Phanar bishop: We coordinate all inter-Orthodox initiatives since V century

Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium addresses Patriarch Theophilos. Photo: romfea.gr

On October 6, 2023, during a meeting with Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, representing the Phanar, stated that the Patriarchate of Constantinople has been coordinating all inter-Orthodox initiatives since the 4th century, according to the Greek website Romfea.

A conference of the commission on Anglican-Orthodox dialogue has begun in Jerusalem. During the meeting with members of the commission, Patriarch Theophilos emphasized the importance of Jerusalem and its shrines in strengthening the atmosphere of solidarity and cooperation between Christians of all traditions.

In response, Metropolitan Athenagoras expressed his agreement with the importance of dialogue. He noted that "the absence of dialogue leads to monologue, which, in turn, leads to the isolation of individual Churches and tension in relations among Christians."

Metropolitan Athenagoras underlined that "all inter-Orthodox meetings are chaired by a representative of the Ecumenical Mother Church of Constantinople."

"Indeed, starting from the Fourth Ecumenical Council, the Patriarchate of Constantinople bears exclusive responsibility for coordinating initiatives in the field of all Orthodox relations," he stated.

Concluding his remarks, the hierarch from the Ecumenical Patriarchate also highlighted the "spirit of cooperation" prevailing among representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches.

Previously, it was reported by the UOJ that on February 26, 2020, in the Jordanian capital of Amman, a meeting of the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches was held at the initiative of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. Following this meeting, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a tough repsonse to Patriarch Theophilos III expressing his clear dissatisfaction with the Amman gathering.

On September 30, 2023, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem declared that Jerusalem is the Mother of all Churches.

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