John Bishop called historical work of orthodox advice
28 June 2016 00:00- Pam Panchak / Post-Gazette
Bishop Gregory of Nyssa center.
More than 10 days on the Greek island of Crete, based in Pa. Johnstown, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa was met with the Orthodox bishops who knew only by name, or phone calls, or even the authors of texts, he studied at the seminar.
It was the largest gathering of its kind in more than 12 centuries, and though not as broad base of participants put, as planned, the Board has a reasonable amount of renovation work carried out, he said.
The long-awaited concentration, the holy and great council called, closed on Sunday and has its goal is not reached in which representatives of 14 autonomous Orthodox churches in the world. Four refused to send representatives, after initially assumed - even in the home of the largest Russian Orthodox population.
a historic opportunity was lost, said Bishop Gregory, head of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese based Johns. Documents approved directive on the various issues, internal ecclesiastical disciplines relations with the outside world.
"Those who do not come are likely to regret it, because one of the reasons is that they change the design, would not be able," he said. In fact, "everyone had the opportunity to speak and propose amendments."
Ultimately, all the churches are present to approve the revised documents. He said that, historically, the church councils are mandatory for all Orthodox churches are or not sent representatives. The bishops of Russia are planning soon to meet and decide on a response to the Council.
Among the contentious issues, said Bishop Gregory was whether non-Orthodox organizations be called "Churches" in a document on relations between Christians. Ultimately, the documents show that, although the Orthodox Church of God includes dedicated since the time of Jesus' apostles, respecting the other groups of the understanding of themselves as churches.
"We can not tell anyone what to say," said Bishop Gregory, who was part of the delegation of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople Opel.
The Board also gave statements on behalf of persecuted Christians in the Middle East and reaffirm that scientific progress can not be at the expense of human dignity or the destruction of the environment.
The Board has decided to try again in 10 years to meet, said Bishop Gregory. It is expected to be earlier.
"We have more things to discuss," he said. "We can not do everything in one week. If you have not met in 1000, is difficult to get caught up in five or six days."
Peter Smith: petersmith@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1416; Twitter @PG_PeterSmith.
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