Greek hierarch urges the Synod to defer a decision on the “Ukrainian issue”

Metropolitan Nektarios (Dovas) of Corfu, Paxoi and the Diapontian Islands. Photo: romfea.gr

On October 11, 2019, Metropolitan Nektarios (Dovas) of Kerkyra, Paxoi and the Diapontian Islands sent a letter to the hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Church urging them to defer a decision on the “Ukrainian issue”, the Greek website Romfea reports.

In particular, His Eminence informs with his letter that he will not be able to attend the extraordinary session of the Holy Synod of the Bishop’s Council of the Church of Greece to be held on October 12. The reason indicated by the Metropolitan is his scheduled visit to the Romanian Church, in particular, to the city of Yasa, where he will bring the relics (right hand – Ed.) of St. Spyridon of Trimythous.

At the same time, Metropolitan Nektarios writes he would like to notify the hierarchy of his position on the "Ukrainian issue".

According to the Metropolitan, he does not believe that now is the right time to make a decision on this critical issue, including because “the geopolitical conditions in the region are not at all favorable, which is why any decision made will most likely cause difficulties for our homeland."

Therefore, according to Metropolitan Nektarios, the Greek Orthodox Church should “postpone the decision".

Moreover, Vladyka believes “it would be nice to wait for the first decision to be made by the first-born Patriarchies and Churches that precede ours in the diptychs and to take our time.”

At the same time, Metropolitan Nektarios writes that “he would give his consent if we as the Greek Church attempted to become an intermediary in some kind of dialogue between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Russian Church regarding this issue.”

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Metropolitan Simeon of New Smyrna, in a letter to the hierarchs of the Church of Greece, said that the recognition of the OCU would lead to a split in Orthodoxy and therefore, hasty decisions regarding the “Ukrainian issue” should not be made.

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