Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus gave an immediate response to recent press reports that Patriarch Bartholomew was opposed to Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana participating in the dialogue with the other patriarchs concerning the Ukrainian question. At the same time, Archbishop Chrysostomos said he would leave in the coming days to Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece, to meet the primates of these Churches and discuss this issue with them.
We publish here below Archbishop Chrysostomos’s communiqué, dated May 14, 2019:
“In response to recent press reports referring to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s refusal to allow Archbishop Anastasios to participate in discussions with the other primates of local Orthodox Churches on the Ukrainian issue, as these articles do not express the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s views, Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus, who initiated these meetings, states the following:
1. We did not receive such an instruction or recommendation from the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew concerning the non-participation of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania in meetings with other primates on the Ukrainian issue.
2. Not only have we yet to receive such an instruction or recommendation, but I have myself personally and constantly informed the Archbishop of Albania about all my meetings that have taken place so far with the primates from the Middle-East. Besides, the Archbishop of Albania himself had a telephone conversation with the three primates of the former Middle East patriarchates during my meeting with them in Cyprus.
3. In the coming days, God willing, I will travel to Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece, where I will meet with the primates of these Churches. I have fully informed the Archbishop of Albania about it.
In conclusion, I declare that such articles are not useful and if, indeed some are interested in the good of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and truly love the Ecumenical Patriarch, they must address these issues with particular attention.
Let them leave the primates complete the work they have undertaken with the consent of the Ecumenical Patriarch, a work that we hope, with the help of God, will bring a positive result for the good of Orthodoxy and for the glory of God. We recommend everyone to show respect, and not to spread unfounded information.”
Source in Greek
