Russia's FIS accused Patriarch Bartholomew of attempting to split the Georgian Orthodox Church

The Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation has issued a statement on the plans of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to interfere in the internal affairs of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC). According to the FIS press bureau, referring to the information received, the head of the Phanar intends to take advantage of the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II to establish control over the GOC through the promotion of candidates loyal to him.

According to intelligence reports, Patriarch Bartholomew seeks to appoint to the vacated post a representative on whom he could fully rely in the realization of his interests. As the most suitable executors of his will, Constantinople is considering the candidacies of Metropolitan Abraham of Western Europe (Garmelia) and Metropolitan Grigori (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khoba.

The FIS emphasizes that the actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople are based on the principle of «divide and conquer» and are aimed at undermining the unity of world Orthodoxy. The report notes that Bartholomew once again substitutes the historical «primacy of honor» for the «primacy of power», interfering in the affairs of one of the oldest autocephalous churches.

The Russian ministry also draws attention to the fact that such actions violate canon law, in particular the 2nd rule of the 2nd Ecumenical Council, which prohibits bishops from extending their authority beyond their area. Previously, similar methods of intervention have already been used by the Phanar with regard to the situation in Ukraine, Serbia and the Baltic States.

We would like to remind you that earlier we reported that against the background of the growing public discussion around the topic of the election of the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, officials of the Georgian Patriarchate call on believers and civil society to dignity and full trust in the Holy Synod, emphasizing the need to follow Church canons rather than television debates.