Bridging the Ecclesial, the Academic, and the Political
When we speak of contemporary challenges or the threat of schism, such themes often sound either overly generalized or, conversely, become sources of emotional anxiety. Yet the historical experience of the Church teaches us that crisis is neither new nor unusual. The Church has always existed at the heart of tension, confrontation, and decisive turning…
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When Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew told Bob Simon of 60 Minutes in 2009 that he feels “crucified” in Turkey, he was not merely expressing personal anguish; he was articulating a theological reality. The Patriarchate’s vulnerability in Istanbul is not a weakness to be escaped; it is the very condition of its spiritual authority. The question of…
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In October 2025, the World Council of Churches held its fourth Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt on the theme “Where Now for Visible Unity,” bringing together around 65 students for six weeks culminating in the 6th World Conference on Faith & Order. Among these students were five Eastern Orthodox, of…
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The “Holy Canons” are a defining element of Orthodox confessional identity. All tomoi of autocephaly issued by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the 19th century insist on that the newly established autocephalous national church should be governed in accordance with the Holy Canons, and similar provisions are found in the relevant laws of the countries where…
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Is it any wonder that institutional religion is perpetually questioned, especially in a church where the very definition of leadership is largely misinformed and misplaced? In our otherwise theologically convoluted understanding of sacred hierarchy and holy orders, we have sadly diminished the concepts of ordination and organization to the point where titles of church leaders…
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Since the recent article by my deeply respected friend and teacher Fr. John Chryssavgis caused heated arguments, I, as a Ukrainian, would like to respond by clarifying certain issues, expressing my appreciation, and presenting criticism. The most important points that Fr. John makes are the following: (1) that church and world are not two separate…
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