The Church of Antioch: the Council in Crete is not Pan-Orthodox, while its decisions are not binding

The Orthodox Church of Antioch does not believe the Council in Crete to be Pan-Orthodox and does not perceive its decisions as mandatory. It was reported on June 27 by the Synod of the Antioch’s Church.  

The Synod resolved to consider the meeting in Crete as a preparation to the genuine Pan-Orthodox Council. The documents having been approved in Crete are viewed on by the Church of Antioch as interim and open for discussion till a Pan-Orthodox Council, attended by all Local Churches, takes place.  

The Synod has also rejected the name of the Crete Council “Pan-Orthodox” and “Holy and Great”, laying an emphasis on the unanimity principle which was not complied with at the event in Crete.   

The Church of Antioch does not believe the Council’s decisions in Crete to be binding, according to the statement. 

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