Strong statements with a clear geopolitical dimension were delivered from the Vatican by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon in an interview with TA NEA, at a time when ecclesiastical balances are directly affecting international developments.
Referring to the Sinai issue, he stressed that Egypt must respect the autonomous status of St. Catherine’s Monastery, noting that the Archbishop’s decision to initiate the succession process “opens the way for calm and smooth functioning.” He underlined: “The monastery has stood since the time of Justinian; what has been respected for centuries must also be respected today by the world, and by Egypt.”
On the Ukrainian church issue, Metropolitan Emmanuel defended the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s 2019 decision to grant autocephaly, calling it “absolutely correct and justified.” He admitted, however, that “the war and the Russian invasion make it difficult to fully complete this work,” stressing that “time, maturity, and patience” are needed for Ukraine to find its path after the war ends.
With pointed remarks toward Moscow, he emphasized that Russia seeks to extend its ecclesiastical influence beyond its borders: “Its intrusion into the Patriarchate of Alexandria is a telling example. They are not confined to the former Soviet Union but are seeking presence in Africa,” he said, highlighting the need to support the Patriarchate of Alexandria in the face of such moves.
He also underlined the importance of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on September 15. “All critical issues—from Ukraine to the pressures on the Patriarchate and the broader position of Orthodoxy in the world—can be raised at the highest level. The awarding of the Templeton Prize to His All-Holiness shows the global respect he commands. The U.S. is a major power, and its support for the Orthodox Church is decisive,” he said.
Finally, Metropolitan Emmanuel pointed to the upcoming commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, recalling that Pope Leo XIV has expressed his intention to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate. “It is a historic event that paves the way for the common celebration of Easter. Orthodox and Catholics can celebrate together,” he concluded.
