Tensions Rise Between Patriarchs Bartholomew and Theophilos Over Orthodox Unity

A public call from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem has highlighted strained relations between the two Orthodox Christian leaders, raising concerns about unity within the global Orthodox Church as a historic anniversary approaches.

During a vespers service at the Neochori metochion of the Holy Sepulchre in Istanbul, Patriarch Bartholomew urged Patriarch Theophilos to confirm his participation in the upcoming commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 CE). The event, organized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, aims to bring together the successors of the ancient Pentarchy—the five historic patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Rome. Pope Leo, along with Patriarchs Theodore of Alexandria and John of Antioch, have been invited to join Patriarch Theophilos for the milestone celebration.

Bartholomew’s remarks came with a pointed message: “We cannot imagine the successor of James, the Brother of the Lord, being absent.” He emphasized the “historic responsibility” of Theophilos to contribute to the “union of all,” signaling expectations for Jerusalem’s presence at the Nicaea commemoration. The Ecumenical Patriarch’s words underscored the importance of unity among the Orthodox Churches and with the broader Christian world, invoking the legacy of the Pentarchy, which historically united the Church before the East-West Schism.

A Strained Relationship

The public invitation follows what sources describe as a “deafening silence” from Patriarch Theophilos regarding the Nicaea event. This silence has fueled speculation about a deepening rift between the two patriarchs. Tensions have been exacerbated by recent actions, including Theophilos’ unannounced visit to Turkey last month, where he met with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan without informing Bartholomew, a breach of ecclesiastical protocol. Notably, Theophilos did not visit the Patriarchal Church of St. George in the Phanar during his trip, a gesture seen as a slight by church observers.

Further complicating matters, Theophilos attended a major interfaith conference in Kazakhstan shortly after, where he met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow. The Jerusalem Patriarchate maintains close ties with Moscow, including hosting Russian Church delegations in Jerusalem. Theophilos is also the only leader among the Greek-speaking Orthodox Churches yet to recognize the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine, a decision supported by Bartholomew and a point of contention with Moscow.

Historical Context and Ecclesiastical Support

Bartholomew’s address also recalled the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s historical support for Jerusalem. Speaking to Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedon, the representative of the Holy Sepulchre in Constantinople, Bartholomew highlighted Constantinople’s centuries-long advocacy for Jerusalem’s rights, including during Byzantine and Ottoman times. He noted the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s role in resolving past crises in Jerusalem, such as the controversial property sales in the Old City that led to the deposition of Theophilos’ predecessor, Patriarch Irenaeus, and Theophilos’ subsequent election.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate’s support extended to defending Jerusalem’s interests against objections from the Patriarchate of Antioch over the appointment of an archbishop in Qatar, a dispute that contributed to Antioch’s absence from the 2016 Holy and Great Council in Crete. That council, the first major Orthodox synod since the Schism, also saw Moscow’s last-minute withdrawal, citing Antioch’s concerns.

A Call for Unity

Bartholomew’s sermon was preceded by Theophilos leading a Divine Liturgy at the Russian Monastery of Hebron in the Holy Land, attended by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s external affairs. This event underscored Jerusalem’s ongoing ties with Moscow, adding to the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s frustration over Theophilos’ noncommittal stance on the Nicaea commemoration.

“We pray and await the positive response of our brother, Patriarch Theophilos, to this historic event, a tangible expression of unity between Eastern and Western Christianity,” Bartholomew said, invoking the unity of the Pentarchy’s four Eastern Patriarchs and the Patriarch of the West.

As the Orthodox world prepares to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a defining moment in Christian history, the absence of a response from Jerusalem raises questions about the state of Orthodox unity and the delicate balance of ecclesiastical relations.

(Source: To Vima)