Message from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the Holy and Great Council | Μήνυμα του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου για την Αγία και Μεγάλη Σύνοδο και διάφορες διευκρινήσεις [1+5 videos]

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew offers his dreams and prayers for the Holy and Great Council, meeting in Crete in late June 2016. The Holy and Great Council is the first time in 1200 years that 14 autocephalous Orthodox churches are meeting, with a common desire for strengthened relations and to be a sign of “unity in a world afflicted by conflict and division.”

The Holy and Great Council will address important issues of concern to Orthodox Christians and all people. This includes the mission of the Orthodox Church in the modern world, the Orthodox diaspora, autonomy, marriage, fasting and relations with other Christians. Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis tells why these are matters important not only to the Orthodox, but to the entire world.

The deliberations by the delegates at the Holy and Great Council honor a long tradition in the Church, and are guided by the Holy Spirit. Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis explains the process, which was itself determined by a deliberative body.

Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, talks about who will be participating in the Holy and Great Council and the 14 autocephalous (independent) churches they will represent.

What is a Holy and Great Council? When was the last one? Why is it important? Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, explains the process that has brought us to this unique and important event. The Holy and Great Council is the first time in 1200 years that 14 autocephalous Orthodox churches are meeting.

Rev. Dr. Nicholas G. Louh, himself a parish priest, explains how the Holy and Great Council impacts the everyday lives of Orthodox Christians, and how Orthodox Christians can support the Holy and Great Council. 

 The Holy and Great Council gathers in Crete in the latter part of June 2016. It is the first time in 1200 years that 14 autocephalous Orthodox churches are meeting. Approximately 500 individuals will be part of this historic gathering, with a common desire to reinforce their relations and address contemporary spiritual and social challenges in the world. For more information, visit www.orthodoxcouncil.org.