Yelensky accuses Jerusalem and Antioch Churches of bribery

Viktor Yelensky. Photo: sud.ua

Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, said in an interview with ukrinform.ua that the struggle around the Tomos for the OCU is a big geopolitical story. At the same time, he noted the role of the ROC in this story: Moscow allegedly bribed the Local Churches so that they would not recognize the structure of the OCU. In particular, Yelensky accused the Jerusalem and Antioch Churches of taking bribes.

“Let's take the Church of Jerusalem or Antioch? Does anyone doubt that their non-recognition of the OCU was paid for by Moscow? If you remember how fierce the struggle around the Tomos was, then it is clear that this is a great geopolitical story,” Yelensky said.

When asked why the process of recognizing the structure of Dumenko among other Local Churches, which was announced by the leadership of the OCU, slowed down, Yelensky predicted that there would be a new wave of recognition, since this issue does not lie in the theological plane.

As the UOJ reported, in 2019 the Ukrainian media published a fake about the recognition of the OCU by the Bulgarian Church.

Read also

Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR

The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South

Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis

March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.

EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence

The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church

Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose

The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR

Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.

"The entire family has been massacred in Baniyas, Syria. They were Orthodox Christians. Humanity has failed!"

Social media is telling the stories Corporate Media will not, and people are taking notice.