World Orthodox assembly set for Crete

A firm date for the “Great and Holy Synod” has not yet been set. Orthodox prelates have indicated that they hope the gathering takes place at around the time of Pentecost, with most speculation centering on a June meeting.

The move to Crete resolves several concerns. A meeting in Istanbul could have been uncomfortable because of a rising tide of Islamic militancy in Turkey. Delegates from the Patriarchate of Moscow might have been barred from attending because of political tensions between Russia and Turkey. And the Moscow patriarchate, which have vied with Constantinople for leadership in the Orthodox world, may have had misgivings about a meeting held at the headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The island of Crete provides a politically neutral site for the Great and Holy Synod. Although Crete is a part of Greece, the Orthodox Church there is under the authority of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

In addition to relocating the site of the council, Orthodox delegates agreed that the topics to be discussed would include the authority and governance of the autocephalous churches, a common liturgical calendar, ecumenism, and Christian involvement on social issues.

The announcement came via the Athens News Agency, covering meetings of various Orthodox Church delegations meeting this week in Switzerland to formulate the agenda item and preparations for the June 2016 event.