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Significance
The expulsions highlight the significant role the ROC, which is close to the Kremlin, plays in influencing politics and societies in the South Slav, Orthodox Christian-majority countries in the Balkans.
Impacts
There will be greater focus on Russia’s support for a pro-Serbian tilt in the Macedonian Orthodox Church (MOC).
Authorities in Bulgaria and North Macedonia may align more closely with the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate (EP).
Some Balkan churches may establish closer links to the EP-backed Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The current anti-Russia turn in Greek foreign policy will win support by local church actors.
Keywords:
Balkans,
Russia,
EUR,
RUCIS,
Bulgaria,
North Macedonia,
Ukraine,
Belarus,
Cyprus,
Czech Republic,
Egypt,
Estonia,
Georgia,
Greece,
Latvia,
Moldova,
Montenegro,
Serbia,
Slovakia,
BALKANS/RUSSIA,
international relations,
politics,
social,
constitution,
government,
religion,
security,
espionage,
family,
foreign policy,
protest
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2023
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