Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Condemn Meetings with Russian Orthodox Clergy

The Order of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) has expressed significant dismay regarding recent meetings in Washington, D.C., involving Russian Orthodox clergy and U.S. officials. These clergy, closely aligned with the Kremlin and supportive of President Vladimir Putin's military actions in Ukraine, are reportedly engaging with senior White House staff and congressional representatives. The AEP condemns these interactions as an attempt to legitimize the Russian Orthodox Church's role in advancing Moscow's geopolitical interests.

Archons Question White House Meeting with Russian Orthodox Clergy Who Are Lobbyists for PutinArchons Voice Alarm Over Russian Orthodox Clergy’s Reported Engagements with U.S. LeadersArchons express “dismay” over White House meetings with Russian Orthodox Clergy tied to Putin

The Russian Orthodox Church has been characterized by critics, including U.S. Representative Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), as an extension of the Russian state. This perspective stems from the church's support for Russia's military campaign in Ukraine, which has intensified since the 2014 annexation of Crimea. The AEP highlights the precarious situation of the canonical Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which has faced increasing pressure and persecution amid the ongoing conflict. The tensions between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church were exacerbated in 2019 when Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew granted autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, leading to a schism with a faction that remains loyal to the Moscow Patriarchate.

Archons Question White House Meeting with Russian Orthodox Clergy Who Are Lobbyists for PutinArchons express “dismay” over White House meetings with Russian Orthodox Clergy tied to PutinArchons Voice Alarm Over Russian Orthodox Clergy’s Reported Engagements with U.S. Leaders

In a public statement, the Archons urged the Trump administration to cancel the meetings with the Russian Orthodox clergy, labeling them as "essentially Russian state agents." They emphasized the need for American officials to avoid being misled into legitimizing actors that serve the foreign policy aims of the Russian state under the guise of religious dialogue. The AEP expressed gratitude to Rep. Wilson for his efforts to draw attention to the plight of the canonical Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which he described as facing "increasing pressure and persecution."

Archons express “dismay” over White House meetings with Russian Orthodox Clergy tied to PutinArchons Question White House Meeting with Russian Orthodox Clergy Who Are Lobbyists for PutinArchons Voice Alarm Over Russian Orthodox Clergy’s Reported Engagements with U.S. Leaders

The AEP's condemnation of the meetings reflects broader concerns about the Russian Orthodox Church's influence in international affairs. Critics argue that engaging with these clergy could undermine the U.S. stance on Russia's actions in Ukraine and inadvertently support the Kremlin's narrative. The Archons assert that the meetings risk exacerbating the already vulnerable position of Orthodox Christians in Ukraine, who are caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions.

Archons Voice Alarm Over Russian Orthodox Clergy’s Reported Engagements with U.S. Leaders

• “The canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church is facing increasing pressure and persecution in Ukraine.” — U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.)

Archons express “dismay” over White House meetings with Russian Orthodox Clergy tied to Putin

• “deceptive attempt to legitimize Russia’s use of the Orthodox Church as an arm of its aggressive foreign policy.” — Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Archons express “dismay” over White House meetings with Russian Orthodox Clergy tied to Putin

• “We urge the Trump administration to cancel this meeting with what are essentially Russian state agents, and to stand in solidarity with the suffering Ukrainian people and the canonical Orthodox Church of Ukraine.” — Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Archons Question White House Meeting with Russian Orthodox Clergy Who Are Lobbyists for Putin

The AEP's strong stance underscores the ongoing complexities of religious and political intersections in the context of the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the need for careful diplomatic engagement.

Archons Voice Alarm Over Russian Orthodox Clergy’s Reported Engagements with U.S. Leaders