Ecumenical Patriarchate

The greed and voracity of Tsar Putin have gone beyond all limits. It was an act of hubris, and for that Nemesis will come. Putin wants subjugated peoples, just as the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union once did.

Moreover, Greeks must not forget the war that Orthodox Russia is waging against the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This war began in 1453, immediately after the Fall of the City. The Russians considered themselves heirs of Byzantium, which is why they adopted the double-headed eagle. Since then, Russia's efforts to take the place of the City and become the Third Rome have shown no sign of ending.

One of the most recent episodes in the conflict between Russia and the Ecumenical Patriarchate was the recognition of the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church in 2018, following a request from the Ukrainian Church. Clearly, the Ecumenical Patriarch did his duty. But this enraged Tsar Putin, which is why he launched public and insulting attacks against the Ecumenical Patriarch. Why? Because he wanted the Ukrainian Church tied to the cart of the Russian one, so that it would serve long-term Russian interests, as the Russian Patriarch does.

Moreover, the Russian Patriarchate, acting under Putin's instructions, of course, is waging a constant war against the Ecumenical Patriarch. Recently, it has begun establishing its own churches in Africa, not subject to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This is considered illegal and, moreover, it divides the Orthodox Church. Do all faithful Orthodox Greeks and those inclined toward Putin know all this? In any case, one cannot help but wonder about some of our fellow citizens who call themselves democrats and admire the authoritarian Putin.

As for Greece's aid to Ukraine, it was rightly given. All the countries of the Union reacted immediately and decisively, because they clearly considered Putin's attack unjust. If Greece had not sent aid, with what moral right would it ask for help in the event of an attack by Turkey against Greece? Let us be clear: Russia was the invader. Ukraine is defending itself for its altars and homes. It is plainly unjust to equate the aggressor with the victim. Therefore, Greece's so-called "neutrality" is unfair and contrary to law and national interests.

Russia, despite the high cost, will win militarily, but it has already been defeated politically and morally. Very soon, that victory will prove to be a Pyrrhic one.

Former Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias posed a crucial question: Is Russia entitled to desire a different policy for its neighbor Ukraine? Yes, to desire it, and no further. It is not entitled, however, to impose its own views on it.

Therefore, by the standards of justice, the intervention is considered unjust. Of course, Tsar Putin considers the intervention just, because without invoking "justice" there can be no intervention. Heaven help us if he did not consider the intervention just.

Of course, Erdogan follows the same logic. Indeed, for years he has been preparing his people accordingly through Turkish propaganda, saying things such as: predatory Greeks and aggrieved Turks. The Greeks who want all of the Aegean to be theirs, not half and half, while we Turks should have taken much more. They are arming the islands, which do not belong to them, in order to attack Turkey. And so on. In other words, a complete inversion of reality. And, of course, over time the great majority of the Turkish population comes to believe what its leadership says.

Greece cannot sleep peacefully. It must apply the well-known principle: "If you want peace, you must be prepared for war." Because war with Turkey will happen. And when it does, the question will be: freedom or subjugation?

The Greeks have given their answer many times over the course of history. For example: with Leonidas' three hundred and the Spartan mother bidding them farewell with the blessing, "Come back with your shield, or on it." And in the Revolution of 1821 with Rigas Feraios' Thourios: Better one hour of free life than forty years of slavery and prison.

Paulos Marantos

marantosp@gmail.com