Russian Church Infiltrating Greek Orthodox Churches, Former Deputy Minister Says

A member of the Greek parliament and former Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Angelos Syrigos, has called out the Russian Church for its attempts to infiltrate the Greek Orthodox patriarchates and churches, according to a recent article from the Orthodox Times.

“The Patriarchate of Jerusalem, like the other Ancient Patriarchates, predominantly consists of Greek or Cypriot clergy, serving a relatively small population with substantial needs,” Syrigos stated according to the Orthodox Times. “Within this framework, even modest financial contributions can significantly impact its operations.”

He added: “There are ongoing concerns about Russia’s attempts to exert influence over the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. While there have been instances where it appears to make progress towards this goal, at other times, these efforts have been halted. They made efforts to do the same thing within the Patriarchate of Alexandria. There, the resolute stance adopted by Patriarch Theodore prevented Russian infiltration into the Patriarchate. Consequently, they sought to establish an Exarchate as an alternative approach. This endeavor is heavily financed by Russian resources.”

The former deputy minister highlighted that a similar situation is taking place on Mount Athos, where Russia, through financial support to a handful of monasteries, is attempting to grow its influence.

“The war in Ukraine reduced the number of Russian pilgrims to Mount Athos, which was even greater before the recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by the Church of Greece,” Syrigos said. “This was the primary factor that sparked tensions and has led to tensions among hierarchs. I attentively listen to all views, recognizing that it was a decision made by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, subsequently endorsed by the Church of Greece, a step the Church of Albania did not take, for instance.”

How is the Russian Church infiltrating Greek Orthodox churches?

Syrigos also expanded on the various ways that the Russian Church is infiltrating, stating: “When a Metropolitan of the Church of Greece needs funds to manage the balance sheets in nursing homes, Russia steps in and offers assistance. At the same time, various proposals are made to establish a spiritual connection between Russia and Greece.”

He also made reference to the recent elections of a new Archbishop in Cyprus, wherein the people vote for three hierarchs, who form the “Triprosopo” from which a new Archbishop comes forward. There was a lot of pressure on Orthodox residents of the island to take part in the vote, including fifty thousand to sixty thousand Russian residents living in Cyprus.

The proposal ultimately led to granting voting rights to permanent residents, hugely reducing the number of Russians eligible to vote.

“It was clear that there was an attempt to influence voters,” he stressed. “If the Russians participated, an Archbishop who was a supporter of Russia would have been elected.”

He also said that during the COVID pandemic, the Russian Orthodox Church attempted to uphold the view that, despite what was happening with the closed churches, Orthodox believers should go on Sundays to attend the liturgy. “Their aim was to create social division at the time when the pandemic was raging,” he concluded. “This was prevented by the serious stance adopted by the Church of Greece.”