A memorial service was held in a Church in Russia for the memories of the victims of the Greek Pontian Genocide that is commemorated every year on May 19. Metropolitan Hilarion Alfayev top Church diplomat of the Russian Orthodox Church was present and said it was “a real genocide”. The presence of Metropolitan Hilarion is an expression of sympathy from the Russian Orthodox Church.
This is proof of the brotherly relations that bind the Greeks and the Russians together. Previous to the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence in March, Metropolitan Hilarion presided over a doxology in memory of the Greeks who died in the fight for Greek independence. Likewise, Patriarch Kyril of Moscow expressed words of praise for the fighters for Greek independence.
The support and good will for the Greeks by the Russians is undeniable. Does the Greek world really believe that it is in the interests of Orthodoxy or Hellenism for the schism of the Churches to continue. I am a longtime sympathizer of the Ecumenical Patriarchate but considering Constantinople’s actions in Ukraine, it is hard to support the Patriarchate.
The Churches of Constantinople and Greece have the ability to end the schism in Orthodoxy. They should do so immediately. It has been more than clear to anyone who has observed the gestures emanating from the Russian Church that Moscow is favorably disposed toward the Greeks. Athens and Constantinople must opent their eyes.