It is to be remembered that autocephaly as understand by many to mean complete autonomy and freedom, is not often what the Ecumenical Patriarchate itself means when it grants of accepts such a declaration. The EP in fact speaks of autocephaly as something that is the right of the EP alone. The ability to make chrism, the ability to extend beyond the borders of the church into other places (especially the "barbarian lands"), etc. should not be assumed as given freedoms should Constantinople similarly declare autocephaly for Macedonia.
Skopje (OCP News) - “The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church has unanimously recognized the Autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Archbishopric of Ohrid. We are sure that all other churches will receive this news with joy’ stated Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia. The statement was in the sermon delivered during a join Liturgy held at the St. Clement of Ohrid Church in Skopje on 24/5/22. “Let God allow that this act of love be eternal” stated Archbishop Stephan of Macedonia as a response in his speech.
The Synod and the Patriarch will work out all technical and organizational details together with Archbishop Stefan. Earlier the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople recognized the canonical status of the Macedonian Church, followed by the and the Serbian Church.
A high-level delegation under the leadership of Metropolitan Stephan of the Macedonian Orthodox Church was welcomed in Belgrade by the Patriarch, bishops, clergy and faithful of the Serbian Church on the 19th of May 2022. A reconciliation liturgy was con-celebrated in the capital city at the Cathedral of St. Sava. Archbishop Jovan of Ohrid of the Serbian Patriarchate was in attendance as well.
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