Ukrainian religious observers accuse the Patriarchate of Antioch of "loyalty to Russia for money"

Ukrainian religious observers who lobby for the OCU in the media accuse the Patriarchate of Antioch of being favorable to Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church. The reason for such relations, “experts” say, is the significant funds that Russia allegedly allocated to support the Church of Antioch. That is why, according to the observers, the Patriarchate of Antioch did not participate in the Cretan Council of 2016, and later did not recognize the OCU. They said this in a commentary to Radio Liberty.

“This is due to the situation in Syria, the influence of Moscow, because this church has a small flock, and they actually considered Russian Orthodoxy as a patron, patron and financial donor. Because they existed in a Muslim environment, frankly speaking, sometimes fundamentalist. In fact, the Patriarchate of Antioch was annexed by Russia. In fact, a foreign branch of the Russian Orthodox Church was created. And this was reinforced by the Russian military presence in Syria. Russian troops provided the Patriarchate of Antioch with security for the Orthodox priesthood and some security for the Orthodox flock. But in return, they demanded that the patriarchate follow Russia’s lead in inter-church relations,” – religious scholar and philosopher Iryna Bohachevska said in an interview with Radio Liberty.

In turn, Ukrainian religious scholar and supporter of the OCU Ivan Verstyanyuk believes that a change in the political situation in Syria may affect the position of the Patriarchate of Antioch on the OCU. The “expert” believes that the Church of Antioch may change its attitude towards the Ukrainian church schism for the better, as “Russia’s influence will weaken.”

“In this situation, the chances are growing that the Patriarchate of Antioch may become the fifth Orthodox Church to officially recognize the young Ukrainian Church. Such a decision would have historical and symbolic significance, as the See of Antioch, like the See of Rome, was founded by the Apostle Peter himself, emphasizing its ancient apostolic heritage. Recognition of the OCU would be not only a gesture of solidarity, but also an important step in strengthening the unity of the Orthodox world, which is currently going through a difficult period due to political and religious contradictions… The possibility of recognizing the OCU is not just a step towards the young autocephalous church, but also an act of affirming the freedom, independence and unity of the Orthodox world, an act of correct political choice, an act of conscious anti-Moscow action,” – said religious observer Ivan Verstianiuk.

Earlier, we reported that the Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch John X, sent a letter to His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, in which he expressed support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in connection with the adoption of the scandalous law No. 3894 in Ukraine, aimed at banning the UOC.