Russian Orthodox Church suggests postponing Pan-Orthodox Council - its delegation is not to come to Crete

Today the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church considered the situation that has arisen in connection with the refusal by a number of local Orthodox Churches (Serbian, Georgian, Bulgarian and Antioch) to participate in the Pan-Orthodox Council, which will take place on the island of Crete from 16 to 27 June.

The Russian Orthodox Church Synod decided as follows:

1) support the proposals Antioch, Georgian, Serbian and Bulgarian Orthodox Churches to postpone the Pan-Orthodox council until the time which is to be further established based on the pan-orthodox discussion and provided the consent of the heads of all universally recognized Local Autocephalous Orthodox Churches;

2) immediately send a proposal to His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and all the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches;

3) In the event that the proposal is not accepted by the Most Holy Church of Constantinople, and the Council on Crete convenes, despite the lack of agreement of a number of local Orthodox Churches - to admit with deep regret that the participation of the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church is impossible;

4) continue further efforts to strengthen cooperation in preparation of the future Holy and Great Council, which aims to become a true testimony to the unity of the Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church;

5) reiterate the view that the successful completion of the council preparation could serve as activation of real activity of Pan-Orthodox Secretariat, within the framework of which it is possible to study proposals for solving the problem issues, conflict settlement, finalizing the necessary documents and the removal of all obstacles to the convocation and acceptance completion Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church;

6) recognize as highly desirable, with regard to suggestions made by many local Orthodox Churches the unrestricted participation in future councils of all the hierarchs of the Holy Churches of God, as it undoubtedly will enhance the credibility of the decisions adopted by Pan-Orthodox Council.