"A staunch defender of the OCU": Phanar characterizes Cypriote Primate

Phanar hierarch Archbishop Elpidophoros responded to the death of the Primate of the Cypriot Orthodox Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos. He posted his condolences on the death of Archbishop Chrysostomos on his Facebook page.

“A bold champion of Orthodox unity and a staunch defender of the Autocephalous Church of Ukraine, he also contributed to the reform of the Cypriot Church. Eternal memory to him,” wrote the head of the Phanar's American Archdiocese.

As the UOJ reported, in 2020, single-handedly, without agreement with the Synod of the Cypriot Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos began to commemorate Epifaniy Dumenko, thus recognizing the OCU, after which the ROC broke canonical communion with the head of the Cypriot Church and stopped commemorating him in the diptych.

Recall that Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus died on November 6, 2022. In connection with his death, national mourning was declared in Cyprus. Patriarch Bartholomew is expected to officiate a funeral service for the deceased archbishop.

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.