« The 4th meeting of the Pan-Orthodox Assembly of Bishops took place at the Cathedral of the Diocese of Sourozh »

On Thursday 24th November, the 4th meeting of the Pan-Orthodox Assembly of Bishops with Churches in Britain and Ireland was held at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God of the Diocese of Sourozh. The meeting was preceded by a Moleben in front of the wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God «Surety of Sinners» which had been brought to the Cathedral from the Church of St Nicholas in Khamovniki in Moscow. Representatives of all Orthodox Churches in Great Britain and Ireland venerated the icon. The Diocese of Sourozh was represented by Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh, Archbishop Anatoly of Kerch, Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Sourozh, and Priest Joseph Skinner, Head of the Diocesan Department of Inter-Orthodox relations.

The Assembly discussed a number of important matters of common concern for the Orthodox in these islands, including the question of transfers of clergy from one jurisdiction to another. A set of preliminary requirements for the transfer of clergy to another jurisdiction was approved. The canonical correctness of the transfer must be confirmed by the Pan-Orthodox Pastoral Committee, currently headed by Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh. An addressed letter of canonical dismissal from the Primate of the Local Orthodox Church which is releasing the clergyman must be produced in cases where it is required by the established practice of the Church from or to which the cleric is transferring. If a letter of canonical dismissal is not required by either Church, it must be given by the Diocesan Hierarch. This decision of the Pan-Orthodox Assembly of Bishops eliminates the possibility of misunderstandings,  which had taken place in the past when clergy were accepted to other Orthodox jurisdictions without an addressed letter of canonical dismissal.

The Assembly also discussed issues concerning the service of deacons, Orthodox University Chaplains, the approval of a single list of saints shown forth in the British Isles before the Great Schism in the 11th century and other important questions.

There was a fraternal meal in the hall of the Cathedral after the meeting of the Pan-Orthodox Hierarchal Assembly.