In the U.S., Ecumenical Patriarchate and Lutherans discuss synodality
Meeting between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Lutheran Church. Photo: ec-patr.org
From November 12 to 14, 2024, the first preparatory meeting for the 19th Plenary Session of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church, represented by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Lutheran World Federation was held in Boston, USA, according to Ec-patr.org.
The meeting was co-chaired by Metropolitan Kyrillos of Krini (representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate) and Bishop Johann Schneider (representing the Evangelical Church of Central Germany). The primary focus of the discussion was the concept of "Synodality and Primacy", which included subtopics such as "Synodality and Primacy" and "Synodality and Participation".
The commission decided that the first meeting of the Plenary Session of the Joint Theological Commission will take place from May 19 to 25, 2025, in Larnaca, Cyprus, under the auspices of the Orthodox Church. The session will address questions of synodality and primacy with the goal of preparing a joint statement.
As previously reported, the Orthodox-Lutheran Commission had issued a statement on the Filioque.
Read also
UOC’s humanitarian mission delivers aid to Kherson and Donetsk regions
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s humanitarian mission provided food and medicines to residents of Kherson Region and frontline towns in Donbas.
Foreign Minister: Phanar is strengthening spiritual independence of Ukraine
Andrii Sybiha noted the “wisdom” and “fatherly love” of the head of the Constantinople Patriarchate.
In Pasika, Transcarpathia, priest defects to OCU while community remains in UOC
In the village of Paseka in Transcarpathia, believers discussed the future fate of their church.
In Sumy, Presentation Church of UOC damaged by shelling
In the Sumy Eparchy, the walls and fence of the Presentation Church were damaged as a result of shelling, but divine services continue.
Ukraine loses almost 98% of cases at European Court of Human Rights
According to the ECtHR’s 2025 report, nearly all complaints against Ukraine end with findings of human rights violations.
UOC Chancellor on Kyiv Council decision targeting UOC: Obvious lawlessness
Metropolitan Anthony said the document adopted by the Kyiv Regional Council violates the Constitution, interferes with freedom of religion, and exceeds the body’s authority.