LAST UPDATE: 15:15
The Ecumenical Patriarchate maintains that Holy Communion is non-negotiable “because we believe that through the Holy Communion the faithful receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ the Saviour and it is impossible for the Mystery of Mysteries to transmit any disease.”
Following the correspondence between the Ecumenical Patriarch and the primates of the Orthodox Churches on this issue, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarch concluded that there was no reason to change the way of distribution of Holy Communion.
However, it allows the local ecclesiastical authorities to take necessary but temporary measures, always in consultation with the Phanar.
The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate discussed, among other things, issues related to the ecclesiastical life of various dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
More specifically, the Holy Synod expressed its full support for Archbishop Makarios of Australia and his commendable work, who is a well-educated man with a dynamic pastoral ministry.
The Holy Synod is deeply perturbed by Metropolitan Nikandros of Irinoupolis for his involvement in the affairs of this eparchy of the Ecumenical Throne, which fall outside his remit.
The Holy Synod welcomed the fact that the Ecumenical Patriarch imposed on Hieromonk Damaskinos from the Holy Cell of St. George, who pertain to the Koutloumousiou Monastery, the six-month suspension for his non-canonical and disgraceful action against the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and its Archbishop instead of peacefully praying for them.
