Month: April 2010

(ANSAmed) – ATHENS- The Greek-Orthodox Synod has condemned the Mass in modern language officiated in the diocese of Nicopolis, claiming that it puts ”the Church’s unity” at risk.

Bishop Meletio of Nicopolis, in the northern region of Epirus, a long time ago authorised the translation of the Mass from liturgical Greek (close to the ancient Greek language and once spoken by the upper classes) into modern or ”popular” Greek. Because, he justified his decision, ”otherwise the faithful don’t understand the holy liturgy”. But the Synod has ruled that translating the holy texts is forbidden; it is only allowed ”as an exception and after the authorisation” of the Church.

In the absence of a joint version, according to the orthodox leaders, a spontaneous and causal translation of the liturgy ”could jeopardise the Church’s unity”. The Synod has taken its decision despite the fact that Meletio seems to enjoy the support of his believers and has obtained the official support of other bishops. (ANSAmed).

H/T: Orthodox Beacon

In a response to the information about the omission of the hierarchy of the Brazilian diocese of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church to the Episcopal Assembly of the Orthodox Bishops of South America, chancery of metropolitan Athenagoras of Mexico stated that it was not intentional. Father Peter DiLeo-Vulic explained that this was caused by a lack of accurate information about the Polish Orthodox diocese in Brazil.

Father DiLeo-Vulic stressed that metropolitan Athenagoras, who was responsible for organizing the meeting, made every effort to ensure that all the bishops from South America learned about the meeting. He added that this situation highlights the need for these meetings, because the coexistence in the same territory of a dozen noncanonical and canonical Orthodox jurisdiction causes such a confusion.

Source: cerkiew.pl