site.btaHoly Synod of Bulgarian Orthodox Church Demands Postponement of Holy and Great Council, And Continued Preparations

Holy Synod of Bulgarian Orthodox Church Demands Postponement of Holy and Great Council, And Continued Preparations

Sofia, June 2 (BTA) - The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church insists that the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church worldwide, scheduled for June 16-27 on the island of Crete should be postponed and preparations for its convention should continue, the Synod said in a unanimous decision.

The decision states a number of reasons for this outcome, including some items of general Orthodox concern not included in the agenda, as well as disagreements expressed by some of the local Orthodox churches on already approved texts concerning the council. The Holy Synod does not agree, either, with the proposed seating of the heads of Orthodox churches in the hall, in violation of the principles of equality between the heads of the local autocephalous churches.

Therefore, the Holy Synod insists that the Holy and Great Council be postponed and that preparations for it continue. Otherwise it declares it is adamant it will not take part in the venue, the press release said.