Phanar hierarch condemns slander of US bishops defending UOC

The head of the Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in the United States, Archbishop Elpidophoros, has issued an official statement condemning slanderous accusations against Orthodox hierarchs who met with US lawmakers to discuss persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This came after the meeting participants were called “agents of foreign governments” and “Putin’s lobbyists.”

According to SPJ in America, the reason for the appeal was a recent meeting between a group of Orthodox Christians and lawmakers in Washington. The main topic of discussion was human rights, religious freedom and persecution of believers in Ukraine. Afterward, according to the archbishop, “rumors spread about the position of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America toward our sister Churches on this issue.”

In a statement, Archbishop Elpidophoros strongly rejected the insinuations against his brethren. “Let me state that I do not and will never perceive my fellow hierarchs … as agents of foreign governments,” he emphasized. The hierarch recalled the recent joint meeting of the Assembly of Bishops and assured that his “fraternal love for all of them remains unchanged and unflagging.” He also noted that when the Church intervenes in political affairs, it always takes a risk.

The statement came shortly after an appeal by the Archons of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, in which clergy from various Orthodox jurisdictions who participated in a meeting to defend the rights of the UOC were called “Putin’s lobbyists.” It is noteworthy that earlier the Archdiocese reposted this statement on its resources, but after numerous protests the content was removed from social networks and from the Orthodox Observer website.

Earlier in Washington, a delegation of Orthodox clergy met with US Congressman Daryl Issa to discuss the situation around the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The main topic of the dialog was the ongoing religious persecution of believers. Catherine Whiteford, co-chair of the Federation of Young Republicans of the United States, reported on the event.