Believers of Alexandrian Representation do not recognize OCU schismatics

The Representation of Alexandria in Moscow. Photo: rusk.ru

Parishioners of the All Saints Church in Moscow, which houses the Representation of Alexandria, are worried about the recent forced resignation of their rector. Metropolitan Athanasius of Kyrenia took office in 1997, becoming the representative of the Patriarch of All Africa in Moscow, reports “RIA Novosti”.

Local parishioners oppose the schism in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and are upset by the recent actions of the Patriarch of Alexandria.

“People are very fond of the rector and deeply upset about the way things happened because he has been here for 21 years and raised a whole generation of parishioners. True, some do not even know about his resignation. We are crying and praying: the loss is big,” said Victoria, an employee of the church shop.

“As far as we know, the rector was not a supporter of the recognition of schismatics: he really did not want a split among the Orthodox Churches. The schism, after all, is very serious and may drag on. And when there will be reconciliation, no one knows,” said Marina, a parishioner of the church who helps with cleaning.

Believers are worried about the further participation of the church choir, which sings in both Church Slavonic and Greek. The existing prayer and singing traditions can go away with the former rector. The Representation also has a Greek language school.

“Many come here because of the choir to listen to the Byzantine chant. People have an internal response,” Marina continues. “This is a tradition that has already taken shape: people have studied this topic, this is their life. The experience that they have gained is a very valuable phenomenon. It’s hard to imagine that this could be lost.”

According to the parishioners, the choir has not yet been dissolved and the faithful are waiting for a new rector. “It is not known whether they will sing or not. Otherwise, everything is as before: the church is open, services are scheduled,” summed up the employee of the candle shop.

As reported earlier, on November 8, 2019, the Alexandrian Patriarch Theodore II recognized the schismatic OCU.

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