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Historic Orthodox council stalls after Russia pulls out Orthodox Churches council opens on Crete despite Russia's absence
(about 2 hours later)
The Russian Orthodox Church has rejected a last minute appeal to attend what was billed as the first meeting of fellow Church leaders since 787. A historic gathering of Orthodox Churches has opened on the Greek island of Crete, despite the absence of four denominations including the Russians.
Russia says it cannot participate in the Holy and Great Council, on the Greek island of Crete, as not all churches will be present. The Holy and Great Council had been billed as the first meeting of fellow Church leaders since 787 AD.
The Churches of Antioch, Bulgaria and Georgia had previously refused to take part after disputes about the meeting. The Russians decided to stay away after the Churches of Antioch, Bulgaria and Georgia refused to take part after disputes about the meeting.
The gathering, due to start on Sunday, has been 55 years in preparation. The council, which began on Sunday, has been 55 years in preparation.
Fourteen Churches representing over 300 million faithful had been originally invited. It will run until 27 June.
Experts say the decision by the Russian Church, which represents some 100 million followers, highlights longstanding divisions among Orthodox Christians. On Sunday morning, clerics attending the council celebrated Orthodox Pentecost in the Cretan town of Heraklion, the AFP news agency reports.
There is also a struggle for power between Russia and the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, considered the spiritual head and "first among equals". Fourteen Churches representing over 300 million faithful had been originally invited to the gathering.
He is the driving force behind the meeting. Experts say the decision to stay away by the Russian Church, which represents some 100 million followers, highlights longstanding divisions among Orthodox Christians.
There is also a struggle for power between Russia and the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, considered the spiritual head and "first among equals". He is the driving force behind the meeting.
The disagreements ranged from seating plans to efforts to reconcile with the Vatican.The disagreements ranged from seating plans to efforts to reconcile with the Vatican.
Moscow also fears that Patriarch Bartholomew will give support to the Ukrainian branch of the Church, fuelling what one Russian state-owned newspaper has called "a simmering religious war".Moscow also fears that Patriarch Bartholomew will give support to the Ukrainian branch of the Church, fuelling what one Russian state-owned newspaper has called "a simmering religious war".
Russian Patriarch Kirill said he considered the Crete gathering a preparatory session for a synod that will unite all the Churches "without exception."Russian Patriarch Kirill said he considered the Crete gathering a preparatory session for a synod that will unite all the Churches "without exception."
Orthodox ChristiansOrthodox Christians
What is the Orthodox Church?What is the Orthodox Church?