Bishop Irenei of Bakka, a bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church has suggested that Patriarch Bartholomew could regain the confidence of the Orthodox if he were to concede that he was misled by the Ukrainian government. This statement comes a few weeks after another statement by the Russian Orthodox Church. The Russian statement had to do with the consecration of a bishop at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople.
The Russians commented that a “bishop” of the schismatic entity in Ukraine participated in the consecration of the new bishop. The Russians expressed regret that in the event that the schism between Constantinople and Moscow is healed, they will not be able to recognize the legitimacy of this new bishop. The Russian statement is a positive one as it suggests they hope for a reconciliation with Constantinople.
The Serbian statement likewise shows that perhaps the schism can be overcome if Patriarch Bartholomew were to listen to the Orthodox Churches. Opportunities for Patriarch Bartholomew to reverse himself may still exist.