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exact date of the beginning of the First Ecumenical Council in 325. The
Ecumenical Observers attended a liturgy at the Gonias Monastery close to the
Academy presided over by Metropolitan John of Pergamon, better known to
Anglicans as the theologian John Zizioulas. It was incidentally the 30th
anniversary of his episcopal ordination and he has been one of the prime
theological movers supporting the initiative of a Council. The Ecumenical
Patriarch Bartholomew opened the formal sessions with a substantial
theological and historical defence of the essential ‘synodality’ of the Church,
even when for political reasons this had not been possible at the global level.
He reported that renewed invitations had been sent to the four Orthodox
Churches which had at the last minute changed their mind about attendance;
Bulgaria, Georgia, Antioch and Russia. Antioch and Russia had replied that
they were now bound by synodal decisions. Patriarch Bartholomew expressed
perplexity and sorrow as these churches , together with all the other
autocephalous or independent churches had agreed to the convocation of the
Council at a meeting of all the Primates in January. He reminded the delegates,
that complete representation had never been absolutely necessary for a
councils validity and that the urgency of reform made delay unacceptable. It is
clear the Council remained on course and would not be deferred by reason of
last minute waverings. He cited Paul warning the Corinthians against the
danger of saying: I have no need of you. The Patriarch touched briefly of the
subjects of the Council: the problem of the world wide Orthodox diaspora, the
need for consistency in ecumenical policy, and for the resolution of
jurisdictional rivalries in the face of the need for mission. He was deeply aware
the problems facing humanity; the environment (to which he has personally
devoted huge energy), bio-ethical questions, mission and secularism, and war.
The Orthodox were not indifferent to these profound challenges to humanity
but the present council had a limited agenda, the Orthodox house had to be
put in order after which there would need to be other councils for these urgent
matters. This was an important sign that for him the Council is the beginning
of a synodal process, rather than the end. Finally he reminded the delegates
that the draft documents had been signed by commissions representing all the
churches. This did not mean there could be no amendments but that the texts
were to treated with courtesy and respect, warning that amendments would
themselves require consensus. And with very clear sincerity he welcomed the
Ecumenical Observers.
The Patriarchs and Archbishops of the autocephalous Churches (less for
course the absentees) all replied with strong support for the Council and it

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