Everyone says it — including those directly involved. The Church and the State must move forward together, remain united, and cooperate. That is how benefits arise for both sides.
There are many Greek Orthodox Churches around the world, with large communities of faithful. In some countries, they are influential, have a strong voice, and can even put in a “good word” with the leaders of the governments where they are based. In others, they are barely understood — and in some cases, their very existence is simply ignored.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has three major provinces: in the United States, Australia, and Great Britain.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is in a position to assist any Greek government through his contacts at the White House. He has stated in an interview that this is precisely the role of an Archbishop: to serve the interests of Hellenism. At a time when everyone is seeking access to the… Oval Office, communication with the Greek government could be closer in that direction.
In Australia — particularly in cities like Melbourne, which rightfully claims the title of the “third-largest Greek city” — the Greek government should be making far better use of the Greek presence. The Greek community there is vast, and for many members of the diaspora, the Church is their only remaining link to the homeland. Over nearly seven years in office, Archbishop Makarios has cultivated excellent relations with governments at every level in Australia. It is telling that the swearing-in ceremony of the current government took place in a Greek Orthodox church and was officiated by Archbishop Makarios himself.
In the United Kingdom, Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira leads a Greek Orthodox flock that is rich — both metaphorically and literally — composed of Greeks and Cypriots. He is well positioned to rally these communities around common goals and help advance Greek interests. Nor should we overlook the long-standing respect and affection King Charles has shown for Orthodoxy, as reflected in his visits to Mount Athos.
At the Patriarchate of Alexandria, Patriarch Thedoros appears unable to respond to the suffocating constraints being shaped, on the one hand, by the Egyptian government and, on the other, by the growing influence of the Russian Orthodox Church. He does not appear willing or able to take a stance that could potentially benefit Hellenism — something made abundantly clear during the crisis in Greek–Egyptian relations sparked by the status of the Monastery of Saint Catherine of Sinai.
In Jerusalem, the game has long since been lost… Patriarch Theophilos shows no interest in serving national interests and has entrenched his turn and complete alignment with Moscow’s wishes. He scarcely seems inclined even to fulfill his ecclesiastical duties. One need only recall his recent meeting with Erdoğan in Constantinople, after which he departed without so much as lighting a candle at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in the Phanar.
As for Antioch, any remaining expectations — however minimal they may once have been — have now all but vanished. The Greek Orthodox character of the Patriarchate is nearly nonexistent, and Patriarch John, under the suffocating pressure and “guidance” of the Patriarchate of Moscow, is struggling to find his footing and establish ties with the new regime that has taken shape in Syria.
Melchizedek
*Republished from the newspaper “Orthodox Truth”
