Dr Andreja Bogdanovski
@bogdanovskia.bsky.social
Religion journalist & analyst covering Orthodox affairs, politics, and security.
Bylines: The Tablet, Church Times, Premier Christianity, Balkan Insight & others. Views are mine.
https://divinediplomacy.substack.com/
📍Edinburgh | Skopje
Bylines: The Tablet, Church Times, Premier Christianity, Balkan Insight & others. Views are mine.
https://divinediplomacy.substack.com/
📍Edinburgh | Skopje
Interesting new proposal to shake up the Orthodox landscape even more in Ukraine.
Establishing an Exarchate under the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a "temporary fix" and welcome those of the UOC who would like to leave Onufry but not go with Epifaniy (OCU)
orthodoxtimes.com/ukrainian-is...
Establishing an Exarchate under the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a "temporary fix" and welcome those of the UOC who would like to leave Onufry but not go with Epifaniy (OCU)
orthodoxtimes.com/ukrainian-is...
Ukrainian issue: A temporary Exarchate by the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a potential solution | Orthodox Times (en)
By Paul (Pavel) Liberman, Theologian If the Ecumenical Patriarchate does not intervene promptly, the situation in Ukraine risks becoming a pawn in political games. Without violating the Tomos of Autoc...
orthodoxtimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Interesting new proposal to shake up the Orthodox landscape even more in Ukraine.
Establishing an Exarchate under the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a "temporary fix" and welcome those of the UOC who would like to leave Onufry but not go with Epifaniy (OCU)
orthodoxtimes.com/ukrainian-is...
Establishing an Exarchate under the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a "temporary fix" and welcome those of the UOC who would like to leave Onufry but not go with Epifaniy (OCU)
orthodoxtimes.com/ukrainian-is...
I am with Leustean on this one that the building of the biggest Orthodox cathedral in Bucharest has more to do with national identity matters rather than any "soft power" flexing against the Russian Orthodox Church.
Why Romania’s new Orthodox cathedral is a challenge to Moscow
Three centuries after Peter the Great raised his empire’s first church in St Petersburg, Bucharest’s new cathedral is the largest of its kind
www.thetimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:31 PM
I am with Leustean on this one that the building of the biggest Orthodox cathedral in Bucharest has more to do with national identity matters rather than any "soft power" flexing against the Russian Orthodox Church.
Romanian Patriarch Daniel: #Bartholomew’s continuous support is “a powerful testimony to the unity of #Orthodoxy and to the constant support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the administrative freedom and dignity of the local Churches”.
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
New cathedral in Bucharest is a ‘sign of unity’
Patriarchs Daniel and Bartholomew join in opening ceremony
www.churchtimes.co.uk
October 31, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Romanian Patriarch Daniel: #Bartholomew’s continuous support is “a powerful testimony to the unity of #Orthodoxy and to the constant support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the administrative freedom and dignity of the local Churches”.
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
Reposted by Dr Andreja Bogdanovski
I doubt if there is an honest clergymen in the upper echelons of the Russian Orthodox Church. The corrupt Hilarion did "external relations" for the ROC, including links to the World Council of Churches
Although Alfeyev was "retired" to the spa town of Karlovy Vary in Czechia, Suzuki claims he travels there only once a week on Sundays while still living outside Budapest.
New for The Tablet
www.thetablet.co.uk/news/hilario...
New for The Tablet
www.thetablet.co.uk/news/hilario...
Hilarion was ‘bridge’ between Russia and Hungary, claims former aide - The Tablet
A former sub-deacon of Metropolitan Hilarion alleged that the Russian Orthodox prelate acted as an intermediary between Moscow and Hungary’s political elite.
www.thetablet.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM
I doubt if there is an honest clergymen in the upper echelons of the Russian Orthodox Church. The corrupt Hilarion did "external relations" for the ROC, including links to the World Council of Churches
Although Alfeyev was "retired" to the spa town of Karlovy Vary in Czechia, Suzuki claims he travels there only once a week on Sundays while still living outside Budapest.
New for The Tablet
www.thetablet.co.uk/news/hilario...
New for The Tablet
www.thetablet.co.uk/news/hilario...
Hilarion was ‘bridge’ between Russia and Hungary, claims former aide - The Tablet
A former sub-deacon of Metropolitan Hilarion alleged that the Russian Orthodox prelate acted as an intermediary between Moscow and Hungary’s political elite.
www.thetablet.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Although Alfeyev was "retired" to the spa town of Karlovy Vary in Czechia, Suzuki claims he travels there only once a week on Sundays while still living outside Budapest.
New for The Tablet
www.thetablet.co.uk/news/hilario...
New for The Tablet
www.thetablet.co.uk/news/hilario...
For ChurchTimes - The app was scrutinised by reporters and users over the scope of personal information requested, including highly sensitive data such as passport details, addresses, income, workplaces, and military-service records.
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
Launch of Russian Orthodox app, Zosima, sparks privacy fears
App was scrutinised by reporters and users over the scope of personal information requested, including highly sensitive data
www.churchtimes.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 11:44 AM
For ChurchTimes - The app was scrutinised by reporters and users over the scope of personal information requested, including highly sensitive data such as passport details, addresses, income, workplaces, and military-service records.
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
The planned meeting (* big If) of the pentarchy in Nicaea/Iznik next month will leave the Slavic Orthodox isolated from a genuine ecumenical event, if no delegations are present.
October 29, 2025 at 9:57 AM
The planned meeting (* big If) of the pentarchy in Nicaea/Iznik next month will leave the Slavic Orthodox isolated from a genuine ecumenical event, if no delegations are present.
It will be interesting to compare and contrast today’s messages of ecumenism between the Catholics and Anglicans and Pope Leo’s upcoming key trip to Turkey next month. He will be meeting the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the Nicaea anniversary.
October 23, 2025 at 9:21 PM
It will be interesting to compare and contrast today’s messages of ecumenism between the Catholics and Anglicans and Pope Leo’s upcoming key trip to Turkey next month. He will be meeting the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the Nicaea anniversary.
Reposted by Dr Andreja Bogdanovski
I don't know what the big deal is here. I've often prayed with my Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ!
King Charles' visit to the Vatican today will be a historic moment - the first time since the Reformation that a British monarch and a Pope will pray together in the Sistine Chapel. Our briefing explores its meaning for Anglican–Catholic relations and the King’s faith leadership: ow.ly/K0Fn50XgJcc
October 23, 2025 at 8:30 AM
I don't know what the big deal is here. I've often prayed with my Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ!
King Charles praying with Pope Leo XIV in Rome.
He is the first English monarch to pray publicly
with a pope since Henry VIII.
Newly elected Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally wasn't present.
He is the first English monarch to pray publicly
with a pope since Henry VIII.
Newly elected Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally wasn't present.
October 23, 2025 at 12:35 PM
King Charles praying with Pope Leo XIV in Rome.
He is the first English monarch to pray publicly
with a pope since Henry VIII.
Newly elected Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally wasn't present.
He is the first English monarch to pray publicly
with a pope since Henry VIII.
Newly elected Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally wasn't present.
NEW: Prosecutor’s General Office of #Ukraine:
“This case demonstrates that the justification of war has nothing to do with faith, and the word spoken in the name of the church can become a weapon in the hands of the aggressor.”
“This case demonstrates that the justification of war has nothing to do with faith, and the word spoken in the name of the church can become a weapon in the hands of the aggressor.”
Kyiv accuses Russian Orthodox bishop of aiding Kremlin occupation
Metropolitan Kirill (Leonid Pokrovsky) of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk investigated for spreading propaganda about "unity with Russia".
www.divinediplomacy.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:19 PM
NEW: Prosecutor’s General Office of #Ukraine:
“This case demonstrates that the justification of war has nothing to do with faith, and the word spoken in the name of the church can become a weapon in the hands of the aggressor.”
“This case demonstrates that the justification of war has nothing to do with faith, and the word spoken in the name of the church can become a weapon in the hands of the aggressor.”
The newly elected Archbishop of #Sinai Symeon was ordained yesterday paving the way for an agreement between the St Catherine’s Monastery brotherhood and Egypt authorities. www.divinediplomacy.com/p/sinai-deal...
Deal imminent as Greece and Egypt move to settle Sinai Monastery dispute
New Archbishop of Sinai Symeon ordained in Jerusalem
www.divinediplomacy.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:41 PM
The newly elected Archbishop of #Sinai Symeon was ordained yesterday paving the way for an agreement between the St Catherine’s Monastery brotherhood and Egypt authorities. www.divinediplomacy.com/p/sinai-deal...
The big story this weekend is the resolution of the Sinai monastery revolt and the enthronement of the new Archbishop and Abbot Simeon at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is taking place today.
Crucial for the normalisation and strengthening of Greece-Egypt relations.
Crucial for the normalisation and strengthening of Greece-Egypt relations.
October 19, 2025 at 9:07 AM
The big story this weekend is the resolution of the Sinai monastery revolt and the enthronement of the new Archbishop and Abbot Simeon at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is taking place today.
Crucial for the normalisation and strengthening of Greece-Egypt relations.
Crucial for the normalisation and strengthening of Greece-Egypt relations.
NEW: Over three years of Russian aggression in #Ukraine, yet many still “greatly underestimate the pseudo-religious factor” #Russia uses to push its military and political goals.
www.divinediplomacy.com/p/russia-is-...
www.divinediplomacy.com/p/russia-is-...
Russia is fake ‘defender of traditional Christianity’, says Ukraine Orthodox leader
“In the Euro Atlantic space, Russian propaganda promotes the narrative of this war as a purportedly forced defence of ‘traditional values’ against the advance of ‘godless liberalism’,” says Metropolit...
www.divinediplomacy.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:16 PM
NEW: Over three years of Russian aggression in #Ukraine, yet many still “greatly underestimate the pseudo-religious factor” #Russia uses to push its military and political goals.
www.divinediplomacy.com/p/russia-is-...
www.divinediplomacy.com/p/russia-is-...
Zelensky and European leaders were eager for tomorrow’s meeting between the Ukrainian President and Trump - until the two-hour-long discussion of Trump with Putin today and the “progress” Trump talks about.
October 16, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Zelensky and European leaders were eager for tomorrow’s meeting between the Ukrainian President and Trump - until the two-hour-long discussion of Trump with Putin today and the “progress” Trump talks about.
Hi everyone, I’m sharing the latest Divine Dispatch roundup on Orthodox–Catholic geopolitics, with a bit of added commentary
This week: Pope Leo’s trips to Turkey & Lebanon confirmed; Armenian archbishop jailed; Ukrainian Orthodox leader visits Athos, Kirill cements influence in the Balkans & more.
This week: Pope Leo’s trips to Turkey & Lebanon confirmed; Armenian archbishop jailed; Ukrainian Orthodox leader visits Athos, Kirill cements influence in the Balkans & more.
October 16, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Hi everyone, I’m sharing the latest Divine Dispatch roundup on Orthodox–Catholic geopolitics, with a bit of added commentary
This week: Pope Leo’s trips to Turkey & Lebanon confirmed; Armenian archbishop jailed; Ukrainian Orthodox leader visits Athos, Kirill cements influence in the Balkans & more.
This week: Pope Leo’s trips to Turkey & Lebanon confirmed; Armenian archbishop jailed; Ukrainian Orthodox leader visits Athos, Kirill cements influence in the Balkans & more.
"The document, an apostolic exhortation titled Dilexi Te (“I have loved you”), also expresses support for the Church’s role in defending the rights of migrants."
medium.com/divine-diplo...
medium.com/divine-diplo...
“Dilexi Te” — Pope Leo’s first document focuses on the poor, migrants
The Vatican released Pope Leo’s first document, which focuses on the Church’s stance and support for people in poverty, calling for…
medium.com
October 10, 2025 at 7:16 PM
"The document, an apostolic exhortation titled Dilexi Te (“I have loved you”), also expresses support for the Church’s role in defending the rights of migrants."
medium.com/divine-diplo...
medium.com/divine-diplo...
Reposted by Dr Andreja Bogdanovski
Hi there! Just sent out the latest Divine Dispatch with a roundup of Orthodox stories at the intersection of religion and politics. Trump pressed Erdogan on the Halki Theological Seminary. Also, Bartholomew said he will never retract Ukraine’s autocephaly. www.divinediplomacy.com/p/trump-resp...
Trump responds favourably to Bartholomew in Washington
New Sinai Archbishop elected ● Progress for Halki Seminary ● Legal fight over UOC-MP ban ● GRU–Serbia links and hybrid attacks on religious sites in Europe
www.divinediplomacy.com
October 8, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Hi there! Just sent out the latest Divine Dispatch with a roundup of Orthodox stories at the intersection of religion and politics. Trump pressed Erdogan on the Halki Theological Seminary. Also, Bartholomew said he will never retract Ukraine’s autocephaly. www.divinediplomacy.com/p/trump-resp...
Reposted by Dr Andreja Bogdanovski
Russia messing with the Orthodox world- and likely behind hate crimes in western Europe
Hi there! Just sent out the latest Divine Dispatch with a roundup of Orthodox stories at the intersection of religion and politics. Trump pressed Erdogan on the Halki Theological Seminary. Also, Bartholomew said he will never retract Ukraine’s autocephaly. www.divinediplomacy.com/p/trump-resp...
Trump responds favourably to Bartholomew in Washington
New Sinai Archbishop elected ● Progress for Halki Seminary ● Legal fight over UOC-MP ban ● GRU–Serbia links and hybrid attacks on religious sites in Europe
www.divinediplomacy.com
October 8, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Russia messing with the Orthodox world- and likely behind hate crimes in western Europe
Hi there! Just sent out the latest Divine Dispatch with a roundup of Orthodox stories at the intersection of religion and politics. Trump pressed Erdogan on the Halki Theological Seminary. Also, Bartholomew said he will never retract Ukraine’s autocephaly. www.divinediplomacy.com/p/trump-resp...
Trump responds favourably to Bartholomew in Washington
New Sinai Archbishop elected ● Progress for Halki Seminary ● Legal fight over UOC-MP ban ● GRU–Serbia links and hybrid attacks on religious sites in Europe
www.divinediplomacy.com
October 8, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Hi there! Just sent out the latest Divine Dispatch with a roundup of Orthodox stories at the intersection of religion and politics. Trump pressed Erdogan on the Halki Theological Seminary. Also, Bartholomew said he will never retract Ukraine’s autocephaly. www.divinediplomacy.com/p/trump-resp...
Breaking. The Bishop of London Sarah Mullally - to be the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
She is the first woman to hold the Church of England’s highest clerical office.
She is the first woman to hold the Church of England’s highest clerical office.
October 3, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Breaking. The Bishop of London Sarah Mullally - to be the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
She is the first woman to hold the Church of England’s highest clerical office.
She is the first woman to hold the Church of England’s highest clerical office.
During a meeting with the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana-Silvia Țoiu, Archbishop Elpidophoros lobbied for recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The Romanian Orthodox Church is one of the non-recognisers of OCU's autocephalous status.
The Romanian Orthodox Church is one of the non-recognisers of OCU's autocephalous status.
Archbishop of America met with Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs | Orthodox Times (en)
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana-Silvia Țoiu, to the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at the conclusion of the United Nations General Assembly meetings, underscoring the historic ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Orthodox Church. Minister Țoiu, representing Romania at…
orthodoxtimes.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:33 PM
During a meeting with the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana-Silvia Țoiu, Archbishop Elpidophoros lobbied for recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The Romanian Orthodox Church is one of the non-recognisers of OCU's autocephalous status.
The Romanian Orthodox Church is one of the non-recognisers of OCU's autocephalous status.
Response by EP Bartholomew to the chatter on possible change of heart when it comes to Ukraine's autocephaly.
"The Ecumenical Patriarchate will never retreat, nor revoke the autocephaly it has granted to Ukraine—and in this I wish to be perfectly clear.”
"The Ecumenical Patriarchate will never retreat, nor revoke the autocephaly it has granted to Ukraine—and in this I wish to be perfectly clear.”
Ecumenical Patriarch: There will be no retreat from the granting of Ukrainian Autocephaly | Orthodox Times (en)
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew granted an in-depth interview on French television, speaking about his life as well as the challenges Orthodoxy faces today. In response to a journalist’s question, Patriarch Bartholomew stated characteristically that “the Primacy of Constantinople carries with it certain responsibilities, certain powers, so to speak.” “These responsibilities…
orthodoxtimes.com
October 1, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Response by EP Bartholomew to the chatter on possible change of heart when it comes to Ukraine's autocephaly.
"The Ecumenical Patriarchate will never retreat, nor revoke the autocephaly it has granted to Ukraine—and in this I wish to be perfectly clear.”
"The Ecumenical Patriarchate will never retreat, nor revoke the autocephaly it has granted to Ukraine—and in this I wish to be perfectly clear.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on agreeing on a common Easter date:
"There are differing sensitivities among the Churches. It is also our duty to avoid new divisions. For the Orthodox Church, what was established by an Ecumenical Council can only be modified by another Ecumenical Council."
"There are differing sensitivities among the Churches. It is also our duty to avoid new divisions. For the Orthodox Church, what was established by an Ecumenical Council can only be modified by another Ecumenical Council."
October 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on agreeing on a common Easter date:
"There are differing sensitivities among the Churches. It is also our duty to avoid new divisions. For the Orthodox Church, what was established by an Ecumenical Council can only be modified by another Ecumenical Council."
"There are differing sensitivities among the Churches. It is also our duty to avoid new divisions. For the Orthodox Church, what was established by an Ecumenical Council can only be modified by another Ecumenical Council."
Pope Leo: "The Holy See, since the [Ukraine] war began, has made great efforts to maintain a position that, as difficult as it might be, [is not] one side or the other, but truly neutral."
No reaction to the Vatican's neutrality.
It would have been different story if Pope Francis had said this.
No reaction to the Vatican's neutrality.
It would have been different story if Pope Francis had said this.
September 30, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Pope Leo: "The Holy See, since the [Ukraine] war began, has made great efforts to maintain a position that, as difficult as it might be, [is not] one side or the other, but truly neutral."
No reaction to the Vatican's neutrality.
It would have been different story if Pope Francis had said this.
No reaction to the Vatican's neutrality.
It would have been different story if Pope Francis had said this.