Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in the U.S. funds LGBT projects - mass media

The Orthodox community in the United States is facing a serious internal conflict caused by accusations of double moral standards by the leadership of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH) and the Patriarchate of Constantinople. It centered on the situation surrounding priest Chrysostomos Gilbert, as well as the hierarchy’s general policy on LGBT issues and church property management.

According to the publication Helleniscope, Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Phanar in the United States has been sharply criticized for harassing priest Chrysostomos Gilbert based on gossip regarding his private life. Author Nick Stamatakis points out the paradox of the situation: while punitive measures are being taken against an individual clergyman, the church leadership is supporting inclusive LGBT projects at Fordham Orthodox Institute with many thousands of dollars in subsidies. The article emphasizes that “Orthodoxy does not promote specialized ministries for LGBT people; it calls for repentance.”

The believers are particularly outraged by the activities of the Greek Cultural Center in Astoria, where, according to the source, events with questionable content bordering on obscenity are allowed. The piece questions the competence of the center’s management and the relevance of such programs to the legacy of Archbishop James, who built this institution solely for the promotion of Greek culture and not for commercial purposes.

In addition, the publication touches on issues of financial management and political influence. Mention is made of the Greek-American community’s concerns about the archdiocese’s property being turned into real estate development projects. The dependence of hierarchs at the Phanar on Turkish authorities is also raised, which, in the author’s opinion, negatively affects the defense of the interests of the Greek diaspora and the purity of Orthodox doctrine.

In conclusion, it is emphasized that the unity of word and deed is necessary to restore the trust of the faithful: moral standards must be applied equally to everyone, from ordinary priests to bishops and church institutions. The Orthodox Church should not change its teachings to suit cultural trends or institutional convenience.

Recall that earlier Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of America, during a meeting with the Romanian Foreign Minister, unexpectedly expressed support for the recognition of the PCU by the Romanian Patriarchate. This step is remarkable, since previously the hierarch had not been seen to actively publicly promote the interests of the PCU and had even criticized the head of the organization.