The Ecumenical Patriarchate recognised the independence of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine in Constantinople after the completion of the Holy Synod that took place from 9 to 11 October. The Holy Synod issued a communication with the decisions it had taken during the three-day meeting.
A few hours after the statement, the Russian Orthodox Church reacted, with its spokesperson calling the decision “irregular”.
According to Russian media, the decision by the Ecumenical Patriarchate has led to a permanent rift with the Russian Church the move to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Church is a “red line” for Moscow.