The Pan-Orthodox Council of 2016 - A New Era for the Orthodox Church?: Interdiscliplinary Perspectives

The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church was a significant development that brought together Orthodox Churches to discuss crucial issues, but it also revealed existing serious problems of inter-Orthodox communication and collaboration. This volume offers interdisciplinary insights on the Council and its repercussions for Pan-Orthodox unity and the future of the Orthodox world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

The present volume, derived from a related conference held in Erfurt, presents a comprehensive exploration of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, also known as the Pan-Orthodox Council, which convened on the island of Crete in June 2016. While a few Orthodox Churches chose not to participate, including the Russian one, the Council nonetheless represented a significant milestone. It brought together a substantial number of Orthodox Churches, enabling them to address critical concerns pertaining to the contemporary Orthodox world. Furthermore, the Council's proceedings vividly exposed longstanding challenges in inter-Orthodox communication and collaboration. The contributions included in this volume shed valuable light on the key themes related to this Council and their far-reaching implications for Pan-Orthodox unity and the future of the Orthodox world.

Introduction:
The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, held in Crete in June 2016, was a historic event that brought together representatives from various Orthodox Christian denominations to discuss important matters related to the Orthodox world. While some Orthodox Churches chose not to participate in the Council, its significance cannot be overstated. This volume aims to provide interdisciplinary insights into the Council and its implications for Pan-Orthodox unity and the future of the Orthodox world.

Background and Context:
The Orthodox Church is a Christian denomination that has a rich history and tradition. It is divided into several branches, each with its own unique beliefs and practices. The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church was convened to address several pressing issues facing the Orthodox world, including the relationship between the Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations, the role of women in the Church, and the challenges posed by modern secularism and cultural change.

Key Issues Discussed:
During the Council, a wide range of topics were discussed, including the nature of the Orthodox Church, the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the relationship between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, and the place of tradition and modernity in the Orthodox world. The Council also addressed issues related to the role of the laity in the Church, the importance of inter-Orthodox communication and collaboration, and the challenges faced by Orthodox Christians in the modern world.

Repercussions for Pan-Orthodox Unity and the Future of the Orthodox World:
The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church had significant repercussions for Pan-Orthodox unity and the future of the Orthodox world. While some Orthodox Churches expressed reservations about certain aspects of the Council's proceedings, it was generally seen as a positive step towards greater unity and cooperation among Orthodox Christians. The Council's decision to establish a permanent pan-Orthodox body, known as the Pan-Orthodox Council, was a particularly important development.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the present volume offers a comprehensive exploration of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church and its implications for Pan-Orthodox unity and the future of the Orthodox world. While some challenges remain, the Council's proceedings represent a significant step forward in the efforts to strengthen the bonds of unity among Orthodox Christians and to address the challenges facing the Orthodox world in the 21st century.

Weight: 429g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631715260
Edition number: New ed