The Phanar protested against the activities of a Romanian Patriarchate priest in Asia

The Orthodox Metropolis of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia (Patriarchate of Constantinople) has issued an official statement condemning the liturgical activities of Romanian Patriarchate cleric Priest Daniel Coriu. The Metropolis insists that the clergyman has been performing Divine Services and Sacraments “on the canonical territory of the Metropolis without the necessary authorization of the local bishop.”

According to the Orthodox Times, RumOC priest Daniel Koriu, a permanent resident of Tokyo, has conducted Divine Liturgy in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, as well as in Hong Kong and the Philippines. The official document emphasizes that “the priest has never received canonical permission or blessing from Metropolitan Nectarius of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia to administer any sacraments within the jurisdiction.”

In this regard, the Metropolis officially declared the Romanian priest persona non grata. All religious rites and services performed by him “are recognized as invalid, illegal and having no canonical force”. Metropolitan Nektarius called on the clergy and believers to be vigilant, preserve church order and refrain from any participation in such “unauthorized meetings.