Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew referred to the tactics followed by the Patriarchate of Moscow and made clear that it had to change its tactics on this issue. The Ecumenical Patriarch called on Megas Ecclesiarch Aetios to be in favour of the rights and the privileges of the Mother Church of Constantinople.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew referred to the tactics followed by the Patriarchate of Moscow and made clear that it had to change its tactics on this issue. The Ecumenical Patriarch called on Megas Ecclesiarch Aetios to be in favour of the rights and the privileges of the Mother Church of Constantinople, Orthodoxtimes reports.
According to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the privileges and the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate must not be deemed as hegemonic trends and desire for power. In particular, he said, “Some people are shamelessly accusing the Church of the Poor, even though it was that very Church, which led them to Christ.” The Ecumenical Patriarch emphasised that the main concern of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was all Orthodox Churches.
He also said that among the responsibilities of the Megas Ecclesiarch was to call to order those who violate the rules.
The rules exist, in order not to maintain order, discipline, peace, unity and proper functioning within the Churches. That is why there is the Hierarchy of the Throne.
Patriarch Bartholomew reminded that according to this administrative structure the Ecumenical Patriarchate held the first place and therefore had many privileges and rights. However, he said that there were some ignorant people who have been challenging this structure and opposing their own “benefactor”. “They challenge what is considered sacred and right. They are ambitious and politically influenced but to no avail. Orthodox Ecclesiology and canonical order cannot be changed and no one can question them however brave he thinks he is.”