The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His All Holiness Bartholomew I, on Wednesday announced the beginning of working sessions of the Assembly of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne.
The Synaxis, which takes place in Constantinople until Friday under the chairmanship of the Ecumenical Patriarch, is attended by some 130 Hierarchs from around the world. Sessions focus on issues concerning the life and ministry of the Mother Church, but also of wider ecclesiastical and social interest.
In his inaugural address, immediately after the Holy Service, the Ecumenical Patriarch referred in particular to the difficult period that humanity is going through over the last two years, due to the consequences of the pandemic.
As His All Holiness pointed out that “…The rule of law is the one that makes the crucial decisions about the necessary measures to deal with the pandemic and manages the major issues in relation to the Church, religion, and faith.”
He also referred to clergymen who failed to exercise calmness, wisdom, and reason in relation to a decision of the Church, whose voice is expressed synodically, as he said. Those few clerics opposed the use of masks, vaccinations, and any measures to limit the spread of the virus.”
He added: “For the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the issue of the pandemic is not a personal matter or a matter of moral conduct, or even a choice between good and evil.”