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His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon recently made a clear and categorical statement on the issue of Ukrainian autocephaly.
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate will never change its position on the issue of Ukraine and the canonical granting of autocephaly, as the matter has been settled ecclesiastically and cannot be reversed,” he stated emphatically.
This statement did not go unnoticed. On the contrary, it is considered by many to be a clear response to recent rumors and false reports circulated by Russian media and circles close to the Moscow Patriarchate, according to which Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is allegedly “repenting” or “reconsidering” his decision to grant autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The response to fake news
For months now, Russian sources have been trying to cultivate the impression that there is “disappointment” in the Phanar over the course of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and that there may be a “revision” of the Patriarchate’s position. However, the position taken by Metropolitan Chalcedon puts an end to these scenarios, making it clear that the matter has been closed definitively and irrevocably. He himself, after all, was one of the key ecclesiastical figures who handled the case of autocephaly. He therefore has first-hand knowledge of both the canonical foundations and the significance of this particular decision.
The Phanar does not change its line
The position of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the issue of Ukraine has remained unchanged since 2018, when the Tomos of Autocephaly was granted.
This decision was based on:
• the historical privileges of the Ecumenical Throne,
• the need to restore ecclesiastical canonical order,
• and the right of the Ukrainian people to have their own independent Church.
Despite the pressure, attacks, and misinformation campaign against the Phanar, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew never hinted that he would reconsider or back down.
A message of stability
Metropolitan Emmanuel’s intervention thus reinforces the message of consistency and stability of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In essence, this is a response to the communications war being waged over Ukrainian autocephaly — a war that aims to undermine the authority of the Phanar and divide the Orthodox world.
With his statement, Metropolitan of Chalcedon sent the message that the Ecumenical Patriarchate:
• does not regret its decision,
• will not change its position,
• and continues to defend its decisions based on Church law and not political expediency.
A message to believers
Beyond diplomatic or ecclesiastical contexts, this statement also serves to reassure believers who are anxiously following developments.
The message is clear: the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is canonical, recognized, and autocephalous, and the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is not subject to dispute.
Conclusion
Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon did not simply make a statement; he made a key intervention at a time when Russian propaganda is attempting to distort the truth.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate, faithful to its mission, remains steadfast in its principles, confirming once again that the unity of Orthodoxy is based on truth and not on misinformation.
