Constantinopolitan Exarch Conducts Service in Lithuania for the First Time in 300 Years
Date: 2024-01-07 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: WORLD
Historic Service After Centuries
In a historic event marking a significant milestone, the newly appointed head of the Lithuanian Exarchate of the Constantinopolitan Patriarchate, Justin Kiviloo, conducted a service in Lithuania. This remarkable occasion holds immense historical importance as it has been over three centuries since Constantinopolitan priests have led a service on Lithuanian soil. The service, held on Epiphany Day, gathered believers at the Trinity Monastery, a premises permitted by the Catholic Church of Lithuania for use by the Constantinopolitan Patriarchate.
Significance of the Arrival
Arriving from Estonia, Justin Kiviloo's presence in Lithuania signifies a pivotal moment in the formation of the church structure within the Lithuanian Exarchate. This structure operates under the jurisdiction of the Constantinopolitan Patriarchate, and Kiviloo's arrival represents a significant step in its establishment.
Hope for Future Appointments
While currently serving as a monk-priest, there is hopeful anticipation that Justin Kiviloo may be ordained as a bishop in the future, as expressed by Vladimir Selyavko, a Lithuanian Orthodox priest. Selyavko emphasized the historical nature of the event, underlining the possibility of Kiviloo's future consecration as a bishop.
Familiarity and Support
Gintaras Sungaila, another Lithuanian Orthodox priest, expressed satisfaction with the new Exarch's familiarity with Lithuania's historical legacy and his understanding of the hierarchical structure of Constantinople. Sungaila highlighted the significance of having a leader well-versed in both historical context and ecclesiastical structures.
Prospects for the Orthodox Church
The visit of Constantinopolitan Patriarch Bartholomew I to Vilnius last year further reinforced the potential for initiating the establishment of the Orthodox Church structure under the Constantinopolitan Patriarchate in Lithuania. This move marks a significant opportunity for the Orthodox community within the country.
Church Controversies
Amidst these developments, the Vilnius-Lithuanian diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate made decisions regarding several priests due to their critical stance on the Russo-Ukrainian war and their outspoken criticism of Moscow Patriarch Kirill for supporting aggression. This decision led to the removal of five priests, including Georgy (Gintaras) Sungaila, Vitaliy Dauparas, Vitaliy Motskus, Vladimir Selyavko, and Georgy Ananiev, from their positions.
