ROCOR rejects to receive clerics of Constantinople Patriarchate

Bishop Emilianos of Meloa. Photo: Markellos Petropoulos

The Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, currently meeting in Munich, has rejected the petition to receive HIs Grace Bishop Emilianos of Meloa and also revoked an earlier decision to receive HIs Grace's Deacon Christos Karafotias. This was reported by the UOJ editorial office in the United States.

ROCOR emphasized that both clerics remain under the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, since they have not received canonical release. “ROCOR is committed to following the canons regarding the reception of clerics,” a UOJ source familiar with the proceedings said.

Earlier decisions on the possible reception of the bishop and his deacon had been made by Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, who serves as locum tenens of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America, but they were reconsidered at the churchwide level.

It is known that Bishop Emilianos and Deacon Christos Karafotias are currently suspended by the Constantinople Patriarchate.

As the UOJ reported, the ROCOR Council of Bishops is taking place in Munich as part of celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the German Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. During the sessions, the hierarchs are discussing current issues of church life and taking part in divine services and anniversary events.

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