Omega Live

Cyprus Also in the Crosshairs: Moscow's Unprecedented Attack on Bartholomew

Published January 13, 2026, 13:31
Cyprus Also in the Crosshairs: Moscow's Unprecedented Attack on Bartholomew

Theologian Theodore Kyriakou described Russia's attack on Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as an unprecedented escalation and a “hybrid war” within Orthodoxy. Moscow accuses the Patriarch of instrumentalizing religion and collaborating with British intelligence services to dissolve the Orthodox Church, with the dispute over the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church at the center. Mr. Kyriakou emphasized that Russia is claiming the role of the “Third Rome” and is using ecclesiastical power for propaganda purposes. Particular concern was expressed for Cyprus, as the Church of Cyprus has supported the autocephaly of Ukraine and is in the crosshairs of Russian aggression. Moscow is attempting to create internal disagreements, as in the case of Limassol. Similar problems are faced by Greece and the Patriarchate of Alexandria. The Ecumenical Patriarchate responded to the accusations, calling them “false news and fabricated information.” Mr. Kyriakou pointed out the difficulty of the maneuvers, given that only four of the 14 Orthodox Churches have recognized the autocephaly of Ukraine. Overall, Mr. Kyriakou warned of the deep rift in Orthodoxy and the shaken unity, emphasizing that Moscow has included religion in its geopolitical game with the West, turning ecclesiastical relations into a field of war.

Share:
Read Full Article on Omega Live

You Might Also Like

Back to News