Patriarch Bartholomew provoked a negative reaction from Greeks by proclaiming the slogan "Glory to Ukraine"

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople has found himself at the center of a public debate after he proclaimed the slogan «Glory to Ukraine» during a public speech. The gesture provoked a sharp reaction in Greece, where many critics linked the slogan to an ambiguous historical past and accused the Patriarch of political bias amid persecution of Orthodox Christians in other regions.

According to the Greek portal Romfea.gr, the incident, captured on video and spread on social networks, caused a wide resonance. The footage shows Patriarch Bartholomew raising his staff with a «triumphant look» and uttering the slogan «Glory to Ukraine.» Next to him is Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who, according to the publication, smiles and approves of what is happening. Many observers noted that the scene looked more like a political rally than a church event. The publication notes that instead of supporting the persecuted canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church or persecuted Christians in the Middle East, the Patriarch preferred to express solidarity with the political leadership of Ukraine.

The publication also emphasizes that the emphasis was on supporting the Crimean Tatars, whom the author of the article calls «the historical enemies of Hellenism.» According to a number of commentators cited by the source, the Patriarch’s role is to provide spiritual guidance, not to act as a «propagandist» and use slogans that are divisive. The incident is seen as part of a general trend of the Phanar’s rapprochement with President Zelensky’s regime and silence over the persecution of canonical Orthodox Christians in Ukraine. Such a position, as the article argues, leads to a growing alienation between the Patriarchate of Constantinople and its flock.

Recall, recently Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, speaking at the US Council on Foreign Relations on August 19, devoted special attention to the formation of statehood of the United States. He praised the «founding fathers» for their adherence to the «Judeo-Christian tradition,» which has become one of the foundations of American politics