International conference assesses Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church

International conference assesses Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church

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Thu, 10/15/2026 - 14:21

An international conference held 5-8 October in Chantilly, France, explored an assessment and the prospects of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (2016–2026).

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Dr Andrej Jeftić, Rev. Prof. Dr Stephanie Dietrich, HAH Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Metropolitan Job of Pisidia.

Photo: WCC

Rev. Prof. Dr Stephanie Dietrich, moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Faith and Order, said that the international conference revealed a church deeply rooted in its tradition while remaining open to renewal in a spirit of koinonia.

“ It not only reviewed the outcomes of the Holy and Great Council of 2016, but also engaged openly and honestly with questions of implementation and reception, including tensions and challenges that remain,” she said. “ At the same time, it explored how Orthodox theology and church life can continue to develop in response to the realities of today ’ s world and its many different contexts. I am deeply impressed by the continuing commitment…