An international conference organized by the Center for Geostrategic Studies was held in Belgrade, focusing on the use of religion as an instrument of geopolitical influence. According to the Center’s website, one of the key events of the forum was a presentation by Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol, who delivered a report on contemporary ecumenism as a factor in international politics.

Addressing the conference, the hierarch said that ecumenical initiatives of the Vatican and the Ecumenical Patriarchate are increasingly moving beyond theological dialogue and, in his assessment, are being used as tools of “soft power.” Metropolitan Luke argued that media platforms, financial mechanisms, and diplomatic channels are being employed to influence church life and canonical order, while religious processes in a number of countries are taking on a distinctly political dimension. As one example, he pointed to the ongoing church crisis in Ukraine.

According to the metropolitan, such practices contribute to deeper divisions within global Orthodoxy, undermine the trust of believers, and increase the involvement of secular states in the internal affairs of the Church. He warned that the use of church-related issues in information campaigns and international political frameworks poses particular risks under current conditions.

In his report, Metropolitan Luke also outlined proposals aimed at strengthening Orthodox unity and protecting canonical integrity. These included developing an independent Orthodox media agenda, expanding social and humanitarian initiatives, and enhancing inter-Orthodox cooperation. He suggested that the Jerusalem Patriarchate could serve as a potential platform for consolidation, noting its focus on preserving church unity.

The conference brought together church representatives, experts, and analysts from various countries. Participants discussed the crisis of Orthodox ecclesiology, challenges associated with ecumenism, and broader issues facing Orthodoxy in the context of contemporary international politics.