"Showing disrespect": Greek media criticize Jerusalem Patriarch for refusing to recognize the OCU

Greek church media have criticized Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. The reason was the disagreement between the head of the Jerusalem Church and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on a number of issues of principle, including the recognition of the Ukrainian schism. Patriarch Theophilus was also reminded of the Amman Council, accusing him of excessive adherence to the Moscow Patriarchate.

The author of the Greek-American edition of The Orthodox Times, criticizing the recent visit of the Patriarch of Jerusalem to Istanbul, which took place virtually bypassing the Phanar, noted that Patriarch Theophilus had previously shown disrespect to the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

«This was preceded by many things, such as his «initiative» to convene the Primate in Amman, Jordan (which ended in fiasco), as well as numerous statements and actions in which he never missed an opportunity to oppose the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Moscow Patriarchate has always been a voluntary ‘ally’ in this endeavor, especially after Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew granted autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine,» the publication noted.

According to the author of the article, Patriarch Theophilus has almost «sold out» to the Moscow Patriarchate. This is manifested, among other things, in the regular expression of support for the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Onufry.

«Since then, Patriarch Theophilus has fully aligned himself with the Moscow Patriarchate and Patriarch Kirill. The Patriarch of Jerusalem frequently expresses support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the leadership of Metropolitan Onufriy, while the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Metropolitan Epifaniy are constantly ignored.«It is also characteristic how the Russians call the Jerusalem Patriarchate ‘the mother of all Christian churches,’ and Patriarch Theophilus apparently welcomes this designation,» the publication notes.

Recall, September 17, 2024, during the reception of a pilgrimage group at his residence, Patriarch Theophilus of Jerusalem spoke in support of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The First Hierarch noted the feat of Ukrainian bishops who are going through trials, pointing to the need to resolve church crises and restore the unity of Orthodoxy.