​I was informed of a previously unnoticed but highly perilous figure in a recent blog post. Kyriakos Velopoulos, an obscure, ideologically ultranationalist Greek politician with a questionable reputation, has emerged as a significant threat to Orthodoxy. Although this insignificant leader is touted as Greece’s ‘solution,’ his political party garnered 3.7% of the vote in the Greek Parliament. Velopoulos is bolstered by the tabloid melodramatic media and opportunists who propagate a distorted Orthodoxy, prioritizing sentimentalism over ecclesial law. These pseudo-Orthyodox protestant coteries support squatting criminals masquerading as monks who have infiltrated the Holy Mountain, Athos.

Your Grace Bishop Demetrios and Honorable Archon George Vourvoulias,

​To recap, the exact reason for this blog post might seem trivial, especially since, as Archon Vourvoulias insightfully noted, “words are meaningless!”—unless, of course, they are used to tell someone who came onto your lawn to insult you and a worthy brotherhood to “get a grip.” It’s fascinating how those words suddenly acquire so much weight. 

​In the digital information age, it is not uncommon for long-settled matters to resurface in a new wave of misinformation and unfounded attacks. Recently, a coordinated social media assault has emerged targeting myself, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, and, by extension, the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It appears that some parties, with ulterior motives, are determined to rehash issues that have long been resolved, creating a misleading narrative aimed at discrediting the venerable institution we represent. However, we, the Orthodox Christian community, stand strong and united, resilient in the face of these attacks.

The entanglement of Marxism and the Russian Orthodox Church reflects a tragic distortion shaped by Russia's complex history and politics. Rooted in a twisted sense of authority and exploitation, this bond harkens back to the fertile soil of czarist culture, where authoritarianism thrives. Now, it has completed a full circle, with the mindset it once nourished now the Kremlin’s church under the simulacrum patriarchate of Cyril Gundyaev.
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Throughout Russian history, the Russian Orthodox Church has wielded significant influence, strategically positioning itself as a tool for whatever ruling Muscovite Dynasty was in charge. Whether the Princes of the Grand Duchy of Vladimir or Vladimir Putin. This strategic positioning, marked by a series of calculated moves and abuses of ecclesial power, is a stark reminder of its pivotal role in shaping the political and religious landscape, and it is this intrigue we’ll delve into.
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​I was taken aback by the enthusiastic glee of certain Orthodox malcontents over an article that inundated my social media feeds and flooded my email. A small but vocal group of convert Russian sycophants and disgruntled cradle Christians who are pseudo-conservative “Karens” reveled in what they perceived as a rebuke of the Ecumenical Patriarch. They saw it as a vindication of Patriarch Cyril's questionable actions, including fratricide. Michael Warren Davis, the author, attempts to spin a fanciful narrative, yet his attempt is severely lacking in credibility. His lengthy 2500-word piece is brimming with accusations drawn from superficial virtue signaling by “reporting” overutilized low-hanging fruit authored in Russian echo chambers. 

Honorable Senator Vance,
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I hope this letter finds you well. I carefully followed your speech outlining your reasons for opposing the Ukraine aid bill. While I share your concerns about Congress' spending, I implore you to base your decisions on factual information and genuine conviction rather than a misguided sense of sentimentality, particularly concerning the Russian Orthodox Church and religious freedom in Ukraine. It has come to my attention that there are some misconceptions and conflations regarding the situation in Ukraine, and I believe it is crucial to shed light on these issues.

​Orthodoxy stands at a critical juncture, demanding a remedy for the pervasive pestilence of Russkiy Mir and a profound reconsideration of the Russian Orthodox Church's standing within the broader Orthodox community. The alarming promotion of a patriarch advocating, even to vulnerable believers and children, that murder – specifically fratricide – is an acceptable means of dispute resolution presents a glaring deviation from the teachings of Christ and the foundational principles upheld by His Great Church.

​With Lent on the horizon, it's time to reflect, renew, and make positive changes. I'm saddened by the Orthodox Church's current state. Some leaders speak out against the Muscovite church’s abuses, while others remain silent or even perpetuate Cyril’s malevolent phronema. 

Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, has denounced the Patriarchate of Moscow for its attempts to “justify an unjustifiable, unholy, unprovoked, diabolical war against an independent country.” He has reminded us that “the Russian Church must share the blame for the crimes committed in Ukraine.” Despite the few rational voices within my church, silence implies approval, and I do not endorse it.

​The Orthodox Deplorables, Instigators of Schism

Throughout the annals of Church history, ecclesiastic unity persisted even in the face of acknowledged errors, ecclesiological disparities, and doctrinal heresy. Unity is a paramount virtue of Orthodoxy, a straightforward concept that Moscow appears to struggle with.

Orthodoxy, the timeless beacon of wisdom, in Russian hands will be reduced to a flickering candle in the hands of those who seem to mistake obscurity for enlightenment.

The Kariye Djami -From Byzantine Sanctuary to Controversial Mosque
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The Kariye Djami, originally known as the Chora Monastery or the Monastery of Christ (Μονή του Χριστού της Χώρα), stands as a captivating symbol of Istanbul's rich history. Nestled in the Roman Capital, Constantinople, present-day Istanbul, Türkiye, this ancient structure resides near the Charisios Gate (Edirnekapı) and south of the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus (Tekfur Sarayı). The term "chora" (χώρα), suggesting "land" or "in the country," resonates with the rural nature of its location, originally beyond the city walls constructed by Constantine. The site likely remained sparsely populated even during the Ottoman era, contributing to the mystery surrounding Chora's early history.