Judge of the Universe?

That is one of the titles of the Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch who is in communion with Constantinople, and who is therefore often referred to as "Greek Orthodox", although the reality is more complicated than that.

Oh, but there are so many Patriarchs of Antioch! Anyway, this one heads the largest Christian community in Syria, its Orthodoxy being an important factor in Russian support for the Government that protects the Christians of Syria. 

It is not the only reason why Vladimir Putin supports Bashar al-Assad. But those Orthodox hierarchs on television with Assad are there for a reason.

Now, however, Constantinople's recognition of an autocephalous church in Ukraine has created a schism between it and Moscow, with the Orthodox world dividing along, for the most part, predictable lines.

Ordinarily, that would put Antioch firmly in the Byzantine camp. But where would that leave a key pillar of Russian support for the Government of Syria?

All in all, the geopolitical implications of what is being played out in Ukraine are vast. Would you like the balance of power in the next hung Parliament to be held by someone who understood these things?

It has become a local commonplace that I am on 30-30-30 with Labour and the Conservatives here at North West Durham, so that any one of us could be the First Past the Post.

I will stand for this seat, if I can raise the £10,000 necessary to mount a serious campaign. Please email davidaslindsay@hotmail.com. Very many thanks.