by Efi Efthymiou
The wavering of Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Moscow appears to be causing significant tension within the Church of North Macedonia.
Recent developments have exacerbated this tension. Archbishop Stefan’s public rejection of the conditions set by the Ecumenical Patriarchate for granting the Tomos of Autocephaly, coupled with contradictory statements from the Archdiocese’s bishops, have already stirred controversy. Adding to this, a new incident has emerged that suggests further unrest.
According to local media reports, an Archieratic co-liturgy was held on Sunday at the Church of Saint Sophia, presided over by Archbishop Stefan and the Metropolitans of the Archdiocese, with invited Hierarchs from the Serbian Church and the Bulgarian Patriarchate.
However, three bishops from the Ohrid Archbishopric refused to participate in the Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Petar of Prespa and Pelagonia and Bishop Klimis of Iraklia (Ligistida), Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, both declined to join the co-liturgy. Additionally, Metropolitan Grigorij of Kumanovo and Osogovo did not attend the church service at all.
The official reasons for their refusal remain undisclosed. However, media sources suggest that the presence of bishops from the Bulgarian Church, who had previously concelebrated a Divine Liturgy at the Phanar with hierarchs of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, was a contentious issue. Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora, who participated in that co-liturgy at the Phanar, attended the service at the Church of Saint Sophia in Ohrid as a representative of the Bulgarian Church. His presence is believed to have been a significant factor in the three bishops’ decision to abstain.
Interestingly, Bishop Arsenije of the Serbian Orthodox Church did not appear to have any issues with Metropolitan Cyprian’s presence and attended the co-liturgy without incident.
The publication also hints at possible personal grievances among the bishops, potentially linked to the non-attendance or non-invitation of other bishops from their Church.
This incident presents a challenge for Archbishop Stefan, as it can be perceived as a direct affront to his authority, especially during a critical period for the Church of North Macedonia. The church is navigating a transitional phase following recent political changes in the country.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
