Decisions by the Patriarch of Constantinople risk splitting the Church in Crete

An informal — but highly significant — synodal meeting of the Church of Crete has begun in Crete, aimed at finding a way out of the institutional and canonical impasse in relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate following the transfer of Metropolitan Irineos (Lambi and Sfakia). According to OrthodoxTimes, the unity of the church on the island and the prompt filling of vacant pulpits are at stake.

It is reported that last week the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople transferred Metropolitan Irineos from the Metropolis of Lambi and Sfakia to the Metropolis of Moschonisia. This decision automatically left another cathedra in Crete vacant — in addition to the already vacant Kidoni cathedra — and paved the way for the immediate dispatch of the Patriarchal Exarchate and the election of two new metropolitans by the remaining members of the Synod.

Local media paint a guardedly pessimistic picture: unity looks like a «distant dream» for now. Three metropolitans may not show up for today’s meeting — these are the hierarchs who pushed for Metropolitan Irinej not to resign. It is not ruled out that Irineus himself will abstain from attending as well. Their position makes it difficult for any de-escalation towards Fanar, even if they do show up. These same hierarchs had previously objected to the early election of a new metropolitan of Kidonia at the October 31 meeting, while the majority favored closing the long-standing vacancy.

The situation is testing the patience of Patriarch Bartholomew, who has no intention of delaying the vacancy and is leaving nothing to chance, demonstrating that he is the one who determines the next steps in Crete. Archbishop Eugene of Crete is also in a difficult position, seeking to develop a unified line acceptable to the entire Synod; against advice, he has called the current meeting to assess the implications of the Patriarchate’s harsh reaction, discuss positions and, if possible, form a common course. Although this is not a formal session, it will probably be decided to send a delegation to Constantinople.

The meeting is expected to begin with a report from Metropolitan Andrew of Arkalohoria, who was present at the Phanar and at the Patriarchal Synod meeting but refused to participate in the vote on the transfer of Metropolitan Irinei.

A critical point could be the possible demand of some bishops to prepare a written statement in support of Metropolitan Irinei, a move that observers believe is likely, given his clergy on the island and the hope of some clergy and laity for a change in the Patriarch’s position. According to the same publications, Irinei himself has no intention of accepting the transfer to Moschonisia. One of the hierarchs noted: «The last person responsible for the current situation is not Metropolitan Lambi; he is paying for our own mistakes. But even such understandable moral support will inevitably be perceived as an action against the Patriarchate.»

It remains unknown whether Irineus will show up for the meeting. Meanwhile, many in the Church emphasize that the most reasonable way is not confrontation, but resignation: «The future of our Church must be decided: calm, full alignment with the Patriarchate and final settlement are required. The exarchy should arrive, new metropolitans should be elected, and this crisis that is harmful to everyone should come to an end,» the source reported.

Another observer called what is happening «the last chance to correct past mistakes: it is necessary to send a signal to the Patriarchate that everything will go according to canon and law; it is necessary to pray and complete the matter on St. Anne’s Memorial Day.»

The Synodal hierarchs will have to evaluate the new circumstances, and the responsibility for the future and unity of the Church of Crete is already being called historic. The outcome of the current meeting may determine the next steps in overcoming the crisis and the restoration of normal church life on the island, notes.

Recall, earlier we reported that the former Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphosis facing the threat of final ejection from the dignity, if he does not obey the decisions of the Synod of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. He is supported by radical church groups, which complicates the situation and makes his departure almost inevitable.