A total of 140 Greek Orthodox bishops and archbishops from across the globe will gather in Istanbul, Turkey, for a five-day event organized at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. The event will take place between August 29 and September 2.
The heads of Greek Orthodox churches from across the world will discuss several modern-day issues and exchange ideas. Notably, they will discuss about the Pan-Orthodox Synod, scheduled to take place in 2015, as well as environmental and other social issues, and the Church’s role in these matters.
Bishops and archbishops from Europe, USA, Australia and Asia will attend the meeting hosted by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. It was reported that the meeting will focus on the Pan-Orthodox Synod that will explore various religious issues such as changes to the church calendar or even the rules on the marriage of clergy members.
The Greek Orthodox Churches are still divided, therefore experts fear that the Synod will not yield any substantial changes. The Patriarchate in Istanbul as well as the Russian Orthodox Church have been competing for decades in order to receive the ecumenical status. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul has been self-appointed as ecumenical since the Byzantine Empire times. It has direct authority over churches in various countries such as New Zealand and Panama.
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