World Orthodox Leaders Meet in Istanbul amid Irineos Controversy

Leaders of the World Orthodox Church gathered in Istanbul on Tuesday to discuss whether to declare a unique unified position on the crisis in the Holy Land and stop recognising Irineos I, the beset patriarch of Jerusalem.

The "pan-Orthodox" synod which was presided by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, drew delegates from the world's 14 main Orthodox churches.

Though members of Irineos’ church attempted to remove him from his post due to detonating allegations that his church rented property to Jewish investors in east Jerusalem, the city which Palestinians regard as their capital, he had unrelentingly declined to resign.

As the representatives met in the Cathedral of St. George, Bartholomew prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide the clerics when making their decision. However, it was indefinite as to when the conclusion will come about.

The gathering in Istanbul is the first major pan-Orthodox summit in over ten years. The authority to dismiss Irineos or choose his successor lies with the synod, or the governing council of the Jerusalem church. The gathering has no authority over this. Irineos had refused to assemble the synod together.

However, through this gathering, Irineos may be further secluded by leaders from churches in Greece, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania and other Orthodox countries. Leaders may voice opinions on how to gain the credibility of the church again after the commotion in Jerusalem.

Clerics supporting Irineos’ dismissal were represented by six bishops at the synod. They are claimed to have already voted to remove Irineos as patriarch and seek backing from the pan-Orthodox synod which represents the highest authority in the Orthodox Church.

"’The Church of Jerusalem has a problem. We solved it,'' said Cornelius, the Metropolitan of Petra. "We want our decision justified by the whole Orthodox Church."

But Franciscos Ragoussis, Irineos’ attorney, has indicated that his client will continue to fight his expulsion.

A former financial advisor to the patriarch has also been accused of giving 198-year leases to Jewish investors for two hostels owned by the church and a number of shops in the Old City. This infuriated the Palestinians, who claimed the deals were part of Jewish violation to Arab quarters.

This scandal has brought about a disgrace to the Orthodox Church. The meeting was seen as an effort by Bartholomew and other church leaders to improve their image in the Holy Land.