Ethnic Papism is a very interesting topic. After all, the institution of cardinals was originally the clergy and laity of the Roman diocese (a long time ago, as far as I know, there were also lay cardinals). As the institution of papism developed as the center of power for the entire Western Church, the institution of cardinals began to transform into a parallel hierarchy. Bishops and clerics of other dioceses of the Catholic Church were simultaneously formally appointed by the clergy of the temples of the Roman diocese. That is, the archbishop, conventionally, of Portugal bore a formal title, for example, cardinal-presbyter of some historical temple in the city of Rome or its suburbs. This gave him the right to participate in the “synod” of the Roman diocese – the Conclave, which elects the pope and decides the most important issues of the entire Catholic Church. Thus, the ancient principle of locality was formally preserved – the diocesan assembly of the Roman diocese (the Holy College of Cardinals, also known as the Conclave) elects the bishop of Rome.
As for Orthodoxy, here the principle is completely different. No Local Church, including the Church of Constantinople, goes beyond its borders. The primacy of Constantinople is historically nominal, “in honor”, which proves the principle of “isolation” of each Church on itself – within the framework of its local councils and synods.
If the primacy of Constantinople was historically akin to the papal, as they are now trying to present in the Phanar, an institution similar to the College of Cardinals would have long been formed. But he is not. And if this is so, then the claims of the Phanariots (or Greeks in general) to primacy in Orthodoxy are very drawn to terry nationalism, because you cannot become a Greek, you can only be born. This means that there are Orthodox Christians of the first grade, the second, and so on. As I wrote earlier, the Patriarchate of Constantinople is rapidly turning into a nationalist organization.
Or, if the throne of Constantinople wants to be akin to the papal one, be so kind as to elect a patriarch among the bishops of ALL Orthodox Churches. And then, for example, a Serb, Georgian, Ukrainian or Romanian can become the Patriarch of Constantinople.
Are you ready for this on Phanar? If not, then the honorable “championship of honor” is more than enough for them. And then, out of respect for the former greatness of Byzantium.
