Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos
    • A Zoom Retreat on “Pride” for Clergy Wives and Widows
    • Pascha With St. John of Shanghai
    • Over 200 Entered the Church this Pascha in Hatfield, UK
    • On the Unity of the Church: An Interview with Dr. Symeon Paschalidis
    • OCA Delegation Attends Funeral of Pope Francis
    • Another Joyful Milestone at St. Vladimir’s Seminary
    • The “Chernobyl Savior” Icon
    Orthodox Christian Laity
    Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
    • Home
    • OCL
      • About OCL
      • Leadership
      • OCL News
      • OCL Publications
      • Focused Study and Research Topics
      • OCL Archives at DePaul University
    • Orthodox News & Links
      • Orthodox News Stories
      • Headlines & News Archives
      • Governance & Unity
        • Governance Top Stories
        • Governance & Unity Essays
        • Grassroots Unity in Action
      • OCL Forums
      • Orthodox Christian Laity News
      • Web Links
    • Audio & Video
      • Audio Index
      • Video Index
    • Contact
    • Make a Donation
    Orthodox Christian Laity
    You are at:Home»Governance & Unity News»Holy and Great Council Convenes

    Holy and Great Council Convenes

    0
    By Webmaster on June 20, 2016 Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Telegram WhatsApp Copy Link
    His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew concelebrates the Divine Liturgy of Pentecost with the Primates of the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches at St. Menas Cathedral in Heraklion, Crete. © 2016 JOHN MINDALA.
    His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew concelebrates the Divine Liturgy of Pentecost with the Primates of the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches at St. Menas Cathedral in Heraklion, Crete. © 2016 JOHN MINDALA.

    Source: Press Office of the Holy and Great Council

    CRETE—After more than 60 years of planning, the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church convened its opening session on the island of Crete on Monday, June 20, on the Feast of the Holy Spirit. After the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the nearby Monastery of Gonia, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew formally opened the proceedings of the Council. With one voice and one heart, the Hierarchs of the Council chanted the hymn of Pentecost, invoking the descent of the Holy Spirit to transform their work for the benefit of the Church and the entire world.

    The First Session of the Council provided the Primates the opportunity to formally address the Hierarchs of the Council. In his keynote address, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized that gathering in the same place “comprises a characteristic of the Church’s nature.” Stressing the importance of unity, Patriarch Bartholomew stated that “the voice of the Comforter calls all to unity and calls us to turn our attention and widen our heart toward all people, lovingly embracing the vital problems that concern them, preaching the good news of peace and love to those near and afar.” His All-Holiness also addressed the Official Observers from other Churches, noting: “we have journeyed together in theological dialogue and ecumenical cooperation in our willingness to respond to the theological divisions of the past and the global challenges of our time.”

    One by one, all of the Primates offered their remarks, expressing joy for assembling with their brothers “in the same place” as a witness of their unity. His Beatitude Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus acknowledged the need for regular councils bringing together Hierarchs from around the world in order to develop a common response to pressing issues, including bioethical and environmental dilemmas. Addressing the mission of the Church in the world, His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Albania underlined the need for repentance, while His Beatitude Archbishop Rastislav of the Czech Lands and Slovakia underscored the fact that, in spite of their ethnic differences, Orthodox Christians are one people.

    The Second Session of the Council addressed the first Pre-Conciliar Document, entitled The Mission of the Church in Today’s World. Following a thorough review of the text, the Hierarchs of the Council engaged in open dialogue. Individual Hierarchs as well as particular Church delegations submitted proposals on how to enhance the decision. The Pan-Orthodox Secretariat will incorporate the amendments and resubmit it to the Council Fathers.

    Finally, the Hierarchs of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church unanimously agreed to send a message to His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church, expressing their prayers and solidarity with him and his community following yesterday’s tragedy in northeast Syria.

    The Council continues meeting through June 25, concluding with the Divine Liturgy on June 26.

    As they become available, photos for use without modification or alteration are available at https://www.orthodoxcouncil.org/photos. All texts and homilies related to the Holy and Great Council are available at https://media.holycouncil.org/texts.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email WhatsApp Copy Link
    Previous ArticleLINK TO ALL TEXTS AND HOMILIES RELATED TO THE GREAT AND HOLY COUNCIL
    Next Article THE GREAT ORTHODOX COUNCIL: ANTIOCH IS DIFFERENT

    Related Posts

    May 9, 20252 Mins Read

    A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos

    April 30, 20251 Min Read

    A Zoom Retreat on “Pride” for Clergy Wives and Widows

    April 30, 20254 Mins Read

    Pascha With St. John of Shanghai

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Sign the Declaration for Orthodox Christian Unity

    Enter the Slogan Contest

    Share this page
    DISCLAIMER

    All articles represent the views of the authors and  not necessarily the official views of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). They are posted to encourage thoughtful discussion on topics and concerns relevant to Orthodox Christians living in a pluralistic society. OCL encourages your comments.

    Stay Informed!

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT AND SUPPORT!

    Your donation impacts and helps advance the unity of the Orthodox Church of America.

    DONATE NOW

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

    Upcoming Events
    There are no upcoming events.
    Recent Comments
    • Webmaster on St Catherine’s Circle: Lenten Lectures on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm Eastern
    • Joy smith on St Catherine’s Circle: Lenten Lectures on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm Eastern
    • Webmaster on Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and complete bible on earth
    • Gloria on Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and complete bible on earth
    • Webmaster on A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos
    • Irvinjacksonjr on Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and complete bible on earth
    • George Marakis on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Gerry Perdilas on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Lakis Velotris on Is Trump the New Constantine?
    • Mary Zaras on Is Trump the New Constantine?
    OCL Archives Online
    Project for Orthodox Renewal
    renewal-resize
    OCL Digital Newsletter

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    MAKE A DONATION

    St. Symeon the New Theologian and St. Photini are the Patron Saints of OCL

    footer-fnl

    Orthodox Christian Laity
    PO Box 6954

    West Palm Beach, FL · 33405
    561-585-0245

    Sponsored by Ann Souvall in memory of husband George

    DISCLAIMER: All articles represent the views of the authors and  not necessarily the official views of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). They are posted to encourage thoughtful discussion on topics and concerns relevant to Orthodox Christians living in a pluralistic society. OCL encourages your comments.

    ©2025 Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) ·  Login

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.