Metropolitan of Nea Ionia: Crisis with Russia began when Russian Church did not attend Crete Council

Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia and Filadelfeia addresses a wide range of issues, from the delicate geopolitical balance between the Phanar and Moscow, the persecution of millions of Orthodox Christians worldwide, and the inclusion of new family models in school textbooks, to the contentious debate over ecclesiastical property and the growing number of faithful who are distancing themselves from the Church, disillusioned by scandals.

In an interview with parapolitika.gr , Metropolitan Gabriel emphasized that the crisis in relations between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Moscow began following the Holy and Great Council held in Crete in 2016.

“The Russian Church decided not to attend, despite the fact that the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and specifically the Ecumenical Patriarch himself, made every possible effort to address the Russian side’s concerns and, above all, gain its trust. Assurances were given that all the issues raised by the Russian Church would be discussed and that it would have every opportunity to participate and express its views. Ultimately, however, the Russian Church disregarded the synodal structure of the Church and chose not to…