Autocephaly of Macedonian Church recognized by the OCCzLS

Archbishop of Prešov, Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia Rostislav. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia at its meeting on February 7, 2023 recognized the autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, writes orthodoxianewsagency.gr.

According to the publication, the Synod headed by the Archbishop of Prešov, Metropolitan Rostislav of the Czech Lands and Slovakia got familiar with the letters of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on the restoration of Eucharistic communion with the Macedonian Church and with the message of Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia on granting it autocephaly.

The Holy Synod expressed its satisfaction with the recognition of another autocephalous Church; however, in its decision only the name "Church of North Macedonia" is used and there is no mention of the "Ohrid Archdiocese".

As the UOJ wrote, on June 5, 2022, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presented the head of the Macedonian Church, Archbishop Stefan, with the Tomos of Autocephaly.

On June 9, the head of the Phanar handed over the Patriarchal and the Synodal Act on the acceptance of the Church of North Macedonia into liturgical and canonical unity to Archbishop Stefan.

The name of the new Local Church became the subject of discussion. In particular, according to the Synod of the Greek Church, this name should not contain the word "Macedonia" and its derivatives. The Bulgarian hierarchs declare that a pan-Orthodox decision must be made regarding the name of the Church of North Macedonia.

On November 23, the Holy Synod of the UOC decided to include the name of Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia in the Diptych of the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches.

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