Patriarch Theodore: Decision on recognizing OCU came after fervent prayers

Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria. Photo: orthodoxia.info

Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria said that the decision to recognize the OCU came to him after fervent prayers and that he would do his best to help overcome the difficulties caused by this recognition, the Greek edition Orthodoxia.info reports.

In particular, the publication reports that in his last interview for the Sunday Voice newspaper, Patriarch Theodore assured that he would do everything in his power to help solve the problems of inter-Orthodox relations: “I will do my best to find a solution. And these efforts have just begun.”

In addition, the head of the Church of Alexandria said that the decision to recognize the OCU came to him "after a lot of prayers and reflection." He noted that all the synodals of the Patriarchate of Alexandria completely agree with this decision.

According to him, he “had to show that he is a real Patriarch who understands the seriousness of the problems and is trying to find a solution.” He noted that "the solution to the problem begins with the recognition that the problem exists."

At the same time, Patriarch Theodore emphasized that "he made his decision out of respect for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its history."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Greek media published a selection of statements by Patriarch Theodore about the UOC.

Read also

US helps restore Orthodox church in Turkey after earthquake

Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines

Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat

Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.

Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center

The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."

OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media

OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.

Kamianske Eparchy commemorates New Martyr Ioann Mohylevsky