Istanbul Patriarchate recognises Northern Macedonia canonical Church

Although the decision has nothing to do with the Macedonian Church's autocephaline, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the act has been described as historic in Skopje. The Macedonian church was isolated internationally. The Macedonian Church added the “Archbishop of Ohrid” a few years ago, while in 2018 it addressed the Patriarch's Holy Synod in Istanbul for recognition of the KOM-AO autocephalia.

The Istanbul Patriarchate led by Patriarch Bartholomew is the sole subject of canonical rights that can recognise the autocephaly of an Orthodox church.

But the Istanbul Patriarchate's decision stresses that “remains Serbia's holy Church tow out the issues it has with the Church of Northern Macedonia, however, under the sacred canonic act and church traditions”.

Macedonian church authorities have told local media in Skopje that for final status there will be additional talks, and that the Macedonian church is not divided with the general Orthodox Church.

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski thanked Patriarch Bartholomew on social networks for “the great vision towards a large Orthodox people and for the historic mission and for responsibility”. Mr. Kovachevski estimates that this has become a major and more important step.

The Serbian Orthodox Church has refused to recognise the Macedonian Church by the name of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, although the latter has acted without obstacles within the country since its founding in 1967. The Serbian Church considers that the division of the Macedonian Church is not done according to church rules. Problems between the two churches emerged especially after Macedonia's (North) independence in 1991.