment of the Vatican and the Phanar as a Step Towards Uniting Orthodoxy with Papism

Professor Kyriakos Kyriazopoulos

An experiment of unification of the “OCU” with Uniates is already being conducted. The Vatican, through the “Papal Council for the Cooperation of Christian Unity”, has agreed upon a meeting between the archbishop of the Ukrainian Uniates with Bartholomew.

Was St. John (Maximovitch) a Schismatic?

(Concerning the Statements of Metropolitan Emmanuel of Gaul)

Bernard Le Caro

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Was St. John (Maximovitch) a Schismatic?

(Concerning the Statements of Metropolitan Emmanuel of Gaul)

Bernard Le Caro

Much has already been said about the unfortunate events in the Church life of the much-suffering Orthodox people in Ukraine, and it seemed that the Patriarchate of Constantinople had already exhausted all its arguments to justify the unjustifiable. However, the representatives of Constantinople are now trying to prove that the “Russians” did the same thing in the past, they say, as they, Constantinople, are doing now.

The Jordanian Council: Hopes and Perspectives

Archpriest Vadim Leonov, Dionysius Reddington

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The Jordanian Council: Hopes and Perspectives

Archpriest Vadim Leonov, Dionysius Reddington

The Council participants who have stood up to defend the purity of the Orthodox faith and the teaching of the Church will become the natural center of consolidation for Orthodox people of various nationalities and countries, for whom the Church is not a rudimentary organ of the collapsed Byzantine Empire, but the living Body of Christ.

Ukraine Schism: What is a Layman To Do?

Archpriest John Whiteford

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Ukraine Schism: What is a Layman To Do?

Archpriest John Whiteford

I recently received an e-mail with some practical questions about how people should deal with the implications of the mess created by Constantinople's incursion into the canonical territory of the Russian Church, and their embrace of unrepentant and unordained schismatics in Ukraine.

Statement of the Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

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Statement of the Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, after careful deliberation on recent developments in the sphere of inter-Orthodox relations, makes the following statement...

“We must overcome impermissible egoism, stubbornness and lust for power”

Met Nikiforos of Kykkos’ Speech to the Conference “Monasticism and the Contemporary World”

Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tellyria

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“We must overcome impermissible egoism, stubbornness and lust for power”

Met Nikiforos of Kykkos’ Speech to the Conference “Monasticism and the Contemporary World”

Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tellyria

Met. Nikiforos made the important point that in the current canonical crisis the Orthodox Church, monastics have the particular obligation not to keep silence, but apply all their strength and work toward a resolution.

Met Athanasios of Limassol’s Full Interview About Ukraine

Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol

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Met Athanasios of Limassol’s Full Interview About Ukraine

Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol

It’s a difficult question, and the answer causes a bit of pain, but we must tell things as they are, so there aren’t things left hanging, and there aren’t things that cause our brothers’ consciences to be scandalized.

Unity of the Church, an Image of the Holy Trinity: Orthodox Triadology as a Principle of Ecclesiology

By St. Sophrony (Sakharov)

St. Sophrony (Sakharov)

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Unity of the Church, an Image of the Holy Trinity: Orthodox Triadology as a Principle of Ecclesiology

By St. Sophrony (Sakharov)

St. Sophrony (Sakharov)

In striking contrast with ideas later put forward by Metropolitan John (Zizioulas), Elder Sophrony understands the Orthodox dogma of the Trinity to reject any form of subordinationism whatsoever, as subordinationism corresponds to papism.

Appeal-Supplication
for the Overcoming of the Ecclesiastical Polarization

In anticipation of Christmas 2019

Archbishop Anastasios of Albania

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Appeal-Supplication
for the Overcoming of the Ecclesiastical Polarization

In anticipation of Christmas 2019

Archbishop Anastasios of Albania

This address by Archbishop Anastasios, primate of Albania, was translated from the original Greek for the official website of the Church of Albania.

Where is the Authoritative Voice of the Judge of the Universe?

A Heartfelt Letter to Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria

Metropolitan Agafangel of Odessa

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Where is the Authoritative Voice of the Judge of the Universe?

A Heartfelt Letter to Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria

Metropolitan Agafangel of Odessa

Following the sorrowful news of Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria’s decision to recognize the schismatic “Orthodox Church of Ukraine,” His Eminence Metropolitan Agafangel of Odessa of the canonical Ukrainian Church penned a moving and heartfelt letter to the Patriarch, with whom he has long been personally acquainted.

Christ and the Church: Responding to Contemporary Currents in ‘Trinitarian Ecclesiology”

Bishop Irenei (Steenberg)

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Christ and the Church: Responding to Contemporary Currents in ‘Trinitarian Ecclesiology”

Bishop Irenei (Steenberg)

I wish to confine myself here to one specific manner in which a wrong application of Trinitarian articulations to ecclesiological matters has deeply distorted the latter; namely, the application of Trinitarian relations to the hierarchy of ecclesial primacy amongst the churches.

What is Patriarch Bartholomew’s Error?

On the essence, causes, and ways to overcome the current crisis in inter-Church relations

Priest Alexander Mazyrin

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What is Patriarch Bartholomew’s Error?

On the essence, causes, and ways to overcome the current crisis in inter-Church relations

Priest Alexander Mazyrin

It is imperative to stand up for the purity of canonical tradition preserved by the Orthodox Church and repel all attempts at any papist perversion, be it from the West or from the East.

The Word of the Patriarch

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill

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The Word of the Patriarch

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill

In this whole story related to the problem of recognition or non-recognition of Ukrainian schismatics by the Local Orthodox Churches, there is something that is not declared, but which is the main goal of the forces behind the scenes that unleashed this schismatic activity.

“If the Phanar Continues to Systematically Split Orthodoxy, Then Anything Can Happen”

Archbishop Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Boyarka

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“If the Phanar Continues to Systematically Split Orthodoxy, Then Anything Can Happen”

Archbishop Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Boyarka

If for foreign Orthodox philocatholic hierarchs, their drift towards the Unia seems conscious and long-desired, then they will lead our schismatics from the OCU there on a short leash, without asking their opinion.

Greek Church recognizes Ukrainian schismatics…or did they? Perspectives for the future

The Greek Church and Synod are divided by Constantinople over Ukraine. Some factions are rushing to recognize schismatics, others are resisting

Matfey Shaheen

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Greek Church recognizes Ukrainian schismatics…or did they? Perspectives for the future

The Greek Church and Synod are divided by Constantinople over Ukraine. Some factions are rushing to recognize schismatics, others are resisting

Matfey Shaheen

Now the biggest question is, why are there two conflicting reports?

“They Will Not Destroy Greek-Slavic Friendship”

The Russian Holy Synod’s Statement of October 17, 2019 on the Ukrainian Issue and the Greek Church

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“They Will Not Destroy Greek-Slavic Friendship”

The Russian Holy Synod’s Statement of October 17, 2019 on the Ukrainian Issue and the Greek Church

“We cherish prayerful communion with our brethren in the Greek Orthodox Church and will maintain a living prayerful, canonical and Eucharistic connection with it—through all those archpastors and pastors who have already spoken out or will further oppose the recognition of the Ukrainian schism.”

The Greek Synod’s Decision: Vox Populi

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The Greek Synod’s Decision: Vox Populi

Although the rule of the Church is entrusted to its hierarchs, the laity are just as much a part of the Church, the Body of Christ, as are the priest, bishops, and patriarchs—and their opinions also matter.

The Civil War in Ukraine 100 years ago

Vasily Tsvetkov

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The Civil War in Ukraine 100 years ago

Vasily Tsvetkov

It should be noted here that Ukrainian separatism was supported not only by the elite like Hrushevsky, Vinnichenko and Petlyura, but also by specific money: financial “injections” that were carried out by the Germans and especially the Austrians.

A Message of Love in Christ and Orthodox Brotherhood

Three Greek Clerics’ Support for the Ukrainian Church and Appeal to the Hierarchs of the Greek Church

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A Message of Love in Christ and Orthodox Brotherhood

Three Greek Clerics’ Support for the Ukrainian Church and Appeal to the Hierarchs of the Greek Church

On September 22, three Greek priests concelebrated with His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine. After the Divine service, they congratulated the primate of the UOC and conveyed to him the disquiet of the Orthodox clergy and laity of Greece about the crisis within Orthodoxy in connection with events in Ukraine.

On the Abuse of the Sacred Institution of Autocephaly

An Open Letter from Greek Clergy and Laity on the Ukrainian Issue

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On the Abuse of the Sacred Institution of Autocephaly

An Open Letter from Greek Clergy and Laity on the Ukrainian Issue

Why, then, does the Church of Greece alone first take on such a decision Herself, contradicting the ecclesiastical consciousness of all the Local Churches in order to satisfy the Phanar’s erroneous and failed choices? Why should she scandalize the souls of the millions of Ukrainian Orthodox faithful who contend with deprivation and persecution and remain faithful to their ecclesiastical tradition?

Founded Upon Fallacies

A Reply to Metropolitan Hierotheos’ Ukrainian Proposal

Dionysius Redington

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Founded Upon Fallacies

A Reply to Metropolitan Hierotheos’ Ukrainian Proposal

Dionysius Redington

It has been a surprise to many that in the recent ecclesiastical conflict, supposedly over Ukrainian autocephaly though with origins in fact much deeper, Metropolitan Hierotheos has championed Constantinople’s position with an eloquence and fervor sadly rare on the other side.

The Patriarchate of Constantinople’s Self-Understanding

Patriarch Bartholomew’s Letter to Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus

Patriarch Bartholomew

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The Patriarchate of Constantinople’s Self-Understanding

Patriarch Bartholomew’s Letter to Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus

Patriarch Bartholomew

The following letter, from Patriarch Bartholomew to Archbishop Chrysostomos, dated June 9, 2019, clearly expresses the EP’s own self-understanding of his role, rights and responsibilities in world Orthodoxy in such a way that it becomes evident why he would not welcome Archbishop Chrysostom of Cyprus’ mediation in the Ukrainian crisis.

Repentance Cannot Be Replaced or Annulled

A Letter to the Holy Synod of Greece About the Ukrainian Schismatic Church

Dr. Demetrios Tselengidis

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Repentance Cannot Be Replaced or Annulled

A Letter to the Holy Synod of Greece About the Ukrainian Schismatic Church

Dr. Demetrios Tselengidis

The condition of expressing repentance is not invalidated or annulled by any institutional person or institutional ecclesiastical body. There exists no Ecclesiastical Economy that can replace or annul repentance. Repentance itself constitutes the fundamental condition and spiritual “key” to receiving and possessing the Economy of salvation.

On the History of the Russian Orthodox Church in Korea

An Open Letter Response to Metropolitan Ambrose of Korea

Metropolitan Sergei of Singapore

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On the History of the Russian Orthodox Church in Korea

An Open Letter Response to Metropolitan Ambrose of Korea

Metropolitan Sergei of Singapore

“In your interview you clearly allege that the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate in Southeast Asia are uncanonical. I take the liberty to remind you the history of the emergence of Orthodoxy in the region: Russian priests began their pastoral ministry in China in 1685, St. Nicholas (Kasatkin) came to Japan in 1861, and the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Korea was established in 1897.”

The Wolf and the Sheep: One Village’s Experience of the Insatiable OCU

In Shandrovets, Lvov region, the priest was dragged out of his house in winter; church seizures continue across Ukraine

Deacon Sergei Geruk

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The Wolf and the Sheep: One Village’s Experience of the Insatiable OCU

In Shandrovets, Lvov region, the priest was dragged out of his house in winter; church seizures continue across Ukraine

Deacon Sergei Geruk

Thus, as it was in the first centuries of Christianity and during the Communist persecutions in the twentieth century, Fr. Ilia and his faithful parishioners gather in the homes of different people in secret for worship to avoid possible reprisals by the schismatics and their patrons, who don’t scruple to use any means to sully the archpriest’s good name.

Analyzing the Ukrainian Cross Processions—Why did 300,000 Ukrainians March for the Baptizer of Russia?

Matfey Shaheen

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Analyzing the Ukrainian Cross Processions—Why did 300,000 Ukrainians March for the Baptizer of Russia?

Matfey Shaheen

This article is put forth to compare the All Ukrainian Cross Procession of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate on the Baptism of Rus’, with the one held by the schismatic “OCU”, which is recognized only by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Dialogue Cannot Take Place Against the Backdrop of Church Seizures

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspol and Brovary

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Dialogue Cannot Take Place Against the Backdrop of Church Seizures

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspol and Brovary

Our conscience is clear—it is not us who seize churches, but it is our churches being seized. We do not violate anyone’s rights, but our believers suffer because of their loyalty to God. We do not shed blood and we do not provoke the incitement of sectarian strife.

Ukrainian schismatic “priest,” Uniates, consider Nazi SS Galicia fighters saints

Matfey Shaheen

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Ukrainian schismatic “priest,” Uniates, consider Nazi SS Galicia fighters saints

Matfey Shaheen

In a disgusting, yet tragically unsurprising speech, it recently came to light that yet another “priest” of the schismatic “Orthodox Church of Ukraine”(OCU) literally glorifies Nazis.

How Patriarch Bartholomew is Healing the Schism and Restoring Church Unity

A Tomos of Schism instead of a Tomos of Unification

Alexei Smirnov

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How Patriarch Bartholomew is Healing the Schism and Restoring Church Unity

A Tomos of Schism instead of a Tomos of Unification

Alexei Smirnov

The true reason is that the calculated actions of Bartholomew in Ukraine fully fit into the long-term strategy of the Phanar which is aimed at strengthening the position of the Constantinople Patriarchate and establishing its authority over the other Local Orthodox Churches.

Interconfessional Conflicts in Ukraine During the Twentieth to Twenty-first Centuries

Archpriest Rostislav Yarema

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Interconfessional Conflicts in Ukraine During the Twentieth to Twenty-first Centuries

Archpriest Rostislav Yarema

In this article, Fr. Rostislav talks about the history of violent church seizures, and secretive Vatican collusion in Ukraine after the breakup of the USSR and the creation of an independent Ukrainian state.

An Overview of Church Schisms in Ukraine

Archpriest Rostislav Yarema

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 30

An Overview of Church Schisms in Ukraine

Archpriest Rostislav Yarema

This article presents a timeline of schism in Ukraine. There is nothing like it available in English, partly because the history is so complicated and convoluted.

Archbishop of America Elpidophoros, or the End of All Illusions About the Phanar

Arkady Maler

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Rating: 8.6|Votes: 72

Archbishop of America Elpidophoros, or the End of All Illusions About the Phanar

Arkady Maler

The appointment of Metropolitan Elpidophoros as head of the American archbishopric is a final confirmation that the Phanar has no intention of reversing its ideological course.

I Admire How Metropolitan Onuphry Has Handled This Crisis

Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol

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Rating: 8.6|Votes: 39

I Admire How Metropolitan Onuphry Has Handled This Crisis

Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol

Every day we say to Christ: “Thy will be done.” We must seek it and it should be the purpose of our life. And this approach should be seen on the level of the primates of the Churches all the moreso.

Politicians Try to Sit Upon the Throne of the Church Because They Do Not See Christ Upon It

Deacon Sergei Geruk, Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 34

Politicians Try to Sit Upon the Throne of the Church Because They Do Not See Christ Upon It

Deacon Sergei Geruk, Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

In this talk with His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine on the Church of Christ and pseudo-churches, the primate speaks about what it means for him personally to be in the Church and how he makes decisions that could affect the fate of many people.

"Our Paschal Joy is Grieved": The Open Letter of Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin, Bulgaria concerning Constantinople's actions

Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin

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Rating: 9.5|Votes: 42

"Our Paschal Joy is Grieved": The Open Letter of Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin, Bulgaria concerning Constantinople's actions

Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin

I believe it necessary for reasons put forth in my letter to share with Your Eminence my concerns with regard to recent developments in the Orthodox Church.

The Dystopian Papacy Of Bartholomew I of Constantinople

Fr. James Rosselli

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Rating: 9.2|Votes: 95

The Dystopian Papacy Of Bartholomew I of Constantinople

Fr. James Rosselli

Such a good, sound plan. It just didn’t work out that way.

Will the Georgian Orthodox Church Recognize Patriarch Bartholomew’s Primacy in the Orthodox World?

Tamara Lomidze

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Rating: 7.4|Votes: 35

Will the Georgian Orthodox Church Recognize Patriarch Bartholomew’s Primacy in the Orthodox World?

Tamara Lomidze

If we recognize the OCU, we will let Constantinople into the canonical territory of the Georgian Church.

The Two-headed Hydra of the Ukrainian Schism and World Orthodoxy

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev)

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Rating: 9.3|Votes: 68

The Two-headed Hydra of the Ukrainian Schism and World Orthodoxy

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev)

For the past four months not a single Local Orthodox Church has recognized the act committed by Patriarch Bartholomew in flagrant violation of Church canons. A number of Churches officially expressed their disagreement with this act, as well as their non-recognition of the legalization of the schismatics, and expressed their support for the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church led by Metropolitan Onuphry. Other Churches took time to examine the situation. None of them has supported the lawlessness. Why?

Archbishop Ieronymos Has Reached a Dead End on Ukraine

Patriarch Bartholomew is Isolated: The Danger of Ethnophyletism

Fr. Theodore Zisis

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Rating: 9.2|Votes: 59

Archbishop Ieronymos Has Reached a Dead End on Ukraine

Patriarch Bartholomew is Isolated: The Danger of Ethnophyletism

Fr. Theodore Zisis

As of today, four of the five Grecophone Churches have not united with the Constantinople Church, while the fifth—the Church of Greece—is waiting and remaining silent. Furthermore, two Churches, of Cyprus and Albania, have synodically resolved to require that a Pan-Orthodox Council be convened to decide the Ukraine question.

To Recognize a “Church” Having Hierarchs Without Apostolic Succession is a Serious Challenge

Protopresbyter Anastasios Gotsopoulos

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Rating: 9.7|Votes: 55

To Recognize a “Church” Having Hierarchs Without Apostolic Succession is a Serious Challenge

Protopresbyter Anastasios Gotsopoulos

The bishops of the UAOC (making up thirty percent of the new “autocephalous” church of Ukraine) were consecrated by two people: one deposed, and one self-consecrated!

The Unfortunate Opinion of the Representatives of the Great Lavra, Iveron, Koutloumousiou, and New Esphigmenou

Jesse Dominick

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Rating: 6.8|Votes: 19

The Unfortunate Opinion of the Representatives of the Great Lavra, Iveron, Koutloumousiou, and New Esphigmenou

Jesse Dominick

While the statement has been condemned in the broader opinion of the Sacred Community, we have decided to make comments on the statement for the good of our readers, as the attitudes in the statement are unfortunately prevalent in certain Church circles today.

The Gospel According to Poroshenko: Politics, Religion, and the New Church of Ukraine

Nicolai N. Petro

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Rating: 6.1|Votes: 10

The Gospel According to Poroshenko: Politics, Religion, and the New Church of Ukraine

Nicolai N. Petro

While Poroshenko has gained the backing of the Patriarch of Constantinople, the rest of the Orthodox world has taken a wait-and-see attitude since, in the tradition of Orthodox Christianity, the consequences of these actions will not become fully manifest until far into the future.

Epistle of the Clergy of the Western American Diocese, Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

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Rating: 9.6|Votes: 53

Epistle of the Clergy of the Western American Diocese, Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Our hearts bleed for our brethren and sisters afflicted by these events, and we call all Orthodox peoples to fervent prayer on behalf of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, his fellow Hierarchs, and all suffering faithful in Ukraine and in every land.

Statement of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on the current situation in Ukrainian and World Orthodoxy

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Rating: 9.5|Votes: 42

Statement of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on the current situation in Ukrainian and World Orthodoxy

We state that the idea of overcoming the church schism in Ukraine by the granting of a Tomos of autocephaly to the non-canonical church groups (“UOC-KP” and “UAOC”) has turned out to be a grave error.

Speaking the Truth in Love

On the Ukrainian Ecclesiastical Question. Second Reply

Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana

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Rating: 7.2|Votes: 29

Speaking the Truth in Love

On the Ukrainian Ecclesiastical Question. Second Reply

Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana

After the information (of March 26, 2019) that the Italian translation of the Patriarchal Letter of March 9, 2019 was inserted within the “category of texts of Dogmatic and Symbolic Theology” it was decided to make the related answer of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania (March 9, 2019) public.

An American Perspective on the Ukraine Crisis

Archpriest John Whiteford

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 56

An American Perspective on the Ukraine Crisis

Archpriest John Whiteford

This is the text of a talk that I gave at St. Tikhon University in Moscow, at a conference entitled "Causes and Challenges of the Current Crisis of Inter-Orthodox Relations," on February 25th, 2019.

The Return of the “New Rome”

Fr. Patrick Burke

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Rating: 8|Votes: 56

The Return of the “New Rome”

Fr. Patrick Burke

Constantinople’s resurrection as the New Rome leads inexorably to its bowing in obedience to the Old.

The Origins of Modern-Day Ukrainian Ecclesiastical Anarchy

“Lipkovskyism” As a Spiritual, Canonical, and Ecclesiological Problem of the Ukrainian Churches

Sergei Shumilo

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Rating: 7.7|Votes: 10

The Origins of Modern-Day Ukrainian Ecclesiastical Anarchy

“Lipkovskyism” As a Spiritual, Canonical, and Ecclesiological Problem of the Ukrainian Churches

Sergei Shumilo

And although there is virtually nothing and no one left of Lipkovsky in the Church outwardly, it hovers over our Church as a black raven, corrupting it from the inside to this day…

Ukraine: Then and Now

Archpriest Andrei Tkachev

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Rating: 9.1|Votes: 29

Ukraine: Then and Now

Archpriest Andrei Tkachev

This assessment and comparison of persecutions against the Church in Ukraine by the Poroshenko government today and its persecution by the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth after the Brest Unia in the sixteenth century was offered by an Archpriest Andrei Tkachev, who was born and raised in Lvov, the center of Western Ukraine and the stronghold of Greek Catholicism (Uniatism).

Conditional Love

Jad Ganem

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 13

Conditional Love

Jad Ganem

Why did the Ecumenical Patriarchate refuse to include the issue of affirming the churches' autocephaly during the "Council of Crete", despite repeated requests made by the Church of Serbia regarding this before and during the council?

Ecclesiological Principles Cannot Be Ignored

The Albanian Church’s Letter to Patriarch Bartholomew

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Rating: 7.5|Votes: 42

Ecclesiological Principles Cannot Be Ignored

The Albanian Church’s Letter to Patriarch Bartholomew

It is universally recognized as a basic ecclesiological principle that the ordinations of heretics and schismatics, and especially of those who are deposed and excommunicated, as a “Sacrament,” celebrated by all the Churches, are invalid. This basic principle is inextricably bound with the Orthodox teaching on the Holy Spirit and constitutes an unshakeable foundation of the Apostolic succession of Orthodox bishops. It is our conviction that this principle cannot be ignored.

Is There Cause To Interrupt Eucharistic Communion?

Part 2: A Context For Understanding Ecclesial Decrees

Anna Stickles

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Rating: 7.7|Votes: 15

Is There Cause To Interrupt Eucharistic Communion?

Part 2: A Context For Understanding Ecclesial Decrees

Anna Stickles

First of all it is canonically and historically clear that interruption of Eucharistic communion and ceasing to commemorate a Patriarch, when done rightly is for the protection of the faith.

Constantinople representative (2016): Patr. Bartholomew recognizes Ukrainian Church as territory of Russian Church (VIDEO)

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Rating: 7.1|Votes: 9

Constantinople representative (2016): Patr. Bartholomew recognizes Ukrainian Church as territory of Russian Church (VIDEO)

In June 2016, the Katehon Think Tank asked Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, an influential priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdioces of America, a jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, for his assessment of the appeal made by the Ukrainian parliament at that time for a tomos of autocephaly.

How to Respond to Lawlessness

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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Rating: 9.7|Votes: 28

How to Respond to Lawlessness

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

Summing up, I like would to stress that you should always take an active position, especially in matters of paramount importance, which is exactly what the question of the defense of our faith is.

Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany issues an open letter to the German Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops

Archbishop Mark (Arndt)

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Rating: 9.7|Votes: 56

Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany issues an open letter to the German Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops

Archbishop Mark (Arndt)

It is with a saddened heart that I, as archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Berlin and Germany (ROCOR), take this opportunity to clarify our diocese’s position on the current developments among the Orthodox.

“Hear the Lamentations of the Faithful”

An Open Letter of Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye and Melitopol to His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 46

“Hear the Lamentations of the Faithful”

An Open Letter of Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye and Melitopol to His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

The apotheosis of this lawlessness was the formation of the so-called “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” on the basis of structures that had fallen away from the Mother Church, whose autocephaly the Patriarchate of Constantinople single-handedly established by issuing a tomos.

Comments on the Archons’ Town Hall Meeting on Ukrainian Autocephaly

Jesse Dominick

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Rating: 8.9|Votes: 33

Comments on the Archons’ Town Hall Meeting on Ukrainian Autocephaly

Jesse Dominick

The Archons are Patriarch Bartholomew’s PR arm and fundraisers and few expected anything new from this meeting—the right of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to intervene in any Church situation anywhere, any time would be asserted again with little real engagement of the serious issues involved in every aspect of the current Church crisis in Ukraine and Constantinople’s role in it.

“They Will Suffer a Shameful End”: How St. Laurence of Chernigov (1868-1950) Foretold the End of the Current Reign of Satan in Washington, Kiev and Istanbul

St. Laurence of Chernigov

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Rating: 8.6|Votes: 79

“They Will Suffer a Shameful End”: How St. Laurence of Chernigov (1868-1950) Foretold the End of the Current Reign of Satan in Washington, Kiev and Istanbul

St. Laurence of Chernigov

“To break away from the Church is the greatest and unforgiveable sin, for it is the sin against the Holy Spirit.”

Greco-Protestantism

Alexander Shchipkov

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Rating: 8.4|Votes: 69

Greco-Protestantism

Alexander Shchipkov

The threat of secular reformation is hanging over Orthodoxy.

The Heresy of Constantinople Papism

Priest George Maximov

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Rating: 9.2|Votes: 50

The Heresy of Constantinople Papism

Priest George Maximov

The Orthodox of various countries are looking on in perplexity and horror as the primate of a respected Church suddenly proclaims as his own canonical territory what has for over 300 years been accepted by everyone without exception as part of another Local Church, and pronounces those whom the entire Orthodox Church has unanimously recognized as schismatics to be part of the canonical Church—at the same time threatening to pronounce as schismatics those who have been abiding in Eucharistic unity with all the Local Churches.

What is the Price of “Unity”?

Fr. James Rosselli

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Rating: 9|Votes: 44

What is the Price of “Unity”?

Fr. James Rosselli

The Ecumenical Patriarch's actions in Ukraine have prompted calls for a Synaxis. Patriarch Bartholomew's refusal to convene one has prompted some to suggest suspension, hopefully temporary, of communion with the CP, and an appeal to Alexandria, the next in line, to convene the meeting. There is hesitation, based on concern for unity. In response, many are beginning to ask…

The Secret Political History of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

President Truman viewed the Ecumenical Patriarchate as “vital to American Foreign Policy”

Matfey Shaheen

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Rating: 8.7|Votes: 79

The Secret Political History of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

President Truman viewed the Ecumenical Patriarchate as “vital to American Foreign Policy”

Matfey Shaheen

This article is put forth to demonstrate the political captivity of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to foreign powers throughout history, especially the United States.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the “Holy Church of Ukraine”: Who Has More Independence?

Kirill Alexandrov

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Rating: 8.9|Votes: 17

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the “Holy Church of Ukraine”: Who Has More Independence?

Kirill Alexandrov

A comparison of the relationship of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church with the Moscow Patriarchate and the “Holy Church of Ukraine” with the Phanar

About Good Doctor Aibolit and the Greek Orthodox Church

Priest Sergei Begiyan

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Rating: 8.8|Votes: 44

About Good Doctor Aibolit and the Greek Orthodox Church

Priest Sergei Begiyan

To understand that Patriarch Bartholomew is by no means a good doctor, that he pursues completely specific materialistic goals, we must forget for a while about the current conflict and recall another. We must remember the Greek Orthodox Church.

On the Future of Orthodoxy in Ukraine and in the World

A Conversation with Archbishop Theodosy (Snigirev)

Sergei Geruk, Archbishop Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Boyarka

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Rating: 9.1|Votes: 57

On the Future of Orthodoxy in Ukraine and in the World

A Conversation with Archbishop Theodosy (Snigirev)

Sergei Geruk, Archbishop Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Boyarka

And here are the proud speeches about racial superiority and religious exclusivity: “’O God, I thank Thee,’ and other foolish words…” The Patriarch says such things so openly and pretentiously that it’s even become frightful.

Is Repentance Needed for Healing Schism?

Anna Stickles

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Rating: 10|Votes: 20

Is Repentance Needed for Healing Schism?

Anna Stickles

Recently, in defense of Constantinople’s actions in Ukraine, some have commented that while repentance is nice as an ideal, “the healing of schisms has rarely involved repentance.” The implication is that repentance is optional, not necessary.

The Interference by the Phanar in the UOC-MP Affairs Divides and not Unites People in the Entire Orthodox World

Archpriest Seraphim Gan

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 35

The Interference by the Phanar in the UOC-MP Affairs Divides and not Unites People in the Entire Orthodox World

Archpriest Seraphim Gan

Why does the Phanar act so cautiously with Orthodox in America and yet acts in such an irresponsible way in Ukraine? What is the stand of the ROCOR on the policy of the Phanar in Ukraine?

Getting to the Essence. A Look at the Schism Through the Eyes of Professor Osipov

Professor Alexei Osipov

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Rating: 9|Votes: 48

Getting to the Essence. A Look at the Schism Through the Eyes of Professor Osipov

Professor Alexei Osipov

The following is a translated transcript of a Spas (Savior) Orthodox TV channel special edition of their program, “Straight to the essence”. In these extremely disturbing times, people want to hear a familiar, trusted voice of experience and sound theology. Professor Osipov is that voice.

Ten Reasons Why the Ecumenical Patriarchate Made a Huge Mistake in Ukraine

George Selinsky

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Rating: 8.8|Votes: 53

Ten Reasons Why the Ecumenical Patriarchate Made a Huge Mistake in Ukraine

George Selinsky

It is likely what I have to say here will be received by some as “Russian disinformation”, but I will dare to make my opinion known to my fellow Orthodox Greeks and others, in hope it will at least make them think more deeply about the potential consequences of what just happened this January in the Phanar.

A Canonical Crisis in the Orthodox Church

Primacy, Conciliarity and the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)

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Rating: 9.3|Votes: 154

A Canonical Crisis in the Orthodox Church

Primacy, Conciliarity and the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)

The actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople (EP) in its process of granting a Tomos of autocephaly to the schismatic groups in Ukraine have created a canonical crisis.

The Tomos for Ukraine: What’s Typical and What’s Specific

Vladimir Burega

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Rating: 8.8|Votes: 26

The Tomos for Ukraine: What’s Typical and What’s Specific

Vladimir Burega

We will try to sort out what in the Ukrainian tomos is typical and what is, so to speak, specific.

“Chaos Awaits Us”

On Patriarch Bartholomew’s Granting of Autocephaly to the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine”

Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland

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Rating: 9.2|Votes: 46

“Chaos Awaits Us”

On Patriarch Bartholomew’s Granting of Autocephaly to the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine”

Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland

More and more I think this matter is in God’s hands alone. Otherwise, we’ll never get out of this situation created by satan.

Do We Have a Pope?

Fr. James Rosselli

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Rating: 8.7|Votes: 57

Do We Have a Pope?

Fr. James Rosselli

Thousands gather expectantly in Kiev’s Independence Square as the rising smoke from burning churches heralds what could be the dawning of a new era. Hearts beat fast and heat rises from the multitude despite the cold. Hundreds of clergy and religious, many of them under house arrest or watching from prisons or hospitals, join the rest of the Orthodox world in anticipation of the answer to the question on everyone’s mind…

“It is Not Too Late to Stop”

A Sorrowful Reply to Patriarch Bartholomew Concerning His Anti-Canonical Actions in Ukraine

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill

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Rating: 9.5|Votes: 96

“It is Not Too Late to Stop”

A Sorrowful Reply to Patriarch Bartholomew Concerning His Anti-Canonical Actions in Ukraine

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill

In reply to a letter of His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, in which he informed of all his decisions and actions regarding the granting of autocephaly to Ukraine, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed his deep pain, astonishment and indignation over the anti-canonical actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The Sexual Subversion of Ukraine

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Rating: 3.2|Votes: 13

The Sexual Subversion of Ukraine

It is hard to assess exactly how significant the moral/sexual component of undermining Orthodoxy in Ukraine is, but there is no denying it is a factor. There is a curious consistency between advocacy for non-traditional, post-Christian sexual morality and support for the schismatic pseudo-Church sponsored by Poroshenko and Patriarch Bartholomew.

How Constantinople Arranged a Tribunal Against the Righteous Patriarch Diodoros of Jerusalem

Athanasios Zoitakis

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Rating: 8.5|Votes: 32

How Constantinople Arranged a Tribunal Against the Righteous Patriarch Diodoros of Jerusalem

Athanasios Zoitakis

The unlawful actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Ukraine are certainly not the first incident of the Phanar’s non-canonical encroachment into the affairs of the Local Orthodox Churches. A clear example of an attempt to substitute an Ecumenical Council with the court of the Patriarch of Constantinople is found in the councils of the Greek-speaking Churches in 1993 and 1994.

Ukrainian Laws Against the UOC: Goals and Consequences

Mikhail Shevchenko

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Rating: 9.8|Votes: 16

Ukrainian Laws Against the UOC: Goals and Consequences

Mikhail Shevchenko

The vicissitudes in the relations between the Ukrainian state and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church are rapidly reaching their apogee. Just a few days after the creation of the so-called “Orthodox Church of Ukraine,” consisting of representatives of two non-canonical structures—the UAOC and the UOC-KP—the Ukrainian authorities began to fight with canonical Orthodoxy at the legislative level.

Russian Church ready to dialogue with Constantinople but not to reject truth

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Rating: 8.7|Votes: 32

Russian Church ready to dialogue with Constantinople but not to reject truth

The Russian Church has been attempting to hold a constructive dialogue with Constantinople about the Ukraine issue for months, and numerous Synods, primates, and hierarchs from around the Orthodox have called for a pan-Orthodox council on the matter, or at the least for Moscow and Constantinople to work together, but Constantinople has consistently refused to hear these calls.

Metropolitan Onuphry’s Pastoral Love for the Ukrainian People

Jesse Dominick

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Rating: 9.2|Votes: 38

Metropolitan Onuphry’s Pastoral Love for the Ukrainian People

Jesse Dominick

Undoubtedly, from a secular PR perspective, Met. Onuphry’s choice to remain seated was a nightmare, but he chose to represent a higher calling.

In True Borgia Style

The “unification council” in Kiev: how it went, conclusions and prospects

Taras Melnick

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Rating: 8.8|Votes: 47

In True Borgia Style

The “unification council” in Kiev: how it went, conclusions and prospects

Taras Melnick

Only a few days had passed after the council when the information space began shocking everyone with scandalous and absolutely unexpected announcements and publications made by participants of the above event.

Ecclesiology of the Schism: Historical Reflections

Priest Mikhail Ulanov

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Rating: 9.7|Votes: 29

Ecclesiology of the Schism: Historical Reflections

Priest Mikhail Ulanov

This position fully explains the canonical nihilism of Constantinople. Since the canons do not provide opportunities for primacy, they are rejected.

“The Unification of Schismatics Has No Relation to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church”

Address of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, December 17, 2018

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Rating: 9.5|Votes: 35

“The Unification of Schismatics Has No Relation to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church”

Address of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, December 17, 2018

For our Church, in fact, nothing has changed, inasmuch as the schismatics remain in schism, and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church remains the true Church of Christ in Ukraine.

The Profane and the Sacred

Fr. Nectarios Trevino

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Rating: 7.6|Votes: 40

The Profane and the Sacred

Fr. Nectarios Trevino

The present crisis in the news did not begin today. Its roots began in the nineteenth century—if not earlier, continued into the twentieth century, and are maturing in the twenty-first century with a new fervor into an unprecedented form of authority and authenticity—perhaps trusting that God and His people are not looking.

“My Peace I Give Unto You”

Epistle of the Synod of Bishops to the Clergy and Flock of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

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Rating: 9.2|Votes: 26

“My Peace I Give Unto You”

Epistle of the Synod of Bishops to the Clergy and Flock of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

These words overflow with pastoral care and true concern for those suffering under the current persecutions and disasters.

“Dear Loyal Subject of the Turkish Republic, Mr. Bartholomew!”

An Answer to the Invitation to Constantinople’s Ukrainian Robber Council

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 178

“Dear Loyal Subject of the Turkish Republic, Mr. Bartholomew!”

An Answer to the Invitation to Constantinople’s Ukrainian Robber Council

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye and Melitopol

Whereas His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine chose to return his invitation unanswered to Constantinople, giving us an example of meekness and humility, Met. Luke offers us an example of fiery, righteous zeal—both examples that are good and necessary in the Church.

“The Patriarch of Constantinople Has No Canonical Right to Convene Any Assembly in Ukraine”

Resolutions of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, December 7, 2018

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Rating: 9|Votes: 34

“The Patriarch of Constantinople Has No Canonical Right to Convene Any Assembly in Ukraine”

Resolutions of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, December 7, 2018

On December 7, 2018, a session of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was held in the residence of the primate of the UOC on the territory of the Holy Dormition-Kiev Caves Lavra in which the hierarchs addressed the upcoming so-called “unification council” and the Ukrainian state’s increasing interference in the life of and persecution against the Church.

“The Pochaev Lavra is Ruled Neither by the Ministry of Culture Nor the Museum, But by the Mother of God”

A Conversation With the Abbot of the Holy Dormition-Pochaev Lavra, Metropolitan Vladimir (Moroz)

Sergei Geruk, Metropolitan Vladimir (Moroz)

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Rating: 9.6|Votes: 24

“The Pochaev Lavra is Ruled Neither by the Ministry of Culture Nor the Museum, But by the Mother of God”

A Conversation With the Abbot of the Holy Dormition-Pochaev Lavra, Metropolitan Vladimir (Moroz)

Sergei Geruk, Metropolitan Vladimir (Moroz)

Not a single monk will compromise his conscience, leave the monastery, or endorse the new evil currents with the creation of the so-called United Local Church.

Ethno-phyletism and the Patriarch of Constantinople

Anna Stickles

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Rating: 7.3|Votes: 35

Ethno-phyletism and the Patriarch of Constantinople

Anna Stickles

If Constantinople decides to submit to Porshenko’s wishes and establish an Orthodox church on Ukrainian soil against the wishes of the canonical Church, is not the ecclesiological heresy of ethno-phyletism exactly what will appear? This denies the central Eucharistic mission of the Church.

If We Lose the Purity of Faith, We Are Worthless As Christians

Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 40

If We Lose the Purity of Faith, We Are Worthless As Christians

Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

His Beatitude answers the questions of his flock about the fast, the Church, and the faith.

What Rights Does the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Really Have?

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Rating: 10|Votes: 17

What Rights Does the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Really Have?

In connection with the numerous speculations about the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the Russian, the Diocese of Gorlovka and Slavyansk of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has published the documents that fix its status and freedoms, which we present here...

The Patriarchate of Constantinople needs to admit its real status in the Orthodox world

Archpriest Andrei Tkachev

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Rating: 8.7|Votes: 49

The Patriarchate of Constantinople needs to admit its real status in the Orthodox world

Archpriest Andrei Tkachev

The question is: Where is there room for Christ in all this self-importance?

“Can’t you see that you’re being deceived!”

The Ukrainian Church of Moscow Patriarchate has MORE freedoms than certain other Autocephalous Churches

Archpriest Nicholai Danilevich

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Rating: 9.3|Votes: 31

“Can’t you see that you’re being deceived!”

The Ukrainian Church of Moscow Patriarchate has MORE freedoms than certain other Autocephalous Churches

Archpriest Nicholai Danilevich

In this article, using the experiences of the Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands, and the Church of Greece, Father Nicholai demonstrates how the canonical UOC would almost certainly have more rights than the purposed “Autocephalous”, “Single Local Church”, which Constantinople is attempting to form in Ukraine.

There Was No “Legalization of Schism” in the Reestablishment of Unity Within the Russian Orthodox Church, but Mutual Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Archpriest Seraphim Gan

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Rating: 8.8|Votes: 31

There Was No “Legalization of Schism” in the Reestablishment of Unity Within the Russian Orthodox Church, but Mutual Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Archpriest Seraphim Gan

In our time, some have the audacity to compare the Russian Church Abroad to the so-called “Philaretites” and “self-sanctifiers.”

The Best Time for the Church is the Time of Persecution

A word from His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, First Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 65

The Best Time for the Church is the Time of Persecution

A word from His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, First Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

As soon as the world begins to love us we cease to be servants of Christ and become slaves to the world; and this is the most terrible falsification there can be in life.

Resolutions of the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, November 13, 2018

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Rating: 9.3|Votes: 63

Resolutions of the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, November 13, 2018

The Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which gathered in the Holy Dormition-Kiev Caves Lavra on November 13, 2018, having heard His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine on the challenges that have arisen recently before the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, adopted the following...

The Truth of God will never be put to shame! Those who keep it will always be proven right—both in history and in eternity!

Archbishop Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Boyarka

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Rating: 9.5|Votes: 18

The Truth of God will never be put to shame! Those who keep it will always be proven right—both in history and in eternity!

Archbishop Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Boyarka

Today believers are greatly troubled. How should we present ourselves today, and how can we properly perceive these events? What can be done?

Constantinople Papism

Archpriest Vadim Leonov

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Rating: 9.7|Votes: 80

Constantinople Papism

Archpriest Vadim Leonov

According to Patriarch Bartholomew, he is the President (head) of the Church.This is no longer a canonical question, but a dogmatic one—a formulated heretical teaching, analogous to the Roman Catholic dogma on the presidency of the Roman pope over the whole Church:

A closer look at the Ecumenical Patriarch’s ecclesiology and its statements about itself

Anna Stickles

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Rating: 8.9|Votes: 47

A closer look at the Ecumenical Patriarch’s ecclesiology and its statements about itself

Anna Stickles

The main problem is the claim of the Ecumenical Patriarchate that it is a source of order, life, orthodoxy…. whatever, for the rest of the Church. The claim seems to be that the Ecumenical Patriarch is somehow the essence and beginning of the Church in the way Adam is the beginning of the human race or the Father the source of the Trinity.

Istanbul: The View of a Bulgarian Theologian

Vasilianna Merheb

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Rating: 7.8|Votes: 27

Istanbul: The View of a Bulgarian Theologian

Vasilianna Merheb

On October 11, 2018, after the Istanbul Synodal decisions, inspired by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, we were witness to an unprecedented coup attempt against the sacred canons and statutes of the Holy Orthodox Church through sole claims.

US State Department on Ukraine: ‘Any Decision on Autocephaly Is an Internal Church Matter’

James George Jatras

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Rating: 10|Votes: 6

US State Department on Ukraine: ‘Any Decision on Autocephaly Is an Internal Church Matter’

James George Jatras

Poroshenko’s administration thus claimed explicit and public American official endorsement for his quest for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople to grant autocephaly (complete self-rule among the various member Churches of the Orthodox Christian communion) to a schismatic body headed by self-styled “Patriarch Filaret” Denysenko.

Ukraine is the Canonical Territory of the Russian Church

Fr. Theodore Zisis

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Rating: 8.7|Votes: 47

Ukraine is the Canonical Territory of the Russian Church

Fr. Theodore Zisis

Will it come to pass, that Constantinople can now, these days, voluntarily invade the canonical territories of autocephalous Churches under the pretext that they once belonged to its jurisdiction?

False Patriarch Philaret blesses a Nationalist Mural with Nazi symbolism

Matfey Shaheen

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Rating: 8.3|Votes: 60

False Patriarch Philaret blesses a Nationalist Mural with Nazi symbolism

Matfey Shaheen

Their “icons” are not about God, but about Nazism, where they depict the war and bloodshed they so love. If Orthodoxy and God Himself disagrees with their views, they will make their own sect, and worship their own idols.

Primacy and Identity

A Response to ‘First Without Equals’ and the Tragedy of Deficient Ecclesiology

Bishop Irenei (Steenberg)

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Rating: 9.8|Votes: 52

Primacy and Identity

A Response to ‘First Without Equals’ and the Tragedy of Deficient Ecclesiology

Bishop Irenei (Steenberg)

We are witnessing, at the present moment, a fuller realisation of the disastrous theological and ecclesiological positions outlined in the text below, which were already nascent three years ago (and indeed further back).

Metropolitan Onuphry on the Fate of Canonical Orthodoxy in Ukraine

Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

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Rating: 9.1|Votes: 32

Metropolitan Onuphry on the Fate of Canonical Orthodoxy in Ukraine

Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

Hold on to the Church that cherishes the purity and integrity of the Orthodox faith, and in all the rest things Cast thy care upon the Lord, and He will nourish thee (Ps. 54:53).

More Skeletons in Philaret’s Closet

Or how people around Philaret mysteriously disappear

Vasily Anisimov

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Rating: 8.4|Votes: 25

More Skeletons in Philaret’s Closet

Or how people around Philaret mysteriously disappear

Vasily Anisimov

Romaniuk’s revolt ended on July 14, 1995 with his mysterious death on a bench in the botanical garden, the massacre at his “funeral” on July 18, and the opening of criminal cases.

ROCOR: Patriarch Bartholomew is not free in his actions; there are forces behind him that are far from Christ’s Church

Archpriest Seraphim Gan

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 90

ROCOR: Patriarch Bartholomew is not free in his actions; there are forces behind him that are far from Christ’s Church

Archpriest Seraphim Gan

Therefore Constantinople’s current actions force us to suspect that His All-Holiness is not free in his actions; that behind him are specific powers are that are very far from Christ’s Church and which are following their own ill-fated aims.

On the Break with the Ecumenical Patriarch and Parishioners of ROCOR

Fr. John Whiteford

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Rating: 8.4|Votes: 116

On the Break with the Ecumenical Patriarch and Parishioners of ROCOR

Fr. John Whiteford

Fr. John Whiteford gave a sermon to his parishioners explaining the decision of the ROCOR to break communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate—which means also the Greek Orthodox Diocese of North America, under the Ecumenical Patriarch—and what this means for members of ROCOR.

Who Governs Whom? The Ecclesiastical Institution or those who Oversee It?

Fr Touma (Bitar) on Racism and Orthodoxy's Byzantium Complex

Archimandrite Touma Bitar

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Rating: 6.7|Votes: 35

Who Governs Whom? The Ecclesiastical Institution or those who Oversee It?

Fr Touma (Bitar) on Racism and Orthodoxy's Byzantium Complex

Archimandrite Touma Bitar

Among these crises, two have restricted the Church's movement, distorted her, created within her an abhorrent duplicity and to a significant degree hindered her from existing within the sphere of living spiritual theology and preaching the Gospel throughout the world. By this I am referring to the crisis of racism and the crisis of Constantinople.

A Brief Biography of Philaret Denisenko, with an Open Letter From His Daughter

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Rating: 8.9|Votes: 82

A Brief Biography of Philaret Denisenko, with an Open Letter From His Daughter

From the purely human point of view, this is possibly the saddest part of Philaret’s biography. It was made public by his own children, who had a miserable childhood, being the children of their natural mother who treated them unnaturally.

An examination of the issues brought up by Patriarch Irinej of Serbia in his letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Anna Stickles

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Rating: 9.5|Votes: 34

An examination of the issues brought up by Patriarch Irinej of Serbia in his letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Anna Stickles

While not addressing the canonical implications of the historical documents surrounding the 1686 submission of Ukraine to Moscow, it emphasizes two much more fundamental and serious issues that he sees as present in this situation.

Four Tries: Attempts to Achieve Ukrainian Autocephaly in the Last Hundred Years

John M Harwood

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Rating: 8.5|Votes: 22

Four Tries: Attempts to Achieve Ukrainian Autocephaly in the Last Hundred Years

John M Harwood

We are witnessing the fourth and perhaps last attempt to establish an Autocephalous Church in Ukraine, despite the rejection of this idea by the Orthodox episcopate, the monasteries and their elders, the parish clergy and the great majority of active Orthodox believers in that country.

The Decision of the Ecumenical Patriarch is Uncanonical

Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radovich)

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Rating: 9|Votes: 33

The Decision of the Ecumenical Patriarch is Uncanonical

Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radovich)

This decision is a catastrophe for the Constantinople Patriarchate and for the unity of the Orthodox Church.

Statement of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

New York: October 18, 2018

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Rating: 9.5|Votes: 73

Statement of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

New York: October 18, 2018

The illicit actions of the Church of Constantinople are able to suffer no canonical defence and constitute a grave and dangerous injustice against the traditions of Orthodoxy, as well as a shocking disregard for the spiritual welfare of the sheep of Christ (cf. John 10.3, 11).

August 2018 Letter from Serbian Patriarch Irinej to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Patriarch Irinej of Serbia

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Rating: 9.5|Votes: 43

August 2018 Letter from Serbian Patriarch Irinej to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Patriarch Irinej of Serbia

They do not seek an autocephalous Church because, allegedly, they are its faithful members, but they use it as suitable, but rather unsuitably , for the purpose of strengthening their worldly and essentially atheistic ideology, power and vulgar interests. In the last analysis, it is a question of an abuse of the Church and of the Faith.

Where is the old Philaret?

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Rating: 8.9|Votes: 39

Where is the old Philaret?

In short, I imagine that I would have similar feelings if a letter written by Judas calling for loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ was somehow found.

Official History of the Defrocking and Anathematization of Philaret Denisenko

Documents of the June 1992, 1994, and 1997 Bishops’ Councils of the Russian Orthodox Church

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Rating: 9.5|Votes: 38

Official History of the Defrocking and Anathematization of Philaret Denisenko

Documents of the June 1992, 1994, and 1997 Bishops’ Councils of the Russian Orthodox Church

The Sacred Bishops’ Council is now forced to note with sorrow that Monk Philaret did not heed the call to repentance addressed to him on behalf of the Mother-Church, but in the inter-Council period continued his schismatic activity, which he extended beyond the bounds of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Statement of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Regarding the Encroachment of the Patriarchate of Constantinople on the Canonical Territory of the Russian Church

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Rating: 9.1|Votes: 67

Statement of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Regarding the Encroachment of the Patriarchate of Constantinople on the Canonical Territory of the Russian Church

The reception of schismatics and one anathematized in another Local Church with all the “bishops” and “clerics” ordained by them into communion, the encroachment on foreign canonical provinces, the attempt to renounce their own historical decisions and commitments—all of this leads the Patriarchate of Constantinople beyond the bounds of the canonical field and, to our great sorrow, makes it impossible for us to continue Eucharistic communion with its hierarchs, clergy, and laity.

Holy Synod resolution: Moscow Patriarchate ceases Eucharistic communion for clergy and laity with the Constantinople Patriarchate

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Rating: 7.8|Votes: 91

Holy Synod resolution: Moscow Patriarchate ceases Eucharistic communion for clergy and laity with the Constantinople Patriarchate

Today at the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, convened in Minsk, Belarus, a resolution was passed by the Holy Synod concerning the Constantinople Patriarchate’s encroachment on the canonical territory of the Russian Orthodox Church

"Those who initiated autocephaly do not want peace in our land"

Metropolitan Mitrophan of Gorlovka and Slavyansk

Metropolitan Mitrophan of Gorlovka and Slavyansk

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Rating: 9.1|Votes: 54

"Those who initiated autocephaly do not want peace in our land"

Metropolitan Mitrophan of Gorlovka and Slavyansk

Metropolitan Mitrophan of Gorlovka and Slavyansk

The question of granting autocephaly to Ukraine is absolutely not an ecclesiastical question.

Constantinople, Constantinople! What Have You Done?

Priest Valery Dukhanin

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Rating: 8.5|Votes: 76

Constantinople, Constantinople! What Have You Done?

Priest Valery Dukhanin

Now your flock is scattered all across the world, like nestlings without a nest, like children without shelter. You know well what the grief and sorrow of separation feels like, the pain of cutting children off from their mother. Why do you bring this same pain on others?

“O entrust me not, I pray, to any human protection, O our Lady, holy one, but do thou accept the prayer of thy supplicant…”

Archimandrite Demetrios (Carellas)

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Rating: 10|Votes: 37

“O entrust me not, I pray, to any human protection, O our Lady, holy one, but do thou accept the prayer of thy supplicant…”

Archimandrite Demetrios (Carellas)

I believe within my heart that is what we should also be doing in this situation, because that noble task is within our power.

Historical-Canonical Basis for the Unity of the Russian Church

Priest Mikhail Zheltov

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Rating: 7.5|Votes: 10

Historical-Canonical Basis for the Unity of the Russian Church

Priest Mikhail Zheltov

The following article describes in detail and scrupulously analyzes the historical events connected with the arrangement of Church life in Kiev, Moscow, and Western Rus’ over the span of the last millennium.

Response to Inept Remarks from Archbishop Job (Getcha) of Telmessos

Protodeacon Vladimir Vasilik

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Rating: 8|Votes: 24

Response to Inept Remarks from Archbishop Job (Getcha) of Telmessos

Protodeacon Vladimir Vasilik

Protodeacon Vladimir Vasilik examines the statements of the Constantinople hierarch Archbishop Job (Getcha) of Telmessos from a recent interview that he gave concerning the history of Church in Kiev and its relation to the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Moscow Patriarchate, offering several necessary and helpful corrections to the misinformation put forth by Archbishop Job via an indepth look at the history and relevant sources.

Orthodoxy in Ukraine. Part 3

Nun Cornelia (Rees)

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Rating: 9.9|Votes: 34

Orthodoxy in Ukraine. Part 3

Nun Cornelia (Rees)

Ukrainians are in general a religious people, but this writer perceives a direct correlation between the violence done to the Ukrainian Orthodox people over many centuries by the Latin West and the violent nature of Ukrainian nationalism, an idea that has been taken to its present extreme in Greek Catholic Galicia.

An Overview of Orthodoxy in Ukraine. Part 2

Nun Cornelia (Rees)

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Rating: 9.7|Votes: 32

An Overview of Orthodoxy in Ukraine. Part 2

Nun Cornelia (Rees)

The Unia, or uniatism, was a policy developed by Rome in order to bring Orthodox and other non-Roman Catholic believers under the authority of the Pope.

An Overview of Orthodoxy in Ukraine. Part 1

Nun Cornelia (Rees)

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Rating: 9.6|Votes: 39

An Overview of Orthodoxy in Ukraine. Part 1

Nun Cornelia (Rees)

But temporarily setting aside modern complexities, we’ll begin by looking back to distant, apostolic times, when the light of Christianity was just beginning to penetrate the tenebrous dominions of Scythes and Slavs.

“The Patriarchate that once condemned Church nationalism is now being eaten away by it”

A conversation with Church historian Vladislav Igorevich Petrushko

Yuri Pushchaev, Vladislav Igorevich Petrushko

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Rating: 8.7|Votes: 27

“The Patriarchate that once condemned Church nationalism is now being eaten away by it”

A conversation with Church historian Vladislav Igorevich Petrushko

Yuri Pushchaev, Vladislav Igorevich Petrushko

The 1686 тomos concerning the transfer of the Kievan Metropolia from the Church of Constantinople to the Moscow Patriarchate and the circumstances of this transfer have recently become the subject of heightened discussion. The Patriarchate of Constantinople has now suddenly begun to categorically challenge the validity of this transfer.

Born of Schism

On the historical circumstances of the emergence of the “Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada”

Bishop Job (Smakouz)

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Rating: 7.7|Votes: 37

Born of Schism

On the historical circumstances of the emergence of the “Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada”

Bishop Job (Smakouz)

On the subject of the historical circumstances of the Ukrainian churches born from schism across the ocean, we spoke with Bishop Job (Smakouz).

Preserving Orthodox Unity

Jad Ganem

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Rating: 8.3|Votes: 41

Preserving Orthodox Unity

Jad Ganem

The Orthodox Church must pay heed to the dangers that result from feeding nationalist sentiments and tying the future of the Church to political considerations.

Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna: Constantinople’s Position Willl Lead to the Fragmentation of the Pillars of Orthodoxy

Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna Romanova

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Rating: 8.6|Votes: 43

Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna: Constantinople’s Position Willl Lead to the Fragmentation of the Pillars of Orthodoxy

Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna Romanova

- I don’t doubt that if events continue along this path, it will only deepen the crisis and will prolong this new dire and tragic period in the history of Ukraine, Russia, the Orthodox world, and in general it will have a negative effect on the international situation.

Coming Back to Oneself

An Orthodox Method for the Reconciliation of the Lapsed in the Light of the Recent Ukrainian Issue

Fr. Nemanja S. Mrdjenovic

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Rating: 9|Votes: 26

Coming Back to Oneself

An Orthodox Method for the Reconciliation of the Lapsed in the Light of the Recent Ukrainian Issue

Fr. Nemanja S. Mrdjenovic

The principal reason for this trend of inefficiency is the fact that the Church is not evoking the experience of the Fathers to receive back those that came to themselves but is rather using a modern, secular, and predominantly ecumenist method of political compromise.

We Support the Need For Dialogue at Every Level

Primate of the OCA issues Archpastoral Letter concerning recent developments in Ukraine

Metropolitan Tikhon of All America and Canada

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Rating: 6.4|Votes: 48

We Support the Need For Dialogue at Every Level

Primate of the OCA issues Archpastoral Letter concerning recent developments in Ukraine

Metropolitan Tikhon of All America and Canada

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon addressed an Archpastoral Letter to the clergy, monastics and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America in reference to recent developments with regard to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

Ukraine on the Threshold of Catastrophe: What the Fighters for Autocephaly Really Want

Dimitry Marchenko

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 68

Ukraine on the Threshold of Catastrophe: What the Fighters for Autocephaly Really Want

Dimitry Marchenko

That is why I, a parishioner of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, living in Kiev, would like to show you the situation from the inside, from the very epicenter.

“The Ecumenical Patriarchate has committed many errors, and this causes us pain!”

An interview with Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary with Romfea

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspol and Brovary

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 28

“The Ecumenical Patriarchate has committed many errors, and this causes us pain!”

An interview with Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary with Romfea

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspol and Brovary

The persistent and stubborn attempts of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to heal the split in Ukraine, through the provision of granting autocephaly is not a cure, but poison for both the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and the entire body of Ecumenical (Universal) Orthodoxy.

What moved Patriarch Bartholomew to lay to ruin Ukrainian Orthodoxy?

Kirill Alexandrov

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Rating: 9.2|Votes: 106

What moved Patriarch Bartholomew to lay to ruin Ukrainian Orthodoxy?

Kirill Alexandrov

Dubious initiatives by the Phanar in Ukraine are becoming increasingly puzzling; but is Patriarch Bartholomew really free in his actions?

Statement on the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Plans to Grant Autocephaly to Ukrainian Schismatics

Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira and Antikythera

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Rating: 9.3|Votes: 53

Statement on the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Plans to Grant Autocephaly to Ukrainian Schismatics

Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira and Antikythera

We now present here the full text of Met. Seraphim’s interview with Alexander Stefanopoulos, a Greek journalist in New York, for his “Greek American News Agency.”

Behind the Sourozh Phenomenon: Spiritual Freedom or Cultural Captivity? Meletios Metaksakis, Metropolitan, Archbishop, Pope and Patriarch

Archpriest Andrew Phillips, Priest Srboliub Miletich

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Rating: 9.3|Votes: 47

Behind the Sourozh Phenomenon: Spiritual Freedom or Cultural Captivity? Meletios Metaksakis, Metropolitan, Archbishop, Pope and Patriarch

Archpriest Andrew Phillips, Priest Srboliub Miletich

These tragic events have therefore once again focused attention on the extraordinary universalist and meddling pretensions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Where did these strange and novel ideas originate?

Visa Wars: Constantinople Opens a New Front Against Russian Priests

Roman Silantyev

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Rating: 7.6|Votes: 34

Visa Wars: Constantinople Opens a New Front Against Russian Priests

Roman Silantyev

Constantinople, in aggressively advancing its supremacy in the Orthodox world, is acting inexcusably and brazenly, humiliating its brother bishops and priests from Russia. This policy of open discrimination according to jurisdictional allegiance leads us down a blind alley, the exit from which requires both time and great effort. It imposes upon the Orthodox Church an internal confrontation, divides and weakens Orthodoxy. It is all the sadder that what is happening is not a mistake but the conscious choice of the Phanar.

Phanar Envoys’ Plans. Kiev Caves Lavra?

Nazar Golovko

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Rating: 8.1|Votes: 29

Phanar Envoys’ Plans. Kiev Caves Lavra?

Nazar Golovko

The Phanar will have on their side everything that earthly power can give. Only one question remains: Will God be on their side?

The Church is Not a Political Organization

An Exclusive Interview on the Ecclesiastical Events in Ukraine

Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

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Rating: 9.6|Votes: 91

The Church is Not a Political Organization

An Exclusive Interview on the Ecclesiastical Events in Ukraine

Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky)

In this interview with the program “Morning With Inter,” His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry speaks about his position on the latest Church events connected with the actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in regard to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Ukrainian primate calls on the people of Ukraine to fear nothing, to preserve the purity of the Orthodox faith, and to live with God.

Statement of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church concerning the uncanonical intervention of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in the canonical territory of the Russian Orthodox Church

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Rating: 9.5|Votes: 70

Statement of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church concerning the uncanonical intervention of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in the canonical territory of the Russian Orthodox Church

The Statement was adopted at an extraordinary session of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on 14 September 2018 (Minutes No. 69).

"Patriarch Bartholomew will be remembered as a teacher of schism"

Alexander Shchipkov

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Rating: 8.7|Votes: 62

"Patriarch Bartholomew will be remembered as a teacher of schism"

Alexander Shchipkov

The 7th of September will go down in history as a lamentable date. On this day, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew proclaimed and signaled a schism in Universal Orthodoxy, along the liberal and conservative lines. And he is officially headed in a liberal direction.

The Apotheosis of Eastern Papism

Archpriest Andrei Novikov

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Rating: 8.7|Votes: 55

The Apotheosis of Eastern Papism

Archpriest Andrei Novikov

This article was put forth to analyze the speech of the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew, at the Synaxis (Council) of the Archbishops of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which was held in Istanbul on September 1-4, 2018.

The Decline of the Patriarchate of Constantinople

An overview written in 1938

St. John (Maximovich) of Shanghai and San Francisco

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Rating: 9|Votes: 113

The Decline of the Patriarchate of Constantinople

An overview written in 1938

St. John (Maximovich) of Shanghai and San Francisco

The moral authority of the Patriarchs of Constantinople has likewise fallen very low in view of their extreme instability in ecclesiastical matters.

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev): The Current situation creates a threat of schism for Universal Orthodoxy

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev)

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Rating: 8.6|Votes: 58

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev): The Current situation creates a threat of schism for Universal Orthodoxy

Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev)

We have made this statement today in the hope that they will reconsider their decision, that no exarchs will go to Kiev. However, in the event that the decision is not reconsidered, we will be forced to think of retaliatory measures. At the moment, such measures are being discussed by our Holy Synod.

A Canon Aimed at Moscow?

Nun Cornelia (Rees)

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Rating: 8.4|Votes: 91

A Canon Aimed at Moscow?

Nun Cornelia (Rees)

Will Constantinople go ahead and fulfil President Petro Poroshenko’s request that an autocephalous Church be granted in the Ukraine, making that country separate from Russia not only in body but also in soul?

Repentance and not Autocephaly is needed to heal the schism in Ukraine

An interview with the Archbishop Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Boyarka

Sergei Geruk, Archbishop Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Boyarka

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Rating: 9.2|Votes: 25

Repentance and not Autocephaly is needed to heal the schism in Ukraine

An interview with the Archbishop Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Boyarka

Sergei Geruk, Archbishop Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Boyarka

The 1030th anniversary celebration of the Baptism of Rus’ revealed new tendencies in the church life of Ukraine, made manifest in the hidden attitudes of society towards the church. What were the spiritual results of this anniversary? Has the danger of the non-canonical legalization of the schism ceased? What is the spiritual status of the Ukrainian flock? When will peace finally come to Ukraine?

The Historical Aspects of the Transfer of the Kievan Metropolia to the Moscow Patriarchate

Sergei Kuznetsov

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Rating: 8.4|Votes: 21

The Historical Aspects of the Transfer of the Kievan Metropolia to the Moscow Patriarchate

Sergei Kuznetsov

The History of the Russian Church, as well as that of the Kievan Metropolis, separated between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, can be characterized mainly in the light of: a) The weakness at the center of the Patriarchate of Constantinople; and b) The strong influence of Catholicism on the Ukrainian lands controlled by Poland.

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