Metropolitan Nektariy: holiness leads to the creation of spiritual ties beyond state borderstranslated

The Metropolitan of Kerkyra, Paxia and the Diapontine Islands of the Greek Orthodox Church stated the need to restore dialogue between the Moscow and Constantinople Patriarchates. In an interview with TASS, the hierarch emphasized that overcoming church differences requires mutual respect, patience and adherence to canonical principles. He also spoke about the situation of Orthodox believers in Ukraine and the preservation of spiritual ties between Russia and Greece.

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The Metropolitan recalled that back in October 2019 he opposed the hasty decision to recognize the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. On the eve of the Council of Bishops of the Church of Greece, he proposed to postpone consideration of the issue until the position of the ancient patriarchates was received. At the same time, the hierarch took the initiative of mediation between Moscow and Constantinople. His position was based on the need for broad church harmony and the preservation of Orthodox unity.

Speaking about the current situation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the clergyman expressed concern about the trials faced by believers. He pointed out that church contradictions are unfolding against the backdrop of war,...