The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church expressed regret in connection with the participation of a representative of the OCU, who does not have canonical ordination, in the episcopal consecration of Metropolitan Andrei of Sarandaecclisia, performed by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. This is stated in the Journal No. 10 of the Sessions of the ROC Synod, the website of the DECR ROC writes.

“From media reports, it became known that on March 21, 2021, at the Divine Liturgy at the St. George Cathedral in Istanbul, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, co-served by the hierarchs of the Patriarchates of Constantinople and Alexandria, as well as a representative of one of the schismatic communities of Ukraine, St. which is confirmed by the publication of the corresponding photographs,” the document says.

The synod decided:

“1. To express regret in connection with the participation of a person who does not have canonical ordination in the episcopal consecration in the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

2. To note that this event deepens the split in the Orthodox world caused by the actions of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

3. Taking into account the canonical inferiority of the consecration of Metropolitan Andrew of Sarandaecclis, it is with regret to state the impossibility of concelebrating with him in the event that, helping God, Eucharistic communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople is restored. The same applies to the clergy, whom the aforementioned metropolitan may eventually ordain”.