Addendum to the Act of Canonical Communion

The Act of Canonical Communion goes into effect upon its confirmation by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, on the basis of the decision of the Holy Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church “On the Relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia” (Moscow, October 3-8, 2004); and by decision of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, on the basis of the resolution “Regarding the Act on Canonical Communion” of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (San Francisco, May 15-19, 2006).

1. In accordance with the Act on Canonical Communion, certain addenda and amendments are to be made to Chapter 8 of the Regulations [ Ustav ] of the Russian Orthodox Church (“Self-governing Churches”) and to the Regulations [ Polozhenie ] of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

2. Acting in the spirit of ecclesiastical oikonomia , the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia envision a five-year transition period for the full regularization of the status of former parishes of the Russian Church Abroad on the canonical territory of the Moscow Patriarchate, through their entering into the jurisdiction of the local ruling bishops. Before this period elapses, such parishes which are not on the territory of Self-governing Churches have the opportunity to be under the protection of a Vicar to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, who, with the blessing of the Patriarch, may participate in the work of the Council of Bishops and Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia by invitation of her First Hierarch.

3. In the countries of the diaspora where parallel church structures exist, including the Holy Land, both sides will, with proper pastoral discretion, apply every effort to resolve problems hindering successful cooperation and joint witness.

5/17/2007

See also
"The people opened up their souls!.."
Interview by Zoya Gradov, Alamo, California.
"The people opened up their souls!.."
Archbishop Kyrill (Dmitrieff), Zoya Gradov
The icon had been subject to a safety inspection, photographed and registered with customs. But the customs officers were making the sign of the cross and venerating the icon - we were amazed by this. Those who grew up in the West couldn’t possibly imagine such a thing!
Act of Canonical Communion Act of Canonical Communion
His Holiness Patriarch Alexey II of Moscow and All Russia, Metropolitan Laurus of New York and Eastern America, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Act of Canonical Communion Act of Canonical Communion
The reestablishment of canonical communion will serve, God willing, towards the strengthening of the unity of the Church of Christ, of her witness in the contemporary world, promoting the fulfillment of the will of the Lord to “gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad” (John 11:52).
Act of Canonical Communion Act of Canonical Communion
His Holiness Alexey II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia; Metropolitan Laurus of New York and Eastern America, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Act of Canonical Communion Act of Canonical Communion
Being guided by the effort towards reestablishing blessed peace, Divinely-decreed love, and brotherly unity in the common work in the harvest-fields of God within the Fullness of the Russian Orthodox Church and her faithful in the Fatherland and abroad, taking into consideration the ecclesiastical life of the Russian diaspora outside the canonical borders of the Moscow Patriarchate, as dictated by history; Taking into account that the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia performs its service on the territories of many nations; By this Act declare:

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