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Ecumenical Patriarchate Responds to Moscow's Accusations

Published January 13, 2026, 10:23
Ecumenical Patriarchate Responds to Moscow's Accusations

The Ecumenical Patriarchate has responded to strongly critical comments from Moscow, which accuse Patriarch Bartholomew of seeking to displace the Russian Orthodox Church. The Patriarchate described the accusations as “false news and insults” and stated that it would not be discouraged from its “universal mission.” The dispute began in 2018, when the Ecumenical Patriarchate granted autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine, a move that angered Moscow. The Patriarchate of Constantinople expressed its sadness over the attacks and emphasized that it would continue to serve.