HOLY AND GREAT COUNCIL DOCUMENT

Draft Synodical Document

Παρασκευή 30 Ιουνίου 2017

THE CANONICAL TRADITION OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH AND THE HOLY AND GREAT COUNCIL BETWEEN RECEPTION AND REJECTION


RĂZVAN PERȘA, Invited Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty oˆ Orthodox Theology, Cluj‐Napoca. PhD Candidate at the Faculty oˆ Orthodox Theology, Arad., 
Studia Theologia Orthodoxa, 1 (2017), PP.39-42

ABSTRACT. With this paper the author tries to answer uestions raised by some oˆ the detractors oˆ the Holy and Great Council. He is analysing ˆrom the point oˆ view oˆ Orthodox Canon Law iˆ the delegation oˆ bishops and the principle oˆ representativeness are canonical realities in accordance with the Orthodox tradition oˆ the Church and valid maniˆestations oˆ synodality, iˆ the number oˆ bishops participating in a Council is a true criterion oˆ ecumenicity and iˆ monastics and laymen were totally bypassed in the preconciliar preparatory process and in the sessions oˆ the Holy and Great Council. Keywords: Holy and Great Council, number oˆ bishops, laymen participation, Canon Law, ecumenical and general council, reception Motto: “When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete. We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens”. (Acts 27:7‐8) “Since thosewho for any reason,whether of an ecclesiastical or of corporeal nature, are absent from the holy Council and have remained in their own town or district, ought not to be left in ignorance ofthe Councils regulations regarding them, we make known to your holiness and love…”ͳ. (First Canon of the Third Ecumenical Council)..

Article:  THE CANONICAL TRADITION OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH AND THE HOLY AND GREAT COUNCIL BETWEEN RECEPTION AND REJECTION.