Archimandrite Cyril (Hovorun): Greeks to finalize recognition of OCU in October

Archimandrite Cyril (Hovorun) called positive yesterday’s decision of the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Greece regarding the right of Constantinople to solve the Ukrainian question. In his opinion, in October this year, the issue of recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by the Greek Church will be finalized. The Archimandrite wrote this on his Facebook page.

"My comment (at the request of Cerkvarium) regarding today's decision of the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Greece:

The Synod of the Church of Greece recognized the right of Constantinople to resolve the Ukrainian issue, and thus in fact recognized the canonical nature of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's decisions regarding Ukraine, including the Tomos. In my opinion, it is already possible to talk about the recognition of the Ukrainian Church, which is mentioned in the communique of the Synod without quotes, the wordings such as "so-called", etc.," said the theologian.

"On the other hand, the recognition of the new Church automatically triggers a series of protocol procedures, such as remembering of the name of the new Primate at the Liturgy, peace visits, and the like. The Synod confirmed the right of the Archbishop of Athens to decide on these issues individually.

In its decisions, the Synod actually adopted the conclusions of the two Synodal commissions, which unanimously recommended to recognize the OCU and leave the identification of the further protocol-related steps under Archbishop's responsibility.

But the Archbishop seems to be willing to get advice from the Council, which will be held in October, prior to exercising this right. He is most likely to do it, even despite the absence of the Ukrainian issue on the Council's agenda.

Already before the Synod, the Archbishop had held consultations on Ukraine with Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis and found his support to a positive solution of the Ukrainian question.

Therefore, my conclusion is that today's decision is fundamental, and it is fundamentally positive. In October, some less important protocol issues related to the OCU will be finally settled," said Archimandrite Cyril (Hovorun).