Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria has sent a letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, expressing serious concerns about recent actions taken by the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa. He has strongly condemned these actions as efforts to disrupt Christian unity.
During the ongoing Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne in Constantinople, Patriarch Theodore criticized Russia’s actions as “completely unjust, unbrotherly, anti-church, and anti-canonical.” He specifically pointed out a recent uncanonical decision by Russia to appoint a Hierarch as Patriarchal Exarch in Africa on October 11, 2023. This appointed Hierarch has reportedly set up operations in Cairo, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, without proper authorization.
The Patriarch highlighted that this intrusion goes against Church canons and expressed disappointment in the lack of response from other Orthodox Church Primates, who have remained silent on the matter. He condemned the indifference shown by both ancient Patriarchal Thrones and newer Autocephalous Churches, suggesting that their silence is indirectly supporting the continuation of these uncanonical actions.
Patriarch Theodore questioned the reasons behind the silence faced with the Russian Church’s encroachment into African parishes and the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. He concluded his letter by urging the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to act as “angels of light” and raise awareness about the violations against the Patriarchate of Alexandria in order to restore canonical order.
The Patriarch’s letter in Greek can be viewed below:
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas