The Lithuanian Orthodox Church’s aspiration to become autonomous from Moscow is stalling as the Moscow Synod delays decisions.
Since the end of the summer, neither the previous Synods, nor last week’s Synod considered the request to grant the Lithuanian Orthodox Archdiocese the status of a self-governing church, Bishop Amvrosijus of Trakai, the vicar of the Vilnius-Lithuanian Diocese, told reporters on Saturday.
“The application has been lodged and there’s no indication that it has been rejected. We are doing everything we can to ensure our independence. But we cannot tell the Synod what to do,” he said. “We hope that decision will be taken as soon as possible, we are striving for it and even demanding it.”
The Russian Orthodox Church’s leadership has expressed support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, which has led to international criticism and sparked EU discussion on possible sanctions for Moscow Patriarch Kirill. The idea, however, was dropped at the last minute in June following objections from Hungary.
Last Thursday, the Moscow Synod effectively recognised Russia’s annexation of different areas of Ukraine and is now in the midst of reorganising its administrative structure in line with the new political reality, the bernardinai.lt news website reported.
Bishop Amvrosijus says Lithuanian Orthodox Christians disagree with these decisions.
“We can disagree with some of the Synod’s political statements, if they have to do with matters like Ukraine. We certainly do not think that some of the decisions are necessary because they are political, not spiritual,” he said.
Avoiding occupation issue
The Lithuanian Orthodox representative also says he has a negative view of the Russian army’s attacks on civilian and even religious sites, as well as Patriarch Kirill’s actions in blessing the Russian troops and even military equipment going to war in Ukraine.
However, the Lithuanian bishop avoided taking a position on whether the Lithuanian Orthodox Church recognises Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with Russian-annexed Crimea and several southeastern areas of Ukraine.
“I was bad at geography at school. I’m sorry [...], I think this is something for politicians to decide, not the clergy,” he said, asked whether Orthodox Christians in Lithuania consider the areas in question to be Ukraine’s territory.
Asked about his view on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s role in the war, he said that “may God help him to save himself”.
“Naturally, we all have sins, mistakes. I think he is also a human, he also needs to pray and repent,” Amvrosijus said, adding that Orthodox Christians in Lithuania are praying for “peace in Ukraine and for people to stop beating and killing each other”.
The war, he said, is “our humanity’s fault”.
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