Source: OCP Media Network
Orthodox Ethos – Pravoslavie.ru – 2/1/17
The Holy Synod of the Church of Georgia has met and discussed the “Council of Crete.” We are now in possession of a summary* of the Decision which the Holy Synod of the Church of Georgia issued at its recent meeting regarding the Cretan gathering.
It was initially reported that the Holy Synod had “tabled” a conclusive decision regarding the “Council of Crete” until a theological commission could examine the documents the Council produced. This is true, however, we now have learned that as it pertains to the Council’s organization and its claim to Pan-Orthodox authority, the Holy Synod has already spoken definitively.
In the synodical decision issued by the Georgian Orthodox Church the hierarchy of the Church of Georgia stated that:
1. The Cretan Council is not a Pan-Orthodox Council, as four Churches did not participate in it;
2. The decisions of the Council of Crete are not obligatory for the Georgian Church, since the Council of Crete abolished the principle of consensus;
3. The documents issued by the Council of Crete do not reflect important critiques made by the Local Churches, and thus it is necessary for them to be corrected;
4. The documents of Crete need to reflect the teaching of the Orthodox Church; this is not the case with the present set of texts.
5. It is necessary for the Holy and Great Council to be held and we are confident it will be and that this future Council will make decisions by consensus, based on the teaching of Orthodox Church.
6. It is, thus, for this purpose that the Holy Synod has formed a theological commission to examine the documents accepted in Crete and to prepare for the future Council which will be Pan-Orthodox.
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*This summary was provided to Orthodox Ethos by a member of the Church of Georgia and is not a direct translation of the encyclical issued by the Holy Synod. We expect a full translation to be available in the near future and we encourage our readers to wait on that patiently.
Georgian source found here.
Editor’s Note (Theological Discussion)
This article presents theological reflection and discussion intended to encourage informed dialogue within the Orthodox Church. Its inclusion does not imply formal endorsement of every conclusion but reflects OCL’s long‑standing commitment to thoughtful engagement with issues affecting the life of the Church.
1 Comment
I agree the council at Crete was not binding as 4 major Churches did not attend. they also did not adjust the fast which is Monastic some recent years have had fast days amounting to more than half the year. I am not speaking of the great LENT FAST but with so many days of fasting during the year is a burden to workers who work in shifts around the clock. The V REV L Contos wrote of this in his small book 2001 the Church in Crisis. Perhaps he went too far , but no very needed adjustment did not come out from the Crete Synod. Also the fast leaves to foods which grow in the ground, and the dreaded CARBS , therefore the fast today is dangerous to ones health as type 2 diabetes rages across the country. I fault the Fathers at Crete for not being in touch with our Laity and left things as they were in the 7th century. Father William Clark Roea Episcopate Retired.