True Orthodox Dialogue: Dialogue between GOC-Chrysostomos and Synod in Resistance Fails
We received today the following letter concerning the collapse of the negotiations between the GOC-Chrysostomos and the Synod in Resistance. We decided to do some searching and found that on the second, the Cyprianites released a 17-page document telling their side of the story, as well as including the text below. We invite readers to examine both sides of the story, while, as always, reserving judgment, but simply reporting what has transpired. NFTU
On the occasion of the illness of the Elder of the Holy Monastery of Sts. Cyprian and Justina, in Phyle, Attica, there have been certain contacts between the Hierarchs of the Holy Synod with the Orthodox Community in Resistance, which is separated from the Church of the True Orthodox Christians of Greece.
Discussions took place with the aim of restoring the unity between us that was ruptured in 1985. From these discussions it emerged that, in spite of the positive steps [1] that have been accomplished by the aforementioned Community towards rapprochement, it has nonetheless been determined that we do not have identical views on matters of ecclesiology[2].
Thus, in our judgment, under the present conditions there do not exist the necessary preconditions for the continuation of dialogue. We call on all of the faithful members of the Church, clergy and laity, to pray for the creation in the future of the indispensable conditions for the restoration of unity on the foundation of the truth, in accordance with the will of the Lord.
From the Holy Synod
____________________
[1] We regard as positive steps the consent on the part of the Community
in Resistance to refer to us as the Church of the True Orthodox Christians of Greece, the unequivocal condemnation of Ecumenism on their part, their categorical statement that they have never considered the New Calendar Church their “Mother Church,” a cessation in their proclamation of the theory of “ailing members of the Church,” their agreement not to offer the Mysteries to New Calendarists, and their acceptance of the principle that the remnant Orthodox Bishops of every age have the right to condemn every heresy.
.
[2] Agreement was not reached on the reception of New Calendarists and ecumenists by confession and Chrismation, on the reception through Baptism of all who do not bear even the form of Orthodox Baptism, or on the recognition of the condemnation of Ecumenists by name, since the Resisters think that only a Pan-Orthodox Synod has the competence to do this.
