At a time when the world is in chaos from omicron and human suffering is increasing because of this pandemic and because of the pressure and strain from lockdowns and restrictions, the Orthodox Church is mired in ecclesiastical disputes. To be sure, Patriarch Bartholomew has the ultimate responsibility for the schism. But the Russian Church has escalated the crisis by creating an exarchate in Africa at the expense of the Alexandrian Patriarchate.
The Orthodox Church is the true Church. The problem is the world does not know this. The fact that the Church is in a near schism does not help matters and weakens its witness in the present world. Patriarch Bartholomew is not likely to be reasonable any time soon. The Russian Church could at least put a freeze on its activities in Africa pending an easing of the health crisis around the world.
Archbishop Anastasios of Albania has commented on the escalating division in Orthodoxy. The Archbishop has reminded us that he predicted with the passing of time the schism would more likely become permanent. Metropolitan Serapheim of Greece has also commented and suggested that the Russian Church should not consider Alexandria in schism as that local Church has not been condemned by a council.
Considering the great crisis that omicron poses the Churches might consider concentrating more on teaching the gospel at this time and leaving the crisis on the side temporarily. The Russian Church happens to be in the right but should suspend its African undertaking for the purpose of emphasizing the necessity of combating omicron and providing relief.
As a result of the pandemic, Orthodoxy has the opportunity to bring light in to a darkened world by practicing the gospel and sharing the faith with a suffering world. Furthermore, theologians should rise to the occasion to address the sins of science in the twenty first century. The funding provided by western scientists to the Wuhan lab raises moral questions that theologians and the Church generally must address.
The misbehavior of scientists is a challenge to faith. The Church should focus on confronting the scientific community for its crimes against humanity. Over five million people around the world are dead. Churches were closed two years ago, and might again conceivably close.
The opportunity is at hand to condemn the evils wrought by secular and anti Christian scientists and to provide witness of the light of Christ in a time of darkness. The Orthodox Church must come together at this crucial time.
Patriarch Bartholomew often discusses climate change and global warming. Perhaps he should take an interest in gain of function research and the catastrophic results it has had for man, God’s most favored creation? Perhaps all Orthodox Churches can also condemn the soft genocide against the Ughyurs?