MOSCOW, November 8. /TASS/. A path to overcoming the rift between the Russian and Ecumenical Orthodox Churches exists and lies in resuming meaningful dialogue, bishop of the Church of Greece, Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxoi, and the Diapontian Islands, told TASS in an interview.

"An approach based on patience, sincerity, mutual respect, and a genuine readiness to overcome disagreements is needed. I still believe that a path to restoring unity exists - through the resumption of meaningful dialogue. Such dialogue does not mean abandoning canonical principles or the truth. It is the Church’s way of addressing differences responsibly, in a spirit of mutual understanding, and with an awareness of our shared responsibility for the future of Orthodoxy," the metropolitan said.

The current difficulties in relations between the Ecumenical and Moscow Patriarchates are serious, as they pertain to canonical and ecclesiological issues burdened by historical and geopolitical contradictions, he stressed. The hierarch also noted the importance of preserving the Church's spiritual freedom from political authorities. The unity of the Church is more valuable than any temporary standoff, he added.