Alexandria, October 15, 2021
Photo: kalymnos-news.gr The recognition of the autocephaly of the so-called “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” violates the sacred canons, and the only way out of the conflict over Ukraine and Africa is for those primates who recognize the OCU to offer their sincere repentance, says a hierarch of the Alexandrian Patriarchate. Otherwise, they will face the judgement of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Speaking with the Chrisma Orthodox Research Center, His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon of Andionis, a retired hierarch of the Alexandrian Patriarchate, stated unequivocally: “I would like to clarify that the decision of the Ecumenical and Alexandrian Patriarchates regarding the recognition of the autocephaly of the ‘Orthodox Church of Ukraine’ is uncanonical and contradicts the sacred canons of the Orthodox Church.”
“Unfortunately, this decision has created more problems not only in Ukraine, but throughout the entire Orthodox world, especially in Africa,” he continued.
His Eminence also warned about the possible consequences of the Russian Orthodox Church receiving African priests into its jurisdiction.
“As for the priests of Tanzania who want to join the Russian Orthodox Church, this is a question that they must solve themselves. The only way to overcome this conflict is the true repentance of Patriarchs Bartholomew and Theodore and Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens,” Met. Panteleimon affirmed.
Otherwise, they will face terrible consequences: “They must withdraw their non-canonical decisions and restore peace and unity of the Church. Otherwise, they will face the terrible Judgment of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as this has become a temptation for the faithful.”
His Eminence concluded: “Finally, if the Russian Orthodox Church accepts the priests of Tanzania, then we must prepare for new spiritual problems that are not known at the moment. After all, the Moscow Patriarchate will open the doors to action in Africa. May the Lord have mercy on us.”
Last month, the Russian Holy Synod decided to officially consider appeals to be received into its jurisdiction from more than 100 African priests who reject Pat. Theodoros’ decision to enter into communion with graceless schismatics.
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, later said that the Russian Church has no reason to refuse their appeals.
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