Head of DECR MP speaks about meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope

Metropolitan Hilarion in the Vatican next to the Pope and the head of the Phanar. Photo: a screenshot of Vatican News Youtube channel video

The head of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, in a commentary to RIA Novosti, explained his participation in the meeting of representatives of world religions, scientists and experts on the topic "Faith and Science: Towards COP 26" in the Vatican, where Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople was also present.

According to the metropolitan, he did not violate the decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on the prohibition to participate in events where a representative of the Patriarchate of Constantinople presides or co-chairs. “In this case, there was no such chairmanship or co-chairmanship. Thirty-four religious leaders took part in the meeting, of which only two represented the Orthodox Churches – Patriarch Bartholomew and myself. If it were not for me, he would have been the only representative of world Orthodoxy,” said Metropolitan Hilarion.

The hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church said that he did not conduct any conversations with the Phanar head, and only when the participants of the event were seated, Patriarch Bartholomew said “good morning” to him in Russian, and Metropolitan Hilarion answered in English. At the same time, a short personal meeting is scheduled with Pope Francis.

As reported, at a meeting in the Vatican, the head of the DECR MP called for responsibility for the planet.

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