Russian Patriarchate claims no foundation that Patriarch Bartholomew is leader of Orthodox Christians.

Is the Russian Patriarchate's interpretation correct: there is no historical foundation that Patriarch Bartholomew I is the head of all Orthodox Christians?
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Kathimerini

The recent troubles of the Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul took another twist yesterday after the Russian Orthodox Church said that there was no historical foundation to statements that Patriarch Bartholomew I is the head of all Orthodox Christians.

“The Russian Orthodox Church deeply regrets in connection with any unfounded restriction of freedom of belief of the Orthodox faith, wherever it happens, and never has doubted either the historical title of ‘Archbishop of Constantinople – New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarchate,’” the Moscow Patriarchate told the Russian Interfax news agency.

“When these titles appeared, the universe meant the Byzantine Empire,” the Moscow Patriarchate said, adding that the “Patriarchate of Constantinople is one of 15 autonomous local Orthodox churches and far from the most numerous one.”

A joint statement this week by Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and the head of the European People’s Party, Wilfried Martens, prompted the reaction from Russia.

Bakoyannis and Martens expressed support for Patriarch Bartholomew and demanded that Turkey recognize the Patriarchate’s legal status and stop interfering in its affairs.

In their statement, they referred to the ecumenical patriarch as “the head of the Orthodox Church worldwide since the 6th century AD” and “the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.”

Sources at the Istanbul Patriarchate said that the “co-coordinating role of the patriarch cannot be doubted by anyone,” giving the example of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has appealed to the patriarch over its move to separate from the Russian Church.

Discussion: Is the Russian Patriarchate's interpretation correct: there is no historical foundation that Patriarch Bartholomew I is the head of all Orthodox Christians?

S Eugene Cohlmia on Oct 16 2007 @ 01:47pm (anonymous from ppp-70-130-39-170.dsl.wchtks.swbell.net)
Problems of the Orthodox

We should establish a day of special prayer for the unity of the Worldwide Orthodox Church. We must do our best to take polotics out of the Church. The term "HEAD" of the Church. It is my understanding that at one time the Patriarchate of Constantinople was the "Equal Among Equals" and we have all been taught that NOT ONE of the Patriarchates have dominion over any other.
Unless I am mistaken over the years we, the Big O as I like to call us, has always been a Democratic Church.

Many years ago I was told, by Archbishop Anthony Bashir of Thrice Blessed Memory, The HEAD of the Orthodox is Christ Himself. No man can be the head of our Church.
I do realize that some of the Archbishops around the world seem to grow a new head when they are elevated. But to be Elevated to Priest, or Bisop or Whatever huge title in the Church should simply mean what Archbishop Anthony told me once, "To become Clergy in the Church means you are a servant to the people to love, dispurse Christian directions, correct any mistaken ideas and lead ones flock as Christ led HIS with Love not force.

What difference does it make who is above anybody else here on earth? It may be the Bishop is the COO of a region but he is never to issue any direct orders from his mind only. As we all know those orders should be wrapped in the Word Of God only.
So to ALL those who would be "HEAD" of any part of our Great Orthodox Church then first keep in mind that the Lord God call us all HIS good and faithful SERVANTS!

S Eugene Cohlmia on Oct 16 2007 @ 01:56pm (anonymous from ppp-70-130-39-170.dsl.wchtks.swbell.net)
Problems of the Orthodox

We should establish a day of special prayer for the unity of the Worldwide Orthodox Church. We must do our best to take polatics out of the Church. The term "HEAD" of the Church is not to be used except when we refer to Christ Himself. It is my understanding that at one time the Patriarchate of Constantinople was the "Equal Among Equals" and we have all been taught that NOT ONE of the Patriarchates have dominion over any other. Unless I am mistaken over the years we, the Big O as I like to call us, have always been a Democratic Church. Many years ago I was told, by Archbishop Anthony Bashir of Thrice Blessed Memory, The HEAD of the Orthodox is Christ Himself. No man can be the head of our Church. I do realize that some of the Archbishops around the world seem to grow a new head when they are elevated. But to be Elevated to Priest, or Bisop or whatever huge title in the Church should simply mean what Archbishop Anthony told me once, "To become Clergy in the Church means you are a servant to the people to love, dispurse Christian directions, correct any mistaken ideas and lead ones flock as Christ led HIS, with Love not force. What difference does it make who is above anybody else here on earth? Our Bishop's are the COO of a region but he is never to issue any direct orders for his directive is Cannon Law. As we all know those orders should be wrapped in the Word Of God only. So to ALL those who would be "HEAD" of any part of our Great Orthodox Church then first keep in mind that the Lord God calls us all, HIS good and faithful SERVANTS!

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