The First Synaxis of the Primates of the Ancient Orthodox Patriarchates and the Church of Cyprus

The Ecumenical Patriarchate made the decision to convene Council of Orthodox Churches in the early 1920s. Despite this, for well-known historical reasons, the Council took place only after 93 years of lengthy preparatory work. The convocation of the Council is primarily attributed to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Bartholomew just one year after his election to the patriarchal throne, he convened the primates of all Orthodox Churches to strengthen panOrthodox unity. The institution of the Synaxis of the Primates of all Orthodox Churches, introduced by Patriarch Bartholomew, constitutes a sophisticated system of inter-Orthodox consultation and coordination under the auspices of Constantinople, which has proven highly beneficial for the Orthodox Church. Until the convocation of the Council, a total of six Synaxis of Primates of all Orthodox Churches and one Synaxis of Primates of the ancient Patriarchates and the Church of Cyprus were held. In this article, we will examine the first in order and the last to date Synaxis of the Primates of the ancient Patriarchates and the Church of Cyprus with the aim of highlighting its historical significance and the utility of establishing this institution, which holds much promise for the future of the Orthodox Church and its presence in the modern world.