Phanar: To avoid becoming like Protestants, ecclesiology must be revised

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Photo: patriarchate.org

Orthodox Christians need to subject themselves to self-criticism and reconsider their ecclesiology if they do not want to become a federation of Churches, similar to what is observed among Protestants, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople said in an interview with the “National Herald”, reports "Romfea".

The head of the Phanar sees the main tasks of his work in ensuring unity in Orthodoxy, the culmination of his efforts for pan-Orthodox unity and cooperation was the promotion of the preparation and the convening of the Holy and Great Synod of Crete. In his opinion, the Cretan Summit promoted Orthodoxy, which "looks into the future and does not passively and nostalgically recall the past". The Churches that refused to participate in the Council, "will be judged by history".

"We, Orthodox, must make a self-criticism and reconsider our ecclesiology if we do not want to become a federation of Protestant Churches," said Patriarch Bartholomew.

According to Bartholomew, the problem of unity can be solved if it is recognized that there is a bishop in the Orthodox Church who is higher than other bishops and has exclusive power.

"Since in our ordination to a Bishop we swear to obey the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils, we must admit that in an indivisible Ecumenical Orthodoxy there is a "First" not only by honour, but a "First" with special responsibilities and regular powers entrusted by the Ecumenical Councils," said the head of the Phanar.

As reported, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry said whether it is possible to restore communion between the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Russian Orthodox Church.

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