Orthodox leaders at odds on topics for proposed Pan-Orthodox Council
August 14, 2015
The Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople has convened an assembly of all the bishops of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to be held August 29- September 2.
The main purpose of the meeting will be to prepare for a Pan-Orthodox Council, which is scheduled to take place in 2016. If it occurs on schedule, the Council would be an unprecedented meeting of all the world's Orthodox leaders.
However, the range of topics to be discussed at the Pan-Orthodox Council remains a subject of tense debate among Orthodox leaders. The Russian Orthodox Church has insisted that topics can be put on the agenda only with the support of all autocephalous Orthodox bodies. That rule would prevent discussion of the most troubling questions that divide the Orthodox world.
In a related development, a leading figure in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church allied with Moscow insisted that the splits within the Ukrainian Orthodox community cannot be discussed at the Council. "Currently there is no unity on this issue among the local churches," said Metropolitan Anthony Pakanych.
In a further indication of the tensions among the world's Orthodox prelates, Metropolitan Anthony charged that representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in visiting Ukraine, had violated protocol by failing to seek prior permission from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church- Moscow Patriarchate, and by meeting instead with representatives of the rival Ukrainian Orthodox Church- Kyiv Patriarchate.
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Posted by: AimezLoyaute -
Aug. 15, 2015 8:24 PM ET USA
James, I must agree. In the olden days the Emperor would simply summon the bishops and it happened. Geographical and jurisdictional fragmentation is bad; worse yet, is doctrinal fragmentation and lack of clarification on essential moral teachings coming from Pope Francis. We must return to the understanding of the Church as it was before the disunion of East and West. That should be our common prayer, to return to the Apostolic Fathers. But this will take humility on both sides.
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Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 -
Aug. 15, 2015 12:31 AM ET USA
The Orthodox world is so fragmented it is doubtful that there could be reunion with Rome in the foreseeable future.
