Caught In The Middle

As a Greek Orthodox in America, I am profoundly uncomfortable with the state of Orthodoxy in the world. Orthodox Russia has invaded Orthodox Ukraine. Invading other countries is wrong regardless of religion. That Ukraine is Orthodox makes this war doubly tragic.

While tension rise between the West and Russia, Orthodox Churches are feuding among each other. Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria has lashed out at the Russian Church for establishing an exarchate in Africa. The Patriarch arrogantly forgets his offense in establishing communion with a schismatic sect on the territory of the Russian Church.

Patriarch Bartholomew without remorse continues arrogantly behaving as if he is not responsible for the greatest schism in Orthodoxy in nearly one thousand years. Patriarch Kyril of Moscow missed the opportunity to speak critically of the war in Ukraine and many bishops of the suffering Ukrainian Church and people have ceased commemorating him.

The Orthodox Churches are behaving badly. They serve as examples to the secular rulers of the world. Patriarch Bartholomew is aligned with Washington and Patriarck Kyril has dangerously aligned himself with the war. In Russia, at least two hundred and seventy two priests have signed a letter calling on President Putin to stop the war.

Orthodox Patriarchs should remember they are supposed to serve Christ first and foremost! Morality is above politics and comes from heaven. Many of us Orthodox seem to have forgotten this in our zeal and our anger at past injustices.

As it stands now, political differences can wait. The Ukrainian people deserve our sympathy and moral support. As the world waits for the politicians to come to the table, the Patriarchs should be an example of how to behave. If the Patriarchs cannot reconcile with one another, why should the politicians of the world?

Morality before politics. Orthodoxy before politics.