Metropolitan Luke proposes strengthening and expanding "Amman format"
In his report, presented at an international conference in Belgrade, the head of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy proposed regular meetings of the Primates of the Local Churches to protect canonical order.
Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol proposed several concrete measures aimed at strengthening the unity of the Local Orthodox Churches and defending Orthodox traditions. He expressed this proposal in his report, delivered during an international conference in Belgrade dedicated to the influence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the fate of Orthodoxy in Ukraine. The report was published on the official website of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy.
Metropolitan Luke believes that the Amman meeting, organized by the Jerusalem Patriarchate, should evolve into a permanent platform for dialogue between the Local Churches. In his view, regular meetings would help develop unified mechanisms for protecting canonical order and resolving crises and schisms in Orthodoxy.
To strengthen the unity of the Church, the UOC hierarch proposed organizing theological commissions that would work on important issues such as canon law, ecclesiology, primacy, and conciliarity. These commissions could prepare positions for the meetings of the Primates, helping to address theological challenges in greater depth.
"One direction of this work should be a pan-Orthodox discussion of the ROC document 'On the Distortion of Orthodox Teaching on the Church in the Acts of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Statements of Its Representatives,'" he emphasized.
Vladyka Luke also suggested making greater use of Local Councils to develop unified positions on issues of canonical structure and inter-Church relations. The recommendations and decisions of such Councils could form the basis for pan-Orthodox discussions and help the Churches reach consensus positions.
To prevent schismatic actions, Metropolitan Luke proposed that the Local Churches condemn canonical violations in unison and openly oppose schisms. In his view, public condemnation of such actions would be an important step in combating false teachings and preserving Church order.
The head of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy paid special attention to the importance of engaging with both laity and clergy. He noted that it is necessary to involve both clergy and laity in discussions of key issues to create a unified Church stance and strengthen the Church's internal unity.
"Internal Church dialogue should help both clergy and laity understand the importance of defending the Orthodox faith and canonical order. It is important that pastors and believers comprehend the depth of the ongoing processes and recognize their responsibility for the Church's future," he noted.
The UOC hierarch also highlighted the importance of countering external interference in the Church's affairs. He proposed uniting the efforts of the Local Churches to defend against political pressure, radical groups, and ecumenical initiatives that could undermine the doctrinal foundation and canonical order of the Orthodox Church.
As one of the key tools for defending the Church's unity, Metropolitan Luke proposed the creation of a common information space, which would help explain the positions of the Local Churches on disputed issues and counter misinformation.
"If, at this stage, ensuring regular communication between the Primates of the Local Churches seems difficult, it would be worth considering other options for building and maintaining constant communication. For example, a format of systematic meetings of trusted representatives of the Church Primates, who would have the right to speak on their behalf and be endowed with several important powers," Vladyka Luke underscored.
As previously reported by the UOJ, on February 26, 2020, a meeting of the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches was held in Amman, Jordan, convened by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.
