The Crete Council offered to set up a working body to study societal issues

The document “Mission of the Orthodox Church in Today’s World” ought to be amended by a paragraph on setting up a working body of the Council representatives to study the problems of contemporary society. Such proposal was made by Metropolitan of Telmessos  Isaias, as reported by Romfea.

The Metropolitan proposes that the document, which was agreed on in Chambesy on 26 January 2016 about the mission of the Orthodox Church in today’s world, “be amended with a correction and the decision taken on setting up a certain working body to consist of representatives of Local Orthodox Churches in order to study the problems of contemporary society such as, for example, distribution and use of addictive substances, human trafficking and violence, especially of women and children, migration issues etc, and to give relevant practical recommendations thereon”. 

“We also propose to invest the present working body with powers to get in touch and carry out mutual activities with other governmental and non-governmental organizations, including secular ones, involved with such issues, which are of concern for a human being as a personality or a society member, locally and globally, regardless national, religious or whatever affiliation it may be”, announced Isaias.  

We assume the first step in this responsible matter must be to elect and set up an ad hoc commission to work out provisions, according to which the above mentioned church body is going to further carry out its activities”, he concluded. 

Read also

St. Olga of Alaska Officially Glorified in Her Hometown of Kwethluk

First North American female saint honored in historic vigil attended by hundreds of pilgrims and hierarchs.

Pro-Constantinople Outlet Reports on Violent Cathedral Seizure in Chernivtsi

An article from the Orthodox Times highlights rising attacks against UOC faithful and clergy amid escalating church property disputes.

Metropolitan Longin Alleges Assassination Plot Against Him

Bancheny hierarch claims a group from Ivano-Frankivsk was sent to kill him.

Archbishop of Cyprus: Decision on Metropolitan Tychikos’ Appeal Expected in August

Hierarch retains presumption of innocence amid ongoing review by Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Holy Cross Seminarians Conclude Pilgrimage with Spiritual Encounters in Thessaloniki and Mount Athos

Students reflect on ministry and heritage during the final days of the transformative journey.

Estonian Government Passes New Law Against Orthodox Church

New legislation would force the Estonian Orthodox Church to cut its ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. This is depsite the fact that the Estonian Church has been autonomous since 1993.