Philenews

Cyprus Church Supports Patriarch Bartholomew Amidst Russian Criticism

Published February 13, 2026, 12:20
Cyprus Church Supports Patriarch Bartholomew Amidst Russian Criticism

The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus has expressed its full support for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, responding to an attack from the Russian Orthodox Church's Foreign Intelligence Service. The Russian service had labeled Patriarch Bartholomew as an “incarnate devil” under the control of British intelligence agencies. The Holy Synod of Cyprus condemned the attack as unacceptable and unethical, emphasizing the invaluable role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Orthodoxy and its contribution to the expression of Christian doctrine and the shaping of Church administration. Furthermore, it highlighted the Patriarchate's pioneering role in inter-Christian dialogues and its struggle for the protection of the planet.