Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Amman gathering does not constitute formal Synaxis

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem published a communiqué regarding the visit of its representatives to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in order to discuss the issue of the meeting of the Heads of the Orthodox Churches in Amman.

According to the communiqué, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem expresses its own view on the matter and states that “the Amman fraternal gathering does not constitute a formal Synaxis but rather a family gathering of Orthodox Primates for the purpose of dialogue.”

In addition, the representatives gave a letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch from Patriarch Theophilos “in which he extended an invitation to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and expressed his sincerity to the Ecumenical Patriarch.”

The announcement of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the following:

A high-level delegation formally representing the Patriarchate of Jerusalem was commissioned by Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, to meet with Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch, to further explain the importance of the fraternal gathering scheduled to be held in Amman, Jordan later on this month with the participation of the vast majority of Orthodox Patriarchs and heads of Churches, to discuss global orthodox unity and to enhance inter-orthodox dialogue and reconciliation.

The delegation assured the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during a 2-hour meeting held at headquarters in the presence of members of the Ecumenical Synod, that the Amman fraternal gathering does not constitute a formal Synaxis but rather a familial gathering of the Orthodox Primates for the purpose of dialogue.

The delegation carried a letter from Theophilos III in which he extended Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew an invitation to the Amman gathering, and pointed out his sincerity in upholding the Holy Canons of the Church and respecting the Ecumenical Patriarch’s acknowledged seniority.

Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem