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The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has withdrawn membership in the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, RIA Novosti reports. According to Protodeacon Viktor Shilovsky, the Secretary of the Vienna and the Austrian diocese, this was due to the decision taken by the ROC Synod to break off relations with the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
The priest called this situation rather complicated. This did not happen for many years and despite the fact that it is very difficult the facts should be accepted, he added.
Within the framework of the forum held two times per year, Orthodox bishops discussed current issues relating to religion and the parish.
Now the ROC diocese has withdrawn from this structure but does not stop its work. "The Austrian diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church recognized by the state. Here there are no problems", he said.
According to Russkiy Mir, the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church held the day before decided to break off all relations with Constantinople. This step was a response to the actions of the Constantinople Patriarchate. Its head Bartholomew announced his intention to give autocephaly to the schismatic church in Ukraine.
Russkiy Mir
