How many times have Orthodox primates called for peace during the two and a half years of the war in Ukraine? Dozens. How many times have the leaders of this world been heard or taken seriously? None.
It is clear that the world is in a whirlwind. Europe, in a daze, is searching for a new vision. The heads of European states are demonstrating leadership that is below average. In the UK, France, and Germany, the current political leaders are deemed less capable than their predecessors of thirty to forty years ago, to the extent that they are not even suitable to be political extras . The US is still searching for its role in the world for the next fifty years. In Russia, whether for better or worse, the well-known stability that has prevailed since Vladimir Putin’s first election in 2000 remains a defining feature. China is poised to become a global pioneer in economics, technology, and international influence. However, this country does not appear to be able to make significant contributions to issues related to humanism and the spirit.
Back to square one
Humanity flirts with nihilism, while Orthodoxy appears unable to provide the inspiration needed. Instead of uniting, the Orthodoxy yields to the dictates of political leaders and is caught up in the whirlwind. Artificial intelligence is steering the world into uncharted territory. Meanwhile, the primates focus on their own internal matters. One of them is to keep their political friends satisfied. The hierarchs merely contemplate global developments. Who believes that most metropolitans are genuinely concerned with events beyond their own dioceses?
Five years have passed since the Ecumenical Patriarch granted autocephaly to Ukraine. The Patriarch of Moscow remains steadfast and distant from the Phanar. He is discreetly supported by the Slavic-speaking patriarchates. The Patriarch of Romania takes a neutral stance. The Patriarch of Jerusalem subtly supports Russia but, when pressed, makes a… public call for peace. He is also calling for a pan-Orthodox convocation merely for show. The Patriarch of Antioch, with al-Assad being the leader, openly supports Patriarch Kirill.
The Archbishop of Albania openly criticizes Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s stance on Ukraine. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that he is the sole authority with full rights in Skopje. The Patriarhc of Alexandria seems helpless. Is it a matter of financial weakness, or is it a broader… issue of inability? He has left the back door open, and now they act uncontrolably within his Patriarchate.
“Lame horse”
One thing that everyone in Orthodoxy can certainly agree on is that Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv “falls short.” While his people face the trials of war, he fails to inspire them. They don’t go to his churches. The Ecumenical Patriarch is concerned about the situation, but what more can he do? Even the Zelensky government seems to be at a standstill with Metropolitan Epifaniy. He is called a “lame horse” on both sides, failing to provide vision for the Ukrainians. On the other side, Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv remains powerful within Ukraine.
The world remains mired in ongoing political, social, and economic crises. Unfortunately, Orthodoxy appears to be unprepared to provide the necessary revitalization or vision.
From the column of Greek edition orthodoxtimes.gr, Melchizedek
*Published in the newspaper “Orthodoxi Alitheia”
