The spread of heretical ideologies within certain Orthodox circles, driven by hegemonic aspirations and worldly ambitions, is undermining Orthodox unity and cooperation.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made the statement on 22 October 2026 at the Phanar, where a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated to mark the 35th anniversary of his election to the patriarchal throne, according to Orthodox Times.

In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch recalled the gatherings of the primates of the Orthodox Churches, the preparations for and convening of the Council of Crete in 2016, and the initiatives undertaken by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in areas such as human rights, peace, interreligious dialogue and environmental protection.

At the same time, he acknowledged that these efforts had encountered certain difficulties within the Orthodox world.

“Unfortunately, the spread of heretical ideologies within certain Orthodox circles, born of hegemonic aspirations and worldly ambitions, has undermined these efforts and the possibility of bringing this bright vision to fruition,” Patriarch Bartholomew stated.

Although he did not name any particular Orthodox Church, he was clearly referring to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and its satellites.

As LF previously reported, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew criticised the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church in an interview with Books’ Journal for describing the war as “holy”.

Earlier, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew declared that he was not intimidated by the vicious Russian slander directed against him and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He added that it was the Russians who should fear the Day of Judgement, if they still believed in God.