Russian Church refuses to take part in the Pan-Orthodox Council

14.06.2016

At an emergency meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church under the chairmanship of Patriarch Kirill, it was decided not to take part in the Pan-Orthodox Council.

Not "Pan-Orthodox"

After the meeting, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev), added that in the case of non-participation of a number of Churches the Council will not be Pan-Orthodox, and a consensus cannot be reached on any issue. Therefore, as the head of the Department said, the only solution may be the postponement of the Council.

The importance of consent

The necessary basis for the convocation of the Holy and Great Council is the presence of "the consent of the Primates of all recognized local autocephalous Orthodox Churches.” Earlier, the Antioch, Georgian, Serbian, and Bulgarian patriarchates expressed their inability to attend the meeting in Crete because of several issues.

Fears

Experts and scholars have expressed concerns about a number of Council documents. Most of the papers were rejected. Among them is the question of the Church calendar, a married episcopate, and the reduction of the fasting period. But a document about the "common Christian unity” remains, which is strongly promoted by forces interested in a new union with Rome. From the point of view of Orthodox canons it is impossible. Also, some experts expressed the opinion that this Council could discuss the issue of autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church.

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Russian Church refuses to take part in the Pan-Orthodox Council