By Efi Efthimiou
The Serbian Orthodox Church’s alignment with Moscow is not new. Belgrade closely follows the decisions and positions of the Moscow Patriarchate and is considered the closest “ally” of Patriarch Kirill in the Orthodox world.
Friendly relations between two Orthodox churches are not inherently suspicious, nor can they be easily judged as such, as they fall within the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation that should govern Orthodoxy.
However, when the Serbian Patriarchate reacts to something that concerns the Moscow Patriarchate and Patriarch Kirill, then the whole issue becomes complicated.
In a recent publication on orthodoxtimes.gr, the Patriarch of Moscow was criticized for his selective sensitivity in reacting to events in third countries (specifically Greece regarding the adoption of the Civil Partnership Bill), far from his jurisdiction, while remaining silent and strengthening the war launched by Russia against Ukraine two years ago.
Until now, there has been no such reaction, so this time – understandably – we did not expect any reaction or comment from the Moscow Patriarchate. And rightly so, because there was none.
But the response came from the Serbian Patriarchate. In a message sent to orthodoxtimes.com’s e-mail address, a senior official of the Serbian Church (presented in previous correspondence as a member of the “Information Service of the Serbian Orthodox Church”) expressed “his sorrow for this bold and scandalous text about Patriarch Kirill”.
Beyond the initial surprise, several questions arise. Was the aforementioned clergyman and high-ranking official of the Serbian Patriarchate’s communications department acting individually?
Is the Serbian Patriarchate aware of his decision to send an e-mail demanding … restitution on behalf of the Russian Church? Does Patriarch Porfirije agree with this tactic by a member of his church?
Could this be part of a “strategic relationship” between the two Churches under which the Serbian Patriarchate serves Mr Kirill?
Does this particular clergyman react similarly and promptly when criticism (not to mention the insults hurled at the Ecumenical Patriarch following the granting of autocephaly to Ukraine) is directed at any Orthodox Primate?
Does he react in the same way when something is written that doesn’t agree with his own opinion of the Patriarch of Alexandria? The Archbishop of Cyprus? The Archbishop of Athens?
We await with interest the reactions of the Serbian and Russian Churches. Are the Patriarchates of Moscow and Serbia in contact? Does Belgrade offer any services to Moscow?
