Bishops of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople

(Cyber Desert) - Over the next few days a total of 140 archbishops and bishops will participate in a five-day event in Istanbul (Constantinople) between August 29 and September 2. The Synaxis of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne is an annual event of the Patriarchate to celebrate the beginning of the Ecclesial Year and coincides with the Orthodox day for the Environment.

This year’s event is quite unique, as this is perhaps the first time that the fullest cohort of bishops possible was invited (rather than just representatives) and a large number came. All the bishops of the “new lands” in Greece were invited, for example. These are diocese now within the Republic of Greece who find spiritual authority in the Ecumenical Throne but were cut off from the Ecumenical Throne some eight decades ago with the fall of the Ottoman Empire, and while still under the spiritual aegis of the Ecumenical Patriarch are also members of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece.

The purpose of the meeting seems to be twofold to celebrate the beginning of the Church Year on 1st September, but also to prepare for the upcoming Pan-Orthodox Synod, which is scheduled to be held next year (2016) and as a forum for the prelates to exchange ideas and discuss a wide-range of issues, such as the environment and churches’ role on the matter, interfaith dialogue and other social issues. Clerics from churches in the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia are in attendance.

Let us pray for our hierarchs and the Church of Christ.

And also...

CONSTANTINOPLE (ACROD) - His Grace Bishop Gregory has arrived safely in Constantinople and is presently participating in a Synaxis (Assembly) of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne from around the world at the Ecumenical Patriarchate convened upon the invitation and under the Presidency of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Official Meetings began on August 29 at Holy Trinity Church in Taksim Square and will continue through September 2. On September 1, following the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St. George, His All Holiness, followed by all the hierarchs, in keeping with an impressive and centuries old tradition, will sign the Act of the New Indiction marking the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year. In addition, the day also has been set aside by the Ecumenical Patriarchate as one of prayers for the preservation and protection of the natural environment which is observed by all sister Orthodox Churches in the world.

Upon his return from the Synaxis, His Grace will preside over the Annual National ACRY Convention in Binghamton, NY, where on Sunday, September 6, 2015 he will ordain Deacon William Bennett to the Holy Priesthood.

Diocesan faithful are kindly asked to keep Bishop Gregory and all the hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in their prayers for their fruitful deliberations and safe travels home to their respective dioceses.