Western Europe archdiocese goes to Phanar to discuss status

(AROC-WE) - A delegation, composed of Archpriest Alexander Fostiropoulos (London), Archdeacon Vsevolod Borzakovsky (Rome) and Professor Cyrille Sollogoub (Paris) was warmly received by His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in the presence of Metropolitan Emmanuel of France .

The delegation handed over to H.H. the Ecumenical Patriarch the letter written by the Council of the Archdiocese, following the Extraordinary General Assembly of 23 February 2019, which refused to accept the dissolution of the Archdiocese by nearly 93% of the votes.

A constructive exchange has begun; it is planned to continue this consultation to consider the future of the Archdiocese.

Comments

  1. Matvey CassApril 3, 2019 at 1:46 AM

    Patriarch Bartholomew doesn't look too happy...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SojournerApril 3, 2019 at 3:40 AM

      Does he ever smile? He has that much in common with Russians at least

      Delete
  2. VanOldenPhattApril 3, 2019 at 10:47 AM

    Could someone please explain what the Rue Daru sees in the Fener? What is there to talk about? Do they feel as though they are cast adrift without Fener imprimatur? Is the prospect of functioning as an Autocephalous Church (or joining one) frighten them?

    At this point what real purpose other than self-preservation does the Fener serve? Who depends on them for anything real? The GOA (recently deprived of its Synod by the Fener to prevent independence arising)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael LApril 3, 2019 at 12:57 PM

      The EP would need to give his blessing for Autocephaly or to leave to anyone but the MP (not in communion) for that matter. Autocephaly is one option they would love to have on the table.

      You would find the same reaction if you told the OCA or most of ROCOR that they leave-to/disolve into the MP. A concern of that the Russia-centric culture of MP may stifle the unique local identity (i.e. French with russian roots), a concern about the political influence on the MP, and the lack of local autonomy (see how many bishops get shuffled in the diaspora by the MP). Finally you will find a concern that the Neo-Patristic theology would be stifled by the literal-patristic school that dominates the MP (less so among ROCOR). Remaining autonomous under the EP offer them the best chance of this. Most of the same issues come up being dissolved into the EP.

      I suspect the next best option would be to negotiate a autonomous church for Western Europe (France, Belgium etc) that combines the Ukrainian, Georgian & Albanian Exarchates. This is basically saying to apply fairly the rational your giving us. If not to negotiate with the MP.

      Delete

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