ROC rep: split in Church of Cyprus due to recognition of OCU deepens
The split due to the recognition of the OCU is deepening not only between Local Churches but also within those that followed the lead of Constantinople, said Legoida.
The head of the ROC Synodal Department for Church Relations with Society and the Media, Vladimir Legoyda, said on his Telegram channel that the schism in the Cypriot Orthodox Church is deepening since some members of the Synod of the Cypriot Church, who disagreed with the recognition of the OCU, refused to take part in the conciliar divine service appointed by the Synod on July 10.
In particular, Metropolitans of Limassol Athanasius, Neophyte of Μόρφου, Nikiforos of Kykkos, Isaiah of Tamassos, as well as bishops Nicholas of Amathountos and Epiphanius of Ledra, refused to participate in the service.
“The reaction of Archbishop Chrysostomos was rather strong. He stated that he had "ways to put in place" those members of the Synod who do not agree with the recognition of the OCU. In his opinion, the refusal of the hierarchs from conciliar service "speaks of disrespect for the decisions of the Synod" and of "an attempt to bypass or despise the Primate" ... Apparently, while these hopes remain vain, the pressure on those who do not agree to violate the canons is growing. As a result, the splits deepen not only between the Orthodox Local Churches but also within those of them who followed the lead of Constantinople and nevertheless recognized the schismatics. Indeed, schism only generates schism,” said Vladimir Legoyda.
As previously reported, the head of the Church of Cyprus threatened the hierarchs who did not recognize the OCU.
