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Orthodox Observer - February 1997

SCOBA Hierarchs Hold First Meeting with Archbishop

NEW YORK - Hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America recently held their first meeting with Archbishop Spyridon at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

His Eminence reaffirmed the harmony and communion of purpose that binds all of the jurisdictions together, stating plainly that the Church's unity is manifested through the unity of faith, doctrine, practice and worship which have always existed in the Orthodox Church of Christ.

HIERARCHS OF SCOBA meet at the Archdiocese.
At right is Rev. Dr. George Dragas, ecumenical officer.

(Orthodox Observer photo)

In emphasizing the true and absolute unity of the Church, His Eminence commented on the need to continue expending every effort to connect the different jurisdictions in the everyday witness of the Church, both to society at large and to the flock of Christ.

During their sessions, the hierarchs discussed the Orthodox Christian response to various issues, including the legalization of same-sex marriages in Hawaii, which the Orthodox Church rejects.

They also discussed the recent instruction by the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference to their clergy, regarding the giving of their Holy Communion to Orthodox, without consideration that the Orthodox Church does not permit her faithful to commune in any Church but their own.

This unilateral decision by the Roman Catholic bishops will be fully addressed at the next SCOBA meeting, with specific guidelines to the various Orthodox jurisdictions in America.

The hierarchs also agreed to a common and unified effort to issue joint pastoral encyclicals addressing contemporary problems that affect the Orthodox Christians in America.

The re-unification of the Ukrainian Church with the Ecumenical Patriarchate was singled out as an important step in the journey of the Orthodox Church here in America.

Regarding this canonical regularization of the Ukrainian Church in America and the Diaspora, Metropolitan Theodosius of the former Metropolia (OCA) reported that the OCA is in full communion with the Ukrainian Church.

At the close of their meeting, the hierarchs expressed their appreciation and support for Archbishop Spyridon.

[ Orthodox Observer - Vol. 62, No. 1123 - February 1997 - p. 3 ]