Metropolitan of Piraeus calls for Pan-Orthodox Council on the OCU issue
The Metropolitan of the Church of Greece has stated that the principle of synodality has been violated and Eucharistic communion between Churches broken over the Ukrainian issue.
During a theological conference in Piraeus, Greece, Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus delivered a report in which he called for the convocation of a Pan-Orthodox Council to resolve the Ukrainian ecclesiastical crisis, reports a UOJ correspondent. The conference was broadcast on the Greek UOJ YouTube channel.
Metropolitan Seraphim emphasized that the Ukrainian issue has caused a serious division in the Orthodox world.
He expressed particular concern over the erosion of synodality in the contemporary Orthodox Church. The hierarch stressed that, according to Church law, autocephaly is granted “on the condition that the relevant decisions are approved by all interested autocephalous Orthodox Churches.”
The Metropolitan provided a detailed canonical analysis of the Ukrainian issue, citing the rulings of the Ecumenical Councils. He noted that the Ecumenical Patriarch is “First Among Equals” and presides over joint councils, but this does not give him the right to unilaterally make decisions affecting the entire Orthodox Church.
“Synodality is based on two pillars: equality of votes and the belief that there is no primacy in Orthodoxy,” Metropolitan Seraphim stated, criticizing efforts to expand Constantinople’s authority.
He also referred to historical precedents, recalling the disputes between Rome and the Eastern Churches in antiquity. He quoted the rulings of the Council of Carthage, which rejected Rome’s claims to supreme appellate authority over all jurisdictions.
Metropolitan Seraphim gave special attention to the canonical status of those recognized under the Ukrainian autocephaly. He reminded the audience that, according to patristic tradition, “inclusion in the unity and communion of the Church necessarily presupposes deep contrition and a sincere expression of repentance.”
The Metropolitan of Piraeus pointed out that six years after the granting of autocephaly to the OCU, only four Churches have recognized it—an indication of the profound division within the Orthodox world. He called for the urgent convening of a Pan-Orthodox Council to end the schism in ecclesiastical communion.
He concluded his address with an appeal for unity: “Above all, that the division of Eucharistic communion among the autocephalous Orthodox Churches may cease,” underscoring the need to resolve this “most important ecclesiastical matter” on a canonical basis.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Seraphim had declared Constantinople’s reinstatement of the UOC-KP and UAOC leaders to holy ranks “invalid.”
