A hierarch in Constantinople has publicly criticized the Moscow Patriarchate, describing it as a propaganda tool for the Kremlin. During a visit to Vilnius, he asserted that the way the Moscow Patriarchate communicates on issues of politics and the Church serves a singular purpose that diverges from the mission of the Constantinople Church, which prioritizes community service and the rejection of aggression. This commentary comes in response to a report from Russian intelligence that accused Patriarch Bartholomew of dividing the Orthodox community, particularly in Ukraine and the Baltic states.

Metropolitan Emanuel of Constantinople emphasized that they are not concerned with threats from Russian propaganda, highlighting that such threats extend beyond the Church to all nations. He reaffirmed the autonomy and foundational status of the Constantinople Church, asserting its role over the Moscow Patriarchate. Despite the Kremlin's attempts to undermine the unity of Orthodox believers, the sentiment among Constantinople leaders remains strong, demonstrating resilience against external pressures and a commitment to religious freedom.

This situation reflects the broader tensions between the Russian state and the Orthodox Church hierarchy, indicating efforts by the Kremlin to leverage religious structures in its geopolitical ambitions. The issue of religious authority and influence continues to play a significant role in the regional dynamics, notably in the face of recent conflicts in Ukraine and rising nationalism in the Baltic region. The statements from the Constantinople cleric highlight a critical stance towards Russian narratives and illustrate the ongoing struggle for spiritual and political influence among Orthodox Christians across the region.