By Efi Efthimiou
Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia has made a revelation that is sure to spark discussion.
Speaking at the International Theological Conference entitled “Orthodox Theology in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects,” organized by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens under the auspices of the Church of Greece, Metropolitan Chrysostomos referred to the preparatory discussions that took place before the Holy and Great Council of Crete in 2016.
In particular, Metropolitan Chrysostomos emphasized that the Moscow Patriarchate, along with other Churches, made efforts to include a provision on “holy war” in the text of the Council.
“I was a witness to the efforts made by the Russians, along with other Churches, during the preparatory meetings for the Council of Crete to include a provision on holy war in the text.
This happened long before the issue of Ukraine arose. We, the Greek Orthodox Churches, fought hard to ensure that this provision was not included. And we succeeded.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
