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 strongly condemns 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 mentioned a recent uncanonical decision by Russia to appoint a Hierarch as Patriarchal Exarch in Africa on October 11, 2023. This Hierarch has reportedly established himself unlawfully in Cairo, infringing upon the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and expanding operations throughout Africa.
The Patriarch highlighted that this intrusion goes against Church canons and expressed disappointment at the lack of response from other Orthodox Church leaders, who have remained indifferent to this violation. He called out the silence of both ancient Patriarchates and newer Autocephalous Churches, suggesting that their inaction indirectly allows these uncanonical actions to persist.
Patriarch Theodore questioned the reasons behind the “unacceptable, unjust, and unholy silence” in the face of the Russian Church’s incursions into African parishes and the territory of the Patriarchate. He concluded his letter by urging the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to serve as “beacons of light” and raise awareness about the infringements suffered by the Patriarchate of Alexandria, with the goal of restoring canonical order.
The Patriarch’s letter in Greek can be viewed below:
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas