Bishop of Antiochian Church: the reason for non-presence at the Council in Crete is also documents
The position of the Patriarchate of Antioch towards the ongoing Council on Crete has been reiterated in a video released by Met. Ignatius (Al-Houshi), reports Romfea.gr.
The bishop emphasized that from the first moment of the idea of the Council, Antioch showed great interest and participation, realizing its importance. However, in the end, there were several factors that prevented the Antiochian Patriarchate from being able to make the trip to Crete, including issues with the Council itself.
Met. Ignatius notes that while the Qatar issue has indeed caused consternation within the Antiochian Patriarchate and is among the reasons why its delegation is not participating in the Council on Crete, it is not the only reason. As the bishop makes clear in the video, the Patriarchate takes issue with the content itself of the disputed documents. Therefore, the Patriarchate is not merely using them as a pretext for protest.
It should be noted that the Churches of Russia, Bulgaria, Antioch, and Georgia have all withdrawn, citing disagreements over Council documents and procedures.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.