LAST UPDATE: 13:14

In an interview for the newspaper “Politis,” Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus strongly criticized the pro-Russian stance of Metropolitans of Limassol, of Kykkos and of Tamasos regarding the issue of the imminent schism, who were in breach with the decisions of the Holy Synod not to take an official position.

The Archbishop of Cyprus harshly criticized Metropolitans Nikiforos of Kykkos, Isaiah of Tamasos, and Athanasios of Limassol for the statements they made defending the stance of Moscow on the Ukrainian autocephaly issue.

“During the meeting of the Holy Synod, I said that we would not take a position for either Moscow or Constantinople. I want to stay neutral so that we can help. They both need assistance. They are egotistical and cannot solve the problem […] Unfortunately, although the Holy Synod made this decision, the three Metropolitans make statements. They are so wrong.”

Archbishop Chrysostomos explicitly accused the three bishops saying that, although the Holy Synod decided to remain neutral on the Ukrainian autocephaly issue, they organize a conference and take a position against the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

“Although the Holy Synod was convened and decided on the Ukrainian autocephaly issue to remain neutral, now they organize a conference with the Russians and they speak to the conference and take a position against the Ecumenical Patriarchate. They are unbelievable. Well, the Holy Synod has already decided. Respect this decision. They are not even ashamed. The easiest is to punish and reprimand them. Unless they start to reform, you are in the same boat…,” he said characteristically.

The Archbishop of Cyprus also criticized the Patriarch of Moscow describing him as unacceptable for refusing to concelebrate or wanting to cease commemorating the Archbishop of Athens and the Patriarch of Alexandria.

“He has sent people to tell me that he supposedly wants me by his side. And I reply, ‘I do not support what you do.’ We stop commemorating those who derogate from the Orthodox faith and I ask you, ‘Are the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Archbishop of Athens and the Patriarch of Alexandria heretics so that you stopped commemorating them?’. That is simply not possible. You have the right to complain that they should not act in this way. You have the right to disagree, to say you are wrong. Yes, you have the right to say so. What about stop commemorating them or concelebrating with them? We only do not concelebrate with the heretics. Your behavior is unacceptable,” stated the Archbishop

“He is going to create a schism. And the schism is the greatest sin. I do not understand it. He wants to be the first. I told him you would never be the first. Over the past 17 centuries, the Patriarch of Constantinople has been established as first among all Eastern Orthodox primates. Full stop. We must not turn a blind eye. You must understand it. But selfishness does not let him see clearly,” said the Archbishop.