Eastern Orthodox Leader Addresses Church Conflict, Defends Independence
New York – The spiritual head of Eastern Orthodox Christians, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spoke out Friday regarding the ongoing tensions between Orthodox churches in Russia and Ukraine. Speaking to an audience in New York, he defended his decision in 2019 to recognize an independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Bartholomew has been a long-standing critic of the Russian Orthodox Church, particularly its leadership’s support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. He stated the Ukrainian people deserve a church that defends the values of freedom.
The split between the churches began when Bartholomew moved to recognize the independence of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, a move contested by the Moscow Patriarchate, which views Ukraine as part of its historical territory.
Bartholomew also addressed the importance of faith in the public square. He noted the importance of religion and morality for any government to be successful.
While Bartholomew is seen as a leading figure among Orthodox patriarchs, the Orthodox Church operates with each jurisdiction largely governing itself.
