The Macedonian Orthodox Church may well be receiving financial support from the Serbian Patriarchate, support that often has Russian origins. This may help explain the pro-Russian rhetoric emerging from North Macedonia.

This was stated in an exclusive interview with LF by prominent church commentator Lera Furman when responding to a question about why the Macedonian Church began promoting pro-Russian narratives after receiving a tomos from Serbia.

According to Lera Furman, the Macedonian Church views the Serbian Patriarchate as its benefactor because it restored the Church to canonical status.

“I think they place great value on this tomos. Because of it, they regard the Serbian Patriarchate as their benefactor, the institution that finally restored them to the canonical fold and resolved their status,” she emphasized.

In addition, Furman said it is entirely possible that the Macedonian side received a certain amount of financial assistance, which within the Serbian Orthodox Church often has Russian roots.

“It is a paradox. For so many decades the Macedonians were offended and mistreated by the Serbian Patriarchate. Yet as soon as it ‘patted them on the head’ once, they suddenly came to love it and instantly forgot all their old grievances. I think that, first of all, this reflects a simple sense of gratitude toward Belgrade. Secondly, it is quite possible that the Macedonian side received some financial assistance, which, as we understand, within the Serbian Orthodox Church often has Russian origins,” the commentator explained.