Patriarch of Jerusalem reports on the format of Primates’ Synaxis

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem addressed the Heads of the Local Orthodox Churches with a letter in which he gave details of the future Synaxis of Primates in Amman. The full text of the letter was published by the Greek edition Ethnos.

Patriarch Theophilos recalled that “dialogue and reconciliation between brothers is the only way to move forward.”

Reporting on the details of the upcoming fraternal gathering in Amman, the Patriarch emphasized that this “meeting will not be an official Synaxis (meeting of the Primates) but a fraternal gathering where a dialogue will be opened on the challenges facing the Orthodox community in this crisis time.”

He also stated that “we will continue to use any means of communication with the Ecumenical Patriarchate to achieve consensus between our brethren-primates, welcoming His All-Holiness and recognizing his seniority in honor.”

According to the Head of the Church of Jerusalem, “the favorable result of such an initiative is based on the fact that it is viewed simply as a fraternal gathering to consider the procedures used to achieve a common goal – dialogue and reconciliation in order to preserve the unity of our Orthodox community.”

Patriarch Theophilos believes that “given the fraternal nature of the meeting … participation in it will not involve sharing the Divine Eucharist” but will require “only willingness to work and pray together”.

The Patriarch announced that the Jerusalem Patriarchate will host the Primates and their representatives upon their arrival in Amman, Jordan, from February 25 to their departure on February 27. The meeting is expected to take place on February 26.

The Patriarchate will extend its hospitality to the distinguished Primates and their representatives at the Fairmont Hotel in Amman throughout their stay.

The Primates will also be received at the Hashemite Royal Court at the audience of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

“Solutions to our biggest problems should be found in a dialogue based on the brotherhood that we share, and we pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us along the path of unity in Christ,” wrote Patriarch Theophilos.