Clergy-Laity tries to set clergy age limits, synod torpedos

It's pretty surprising to see the laity trying to put an age limit on their clergy. Benefits cost containment? A check on "power" from long service? A benign thought that garnered this extraordinary response?
(GOARCH) - July 8, 2020 - Communique of the Holy Eparchial Synod

The Holy Eparchial Synod met today in an extraordinary video conference at the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros with an exclusive objective to discuss the recent public debate on an official proposal to change the pension program of the Hierarchs.

Following a discussion, it is stated that in accordance with the Sacred Canons of the Orthodox Church, there is no age limit for the exercise of the duties of Hierarchs. The retirement from active ministry (or not) of an individual Hierarch is entrusted exclusively to the individual choice and sole judgment of said Hierarch. Furthermore, it is noted that within the Ecumenical Patriarchate, no such age limits are applied.

In conclusion, the Holy Eparchial Synod rejects the current proposal in the form of the draft resolution for the upcoming Clergy-Laity Congress of 2020, inasmuch as such a proposal is beyond the capacity of the Clergy-Laity Congress, which is unable to decide in matters dogmatic and canonical.

The Hierarchs of the Holy Archdiocese minister to the People of God in the spirit of self-sacrifice, love and devotion, dedicating their whole life in service to the Church.

From the Chief Secretariat of the Holy Eparchial Synod.

Comments

  1. r j klanckoJuly 9, 2020 at 9:43 AM

    I believe all Roman Catholic bishops must retire at age seventy five,,,they send a letter of intent to the pope who may or may not accept it.....sounds sound and rational to me,,,,we have too many past their prime ,,,retired status is not exile status ,,just look at how retired bishop basil listen handles it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mikeJuly 9, 2020 at 10:42 AM

      It's about the same in the Moscow Patriarchate (not sure if the age is the same but they have the same system)

      Delete
    2. Matvey CassJuly 10, 2020 at 2:27 AM

      If I remember correctly, 75 is the age when hierarchs in the Moscow Patriarchate *request* to retire, but it is often a formality and the Synod blesses them to continue serving.

      Delete
    3. mikeJuly 10, 2020 at 11:22 AM

      so it's just like in the Vatican

      Delete
  2. JustinJuly 9, 2020 at 9:52 AM

    From what I understand it wasn’t initiated by the laity but rather those in the NY headquarters along with some archons.

    ReplyDelete
  3. r j klanckoJuly 9, 2020 at 11:17 AM

    So is there an implication that black bart is past his prime?,, There are those among us that believe that happened when he hit 39. There needs to be criteria and oversight so that sanctified bretheren political influences are minimized. This is imperative for the good of all

    ReplyDelete
  4. NE7July 9, 2020 at 1:56 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. NE7July 9, 2020 at 1:57 PM

    Because age limits work so well in my own church (Catholic) why not do it in Orthodoxy?

    No seriously, learn from others'mistakes too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. bobJuly 11, 2020 at 9:49 AM

    It's very easy for the hatted ones to make decisions, I wonder where they get their cash? Could that source possibly dry up suddenly?

    ReplyDelete

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