Second Pan-Orthodox Meeting Opens in Switzerland to Prepare for Pan-Orthodox Synod

The second round of pan-Orthodox meetings opened December 9, 2009 in Chemin de Chambesy, Switzerland, in preparation for the first pan-Orthodox Synod of the modern era, according to the Asia News website.

The first pan-Orthodox meeting in June, 2009 decided on the creation of Episcopal conferences in the countries of the Diaspora that will refer to Constantinople. In the current meetings -- which will last one week -- the issue of autonomy and the autocephalous nature of the Orthodox Churches will be discussed.

The meeting aims to resolve issues that have emerged in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and the consequent emergence of new nation states, whose churches have sought independence from the Patriarchate of Moscow.

Regarding relations between the Orthodox Churches, Patriarch Bartholomew said that "the role of Constantinople is one established by the canons of the Ecumenical Synods. It lies in the diaconate, having the responsibility for the coordination and expression of unanimity of the Orthodox Churches."