Patriarch Bartholomew thanks Archbishop of Cyprus for stance against Jerusalem’s initiative for Church unity

Istanbul, January 17, 2020

Photo: spzh.news Photo: spzh.news     

On January 14, Patriarch Bartholomew congratulated Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus for being the first primate to reject Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem’s invitation for the primates of the Orthodox Churches to gather and work together as brothers on restoring and strengthening Church unity.

According to vimaorthodoxias.gr, the primate of Constantinople called the primate of Cyprus to thank him for his stance against Pat. Theophilos’ initiative. Abp. Chrysostomos earlier announced that he had completely ignored the Patriarch’s letter concerning the proposed council, deeming it an unserious proposal, based on the idea that only the Patriarch of Constantinople has the authority to convene the primates of the Churches.

Pat. Bartholomew also inquired about Abp. Chrysostomos’ health, as it was recently announced that he will undergo cancer treatments in the U.S., and expressed joy at the recent ordination of a priest for the Cypriot Church that was celebrated in Istanbul on January 6. A “hierarch” of the schismatic “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” also concelebrated the Liturgy that day.

The two primates agreed to stay in touch on important Orthodox issues.

As a sign of his gratitude, Pat. Bartholomew also sent Abp. Chrysostomos a pen with his signature engraved on it.

Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr     

Pat. Theophilos first announced his initiative while visiting Moscow in November. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens was actually the first primate to reject this initiative, in comments to journalists the day after Pat Theophilos’ announcement, though he did not officially reject it until the January 8-10 session of the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Meanwhile, the Holy Synods of the Czech-Slovak and Russian Churches have officially supported Pat. Theophilos’ initiative for fraternal dialogue towards Church unity.

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1/17/2020

See also
Patriarch Bartholomew ordains priest for Church of Cyprus at Liturgy with schismatic Ukrainian bishop Patriarch Bartholomew ordains priest for Church of Cyprus at Liturgy with schismatic Ukrainian bishop Patriarch Bartholomew ordains priest for Church of Cyprus at Liturgy with schismatic Ukrainian bishop Patriarch Bartholomew ordains priest for Church of Cyprus at Liturgy with schismatic Ukrainian bishop
On January 6, the feast of Theophany, Patriarch Bartholomew ordained a priest for the Cypriot Orthodox Church during the Divine Liturgy in Istanbul which was also concelebrated by a “hierarch” of the schismatic Ukrainian Church and a hierarch of the Cypriot Church. Archbishop of Athens officially refuses Jerusalem’s invitation to gather for the sake of Church unity Archbishop of Athens officially refuses Jerusalem’s invitation to gather for the sake of Church unity Archbishop of Athens officially refuses Jerusalem’s invitation to gather for the sake of Church unity Archbishop of Athens officially refuses Jerusalem’s invitation to gather for the sake of Church unity
During the session of the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church, held from January 8 to 10, the President of the Greek Synod, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, officially rejected the invitation of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos to Jerusalem for the primates to gather in Jordan to discuss issues of Church unity against the backdrop of the Ukrainian Church crisis. Patriarch Bartholomew sternly responds to Jerusalem’s initiative for Synaxis of Primates, reports “Light of Phanar” blog Patriarch Bartholomew sternly responds to Jerusalem’s initiative for Synaxis of Primates, reports “Light of Phanar” blog Patriarch Bartholomew sternly responds to Jerusalem’s initiative for Synaxis of Primates, reports “Light of Phanar” blog Patriarch Bartholomew sternly responds to Jerusalem’s initiative for Synaxis of Primates, reports “Light of Phanar” blog
The blog notes that the letter between Greek-speaking primates is, for the first time, written in English. “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew responded to the letter of Theophilos of Jerusalem in Greek and in a stern tone, considering that the Patriarch of Jerusalem is absolutely unqualified to take this kind of action,” the blog writes.
Comments
Theo1/31/2020 5:41 am
P. Bartholomew has some secret agreements with Vatican. Patriarch Theophilos idea is great, pray for that. Amen!
Gary Cox1/19/2020 4:59 pm
Why is it so hard for the Orthodox Church to come together in unity? It could be human vanity or temptation from the devil or both. Unity didn't happen in 1054 and I seriously doubt it happening now. I think the patriarchs of the world are for the most part trying to straighten this mess out without a split. I think this is hard on them because this is a tremendous responsibility that they have to solve, and according to the scriptures they truly have to answer to God for their actions and decisions. I have to constantly remind myself that it is taking some time to work through this in the best possible way. However it HAS to be addressed! Sadly some will fall from the truth as did Judas and the bishop of Rome ( Roman Catholic church). But the Church will survive. The Church may be smaller in numbers but will stay true to the faith. The power grab of Constantinople will not destroy the Church.
Joe1/19/2020 9:20 am
Why is it so hard for the Orthodox Church to come together in unity? If Patriarch Bartholomew is so obviously wrong, then why don't the other Orthodox Churches all jump at the chance to make a united stand against him? Perhaps this isn't quite as clear cut of a situation as many would have us believe.
John Pavloff1/19/2020 4:53 am
By rejecting the invitation, Bartholomew is against “gathering and working together as brothers on restoring and strengthening Church unity”. This is utterly disgraceful! He is not worthy of his position as EP and should be deposed.
Mikhail 1/18/2020 11:28 pm
Uh oh. Brownback has just visited Bartholomew in Istanbul. Be prepared for another Phanar tomos to punish Serbia. I hope he had an extra pen for Brownback.
Haeul1/18/2020 8:50 pm
How utterly repugnant.
observer1/18/2020 4:32 am
One might say "the pen is mightier than the Word".
Ioan1/17/2020 10:34 pm
In the name of your spiritual father, St. Paisios the Hagiorite, help us Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol!
Stan1/17/2020 9:11 pm
I think the pen is worth 30 pieces of silver.
Mikhail1/17/2020 8:43 pm
Hey Hierarchs!!! Bartholomew has decided to ignore the fact that his OCU abomination consists of schismatic laymen who trace their fake ordinations to the criminal, Vikenty Chekalin. It is time for you to join Bartholomew in his heresy so that you can get your free pen!
John1/17/2020 6:27 pm
He gave him a pen? This is what you get from Patriarch Bartholomew in return for betraying the Church? A pen? What are the other Churches waiting for? Only the Czech and Russian churches have accepted the invitation? What about Antioch, the OCA, Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia? Are they "thinking about it"? Maybe they won't come, so they can get a nice engraved pen, too. That's a pretty tempting bribe I suppose.
Peter1/17/2020 5:14 pm
Awful. Please, please anathematize him next month. Anyone on any side of the Church who opposes unity should be deposed. Even martyrdom can not erase the sin of schism
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