CONVOCATION OF EMERGENCY SYNOD SUGGESTED BY THE BISHOP OF CORFU
On Thursday, April 30, 2020, his Eminence, the Bishop of Corfu, Paxoi and Diapontian Islands, Mr. Nektarios sent the following document to his Beatitude, the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece and the rest of the members of the Permanent Holy Synod, on the occasion of their meeting:
“For the present, in view of the forthcoming meeting of the Permanent Holy Synod, I would like to raise the issue of the emergency convocation of the Hierarchy of the Church of Greece, in order for all issues due to Co-Vid19 to be discussed.
It is not only a matter of fact that these issues, as well as the conditions set by the State for the reopening of the Holy Temples,with presence and participation of the faithful are issues of paramount importance, for which I believe that we must co-decide, as they are not administrative matters, but have to do with the participation of our people in the divine liturgy and the divine communion, something which is certainly an issue for all the Holy Dioceses.
It is also clear that it is not right for His Beatitude to bear the responsibility for what happened along with the Permanent Holy Synod and its representative alone. There are serious concerns about the handling and behavior of the state towards the Church, as well as about the unconstitutionality of the measures taken so far, but also about some of the ways and means of handling on our side.
My request reflects the need expressed and continues to do so by our people to be protected by decisions of the entire Hierarchy, which I believe in everywhere, but also for what is to come. Our Synodal state is based on dialogue, as well as co-decisions which are necessary,
I therefore propose to consider at the meeting the issue of the emergency meeting of the Hierarchy and in fact as soon as possible. Since the meeting hall of the Hierarchy does not meet the conditions for the observance of governmental measures, it could be considered that a meeting be held at the Metropolitan Church of Athens or the Church of Saint Panteleimon in Acharnes or even via video-conferencing.”
