Fanar prays for those who "out of ignorance" don't recognize its privileges

Patriarch Bartholomew and the new archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Eleftherios. Photo: Facebook page of the Patriarchate of Constantinople

Phanar prays for those who, out of ignorance and ingratitude, "raised their heels against the benefactor". This was said on Saturday, November 28, 2020, after a service with the participation of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, by the priest of the Metropolitanate of Chalcedon, Hieromonk Eleftherios Aloukos who was granted the title of Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne that day, reports the press service of the Patriarchate of Constantinople on the official Facebook page.

After the service, Patriarch Bartholomew noted the contribution of the brother bishops from Greece, who supported the Phanar during the closure of the Chalki Seminary, and praised the new archimandrite for his diligence, commitment, and faithfulness to the “Church, to which we all owe obedience and discipline so that everything is goodly and in order".

In response, Archimandrite Eleftherios thanked the head of the Phanar for "paternal love and care" in providing the opportunity "to serve with all the strength of the justice to the Church and, moreover, the justice of the Church of Constantinople".

“Justice, which, unfortunately, some dispute, and God only knows why ...” added the archimandrite. “Ignorance and ingratitude, unfortunately, lead some of those who "raised their heels against the benefactor." However, the Church of Constantinople, like the father from the parable of the prodigal son, awaits their return to righteousness, order and obedience. "

But this expectation, he clarified, does not mean giving up the privileges belonging to Constantinople, which "were established and determined by the Ecumenical Councils and the Holy Fathers".

“We pray to God that they realize their mistake!” he said, addressing Patriarch Bartholomew. “We, your clergy, are moving together with you, our spiritual father and our Patriarch, and we are waiting for them with love, without criticizing or condemning, as, unfortunately, they do.”

As reported earlier, in the opinion of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, other Local Churches should not question the “privileges” of the Phanar.

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