Ukrainian Archon of Phanar calls on Greek monks and priests not to trust UOC

Ukrainian Archon of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Odesa businessman and ethnic Greek Panteleimon Bumbouras called on monks and priests of the Greek Orthodox Church and monasteries of Athos not to believe the statements of representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church that they are allegedly being persecuted in Ukraine. This is how the businessman reacted to a recent statement by 39 monasteries in Greece and Athos in support of the UOC. Boubouras claims that representatives of the UOC are manipulating the minds of the Greek clergy and monks, and the Greeks themselves “do not understand what game they have been drawn into.” The text of Bumbouras’ statement is published by the media.

“A few days ago, a text signed by the abbots of holy monasteries and some elders throughout Greece was circulated on the Internet regarding the church situation in Ukraine. This text contains accusations against the autocephalous Church of Ukraine, and the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine is presented as a “victim” who is being persecuted in Ukraine. This is a text that is not only one-sided, but also misinforms, distorts reality and misleads the readership. […] Today, the situation in church affairs in Ukraine is tense, but Ukrainians are able to resolve their issues on their own. The Russian Church in Ukraine still has enormous power and influence in the country. Realizing that the believers of their Church do not want to attend churches controlled by the Russian special services and seek real autonomy from Moscow, many hierarchs demand that Onufriy enter into a dialogue with Bartholomew in order to restore communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and truly separate from Moscow,” – writes Bumburas.

According to the archon, in fact, it is the UOC that opposes the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Ukraine, preventing the unification of Orthodox Christians in the country as part of the OCU. At the same time, in his opinion, the elders of Greek monasteries do not realize that if the Ukrainian church issue becomes the subject of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, the Greeks risk supporting the Russians in the conflict, which is unacceptable.

“However, extremely rigid pro-Russian circles within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) are blocking this process of unification. They impede the process of healing within Ukrainian Orthodoxy. These extreme circles, whose representatives we know, say that “the Russians will come and save us.” […] The Russians are looking for gullible monastic elders and Greek priests who do not know the details of what is happening in Ukraine. Preparations are underway for possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on a ceasefire on the contact line. During these talks, Russia will put forward a number of demands related to territorial issues, weapons, Ukraine’s membership or non-membership in NATO, etc. Therefore, at the moment, groups of extreme pro-Russian groups that are around Onufriy are trying to include the church issue as one of the subjects of negotiations. And if these people are very well aware of what they are trying to do, I am not sure that the elders who signed this document understand what kind of game they have been drawn into. A game on the blood of the Ukrainian people, a sinful game that has nothing to do with the values of our Orthodoxy,” – the archon summed up.

Earlier, we reported that abbots, hegumen, monks and nuns of 39 monasteries in Greece and Athos signed a statement in support of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The text mentions the facts of the persecution of the Church and criticizes Law No. 3894, which is aimed at banning the activities of the UOC.