Week of 17–23 May 2026
1. Top Stories of the Week
Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod Holds Annual Session, Resumes Dialogue with Rome
The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church convened on 22 May 2026 under the chairmanship of Pope Tawadros II, with 119 members in attendance. In a landmark decision, the Synod voted to resume the theological dialogue with the Catholic Church, which had been suspended since early 2024 over the Vatican’s Fiducia Supplicans declaration on same-sex blessings. The resumption follows assurances received during the telephone conversation between Pope Tawadros II and Pope Leo XIV on 15 May. At the same session, the Synod reaffirmed its rejection of same-sex blessings, canonised two figures — Metropolitan Sarabamon of Khartoum and Omdurman (d. 1935) and Fr Mikhail Ibrahim of St Mark’s Church, Shubra (d. 1975) — and approved the restoration of monastic life at the Monastery of Saint George in the Diocese of Naqada and Qus as well as the recognition of the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and Pope Kyrillos VI in the Diocese of New York and New England. The Synod also addressed the draft Personal Status Law for the Christian Family, submitting observations to the House of Representatives, and agreed to update the Holy Synod Regulation, which has been in place for 41 years. (Coptic Orthodox Church, Egypt Daily News)
Serbian Orthodox Bishops’ Assembly Concludes: Canonisation, Major Disciplinary Action, University Plans
The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church concluded its regular session at Saint Sava Temple in Belgrade on 19 May 2026, having begun on 13 May. Among the most consequential decisions was the relief of Metropolitan Justin from the administration of the Diocese of Žiča, following a detailed analysis of the diocese’s material and financial administration and the question of the bishop’s responsibility — a rare disciplinary action at the highest level. The Assembly also canonised nun Jefimija of Devič, popularly known as “Blessed Stojna” (Zarić, d. 1895), designating 28/15 February as her feast day. A new Regulation on Theological Seminaries was adopted along with reformed four-year curricula. The Assembly advanced plans for a Serbian Orthodox University “Saint Sava” and elevated the Higher School–Academy for Arts and Conservation to faculty status as the “Despot Stefan Lazarević” Faculty. The communiqué addressed the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, voicing concern over a new law on foreigners, and reiterated its defence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church against persecution by Ukrainian authorities. The Assembly sent greetings to the newly enthroned Georgian Patriarch Shio III and delegated Bishops Stefan of Remesiana and Nikon of Jenopolje to attend his first official liturgy. (Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America, Orthodox Times)
Ecumenical Patriarchate and Anglican Communion Hold Informal Talks at the Phanar
Informal talks between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Anglican Communion took place at the Phanar on 21–22 May 2026, focusing on preparations for the next phase of the official theological dialogue. The Ecumenical Patriarchate delegation included Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium (co-chairman of ICAOTD), Metropolitan Job of Pisidia, Metropolitan Maximos of Silivria, and Archdeacon Evlogios Tsatsas (secretary). The Anglican side was represented by Bishop Michael Lewis (co-chairman), Bishop Mark Strange (Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church), Dr Christopher Wells (Director for Unity, Faith and Order), and Rev. Neil Vigers. All participants were received in audience by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who encouraged the continuation of the dialogue. (Orthodox Times, Episcopal News Service, Anglican News)
Catholicos Aram I Visits Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican
Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church made an official visit to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on 18 May 2026 — the first meeting between the two leaders. On 20 May, Aram I was publicly greeted by the Pope at the General Audience in St Peter’s Square, where Leo XIV praised Aram I’s ecumenical commitment. The Catholicos renewed his call for a common Easter date, a shared day of commemoration for all Christian martyrs, and the convening of a Third Vatican Council (Vatican III). He also raised the issues of the return of Artsakh Armenians and Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan. During his stay, Aram I met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and visited the Dicasteries for Promoting Christian Unity, Interreligious Dialogue, and Eastern Churches. Pope Leo expressed concern for the future of Lebanon and called for strengthening Christian unity in the Middle East. (Vatican.va, EWTN News, Vatican News, The Armenian Report)
2. Eastern Orthodox News
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
Anglican-Orthodox talks at the Phanar (21–22 May): See Top Stories above.
Feast of the Ascension (21 May): Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided at the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Ascension at the Church of Ypsomathia (Analipsis) in Istanbul. In his sermon, the Patriarch declared that there has never been, nor will there ever be, a “holy war,” emphasising Christ’s message of peace. (Orthodox Times)
Halki Seminary update: As reported by multiple outlets, the renovation of the Halki Seminary on Heybeliada is expected to be completed in September 2026, with an inauguration ceremony planned. However, Patriarchate spokesperson Nikos Papachristou clarified that the September event will mark only the inauguration of the restored buildings — not the reopening of the school as an operating institution. The Seminary still lacks a formal licence to function as a teaching institution, more than 55 years after its closure under a 1971 Turkish law. Patriarch Bartholomew has expressed optimism about a possible reopening. (Turkish Minute, Greek City Times, The New Arab)
Mount Athos
- Mel Gibson’s visit for film research: Director Mel Gibson and his team visited Mount Athos to ensure historical and spiritual authenticity for his upcoming two-part biblical epic The Resurrection of the Christ. Filming has wrapped after 134 days across multiple Italian locations. Part One is scheduled for 6 May 2027 and Part Two for 25 May 2028, both timed to coincide with Ascension Day. (Greek City Times, Variety)
Church of Georgia
Patriarch Shio III celebrates first Divine Liturgy (17 May): In a development following last week’s coverage of his election and enthronement, the newly enthroned Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III celebrated his first Divine Liturgy as Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church on 17 May at the Holy Trinity Patriarchal Cathedral in Tbilisi, on the occasion of the Day of Family Purity and Respect for Parents. Family marches were held across Georgia on the same day. (Orthodox Times, Basilica.ro)
Ascension sermon (21 May): Patriarch Shio III delivered a sermon at the Ascension Church in Tbilisi, reflecting on Christ’s final appearance to His apostles and the promise of the Holy Spirit’s descent. He concluded with a prayer for the spiritual strengthening, unity, and salvation of Georgia. (Orthodox Times)
Moscow Patriarchate
- Russian Exarchate of Africa expands to Angola (18 and 22 May): Metropolitan Constantine, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, celebrated the first liturgy of the Russian Orthodox Exarchate in Angola on 18 May 2026 (Leavetaking of Pascha). On 22 May, the Exarch met with the Angolan Minister of Culture. The Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, established in 2021, now claims some 350 parishes across the continent served by over 250 priests. (Exarchate of Africa)
Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU)
- UOC bishops appeal for Metropolitan Onufriy’s citizenship: According to NÖK, bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church have requested that President Zelenskyy reverse his July 2025 decision to revoke Metropolitan Onufriy’s Ukrainian citizenship. The UOC maintains that Metropolitan Onufriy holds only a Ukrainian passport and does not possess Russian citizenship. Ukrainian authorities contend that he secretly acquired Russian citizenship in 2002. (NÖK, Orthodox Times)
Serbian Orthodox Church
Bishops’ Assembly decisions (13–19 May): See Top Stories above for full coverage, including the canonisation of Blessed Stojna, the removal of Metropolitan Justin from the Diocese of Žiča, educational reforms, “Saint Sava” university plans, the Kosovo and Metohija report, and the defence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Exhibition “Saint Sava” (850th anniversary): The Assembly was enriched by the ceremonial opening of the exhibition “Saint Sava” at the Gallery of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, marking the 850th anniversary of the birth of Rastko Nemanjić. (Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America)
Romanian Orthodox Church
Christian Family Sunday (17 May): The Romanian Orthodox Church marked Christian Family Sunday, highlighting the role of the family in Church life as part of the 2026 Commemorative Year of the Pastoral Care of the Christian Family. (Basilica.ro)
Inaugural Synaxis of Romanian Women Saints celebrated (3 May): The Romanian Orthodox Church celebrated for the first time the Synaxis of Romanian Women Saints on the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women (3 May), a feast established by the Holy Synod on 27 March 2025. The 16 women saints had been solemnly canonised on 6 February 2026 at the Patriarchal Cathedral. Romfilatelia issued a postal tribute for the occasion. (Orthodox Times, Basilica.ro)
Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa
Patriarch Theodore II visits Zambia (21–26 May): Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa arrived in Lusaka on 21 May for a six-day pastoral visit to the Holy Metropolis of Zambia and Mozambique, accompanied by Bishop Sylvester of Jinja and Eastern Uganda and Protopresbyter Fr Paul Nzalambi. During the visit, the Patriarch met with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema at the Presidential Palace and celebrated the Service of the Opening of the Doors (Thyranoixia) of a new church at the recently established Missionary Centre in Chirundu, in the Zambezi River region — a site of historical significance, where Greek settlers from Malia (Crete) first arrived in 1831. The visit underscores the Alexandrian Patriarchate’s continued emphasis on its pastoral and missionary presence across the African continent. (Orthodox Times, Orthodox Times, Patriarchate of Alexandria)
Sunday of the Blind Man in Alexandria (17 May): Patriarch Theodore II presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in Alexandria. He expressed gratitude to Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and the Church of Greece for their support of the Patriarchate’s missionary work throughout Africa. (Orthodox Times)
Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric
- State-church delegation to Rome and the Vatican (22–24 May): A joint Macedonian state-church delegation, led by Parliament President Afrim Gashi and Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid, visited Rome and the Vatican from 22 to 24 May, continuing the tradition of commemorating the feast of Ss Cyril and Methodius — the pan-Slavic enlighteners. The delegation included Metropolitan Pimen of the European Eparchy, Metropolitan Georgije of Debar-Kičevo, and ministers of the government. On 22 May, the delegation attended a Papal Audience and Gashi met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin. On 23 May, a Moleben was celebrated at the Basilica of San Clemente, followed by the laying of a wreath at the tomb of Saint Cyril. The delegation also visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. (Telma, eMagazin, Republika)
Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
- Church law remains before the Supreme Court: Estonia’s church legislation saga continues. After President Alar Karis twice vetoed the Churches and Congregations Act (first in April 2025, second in June 2025) on constitutional grounds, the Parliament passed the law unchanged for a third time in September 2025. President Karis then petitioned the Supreme Court (Riigikohus) to declare it unconstitutional. The Supreme Court held a four-hour public hearing in Tartu earlier in 2026, with a decision expected by the end of March. The law would require the Estonian Orthodox Church to sever its canonical ties with the Moscow Patriarchate or face dissolution. Meanwhile, the EOK–MP has been preparing changes to its statute that would reduce the Moscow connection to a purely “prayer connection.” (Orthodox Times, JPTI, NÖK)
3. Oriental Orthodox News
Coptic Orthodox Church
Holy Synod annual session (22 May): See Top Stories for full coverage, including the resumption of dialogue with the Catholic Church, canonisations, monastic restorations, the Personal Status Law, and the reaffirmation of the rejection of same-sex blessings.
Diaspora strategy 2050: The Synod commended the Conference of the Dioceses of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe, America, and Australia, held at the Coptic Cathedral in Venice in May 2026, which established a vision and plan for serving members of the Coptic Church in the diaspora through the year 2050. (Coptic Orthodox Church)
Armenian Apostolic Church
Aram I’s Vatican visit (18–20 May): See Top Stories for full coverage of the meeting with Pope Leo XIV, including calls for Vatican III, a common Easter date, and advocacy for Artsakh Armenians.
Church–state tensions ahead of June elections: Armenia’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for 7 June 2026, are being fought against a backdrop of acute church–state tension. The Armenian National Security Service is monitoring the activities of the Armenian Apostolic Church, suspecting links between the Church and Russian efforts to influence the vote. Prime Minister Pashinyan has publicly criticised Catholicos Karekin II, and businessman Samvel Karapetyan was detained following expressions of support for the Catholicos. On 21 May, Karegin II met with the head of the ODIHR/OSCE observation mission to discuss the elections. (Armenian Club, GMF, Robert Lansing Institute)
4. Orthodox Churches in the Diaspora & Mission Fields
North America
OCA Holy Synod Spring Session outcomes (28–30 April, published May): The Orthodox Church in America’s Holy Synod, meeting in Springfield, Virginia, concluded several notable actions. Archbishop Alexander’s retirement from the Diocese of the South was approved, effective 23 July 2026. The Synod issued updated Social Media Guidelines for Clergy and Lay Leaders, encouraging responsible, charitable, and Christ-centred online engagement. The Synod also released a statement on the 250th anniversary of the United States, encouraging dioceses, parishes, and monasteries to mark the occasion with services of thanksgiving, educational programmes, and acts of charity. (OCA, OCA, OCA)
GOARCH parish ministry survey presented (8 May, details published this week): At the Archdiocesan Council spring meeting on 8 May, the initial findings of the National Parish Ministry Leadership Survey were presented by Archon Theo Nicolakis and Dr Jonathon Wiggins of CARA (Georgetown University). The survey, the first of its kind in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, found that parishes are growing, clergy leadership is central to parish vitality, and 67% of respondents desire a centralised ministry resource hub. The Office of National Ministries announced a strategic realignment into defined portfolios: Faith Formation, Parish Leadership, Young Adult Leadership, Youth and Camping, Generosity, Worship, Digital and Innovation, Hellenic Education and Culture, Parish Safety, Military, and Hellenic Dance and Choral. (Orthodox Observer, Orthodox Observer)
Latin America
- Romanian Orthodox missions expanding: The Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas, under Metropolitan Nicolae, has formally established missions in Colombia (St John of Wallachia Mission, Barranquilla), Ecuador (St Joseph the New of Partos Mission, Quito), and Mexico (St Joseph the Confessor of Maramureș Mission, Cancún). These missions, largely driven by the pastoral efforts of Fr Daniel Ene, mark a significant expansion of Romanian Orthodox presence in Latin America, which previously had parishes only in Caracas (Venezuela) and Buenos Aires (Argentina). The Metropolia’s Alimentos de Amor (“Food of Love”) initiative continues to provide weekly meals to those in need in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Peru, and Paraguay. (OrthoChristian, Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas)
Africa
Patriarch Theodore II’s pastoral visit to Zambia (21–26 May): The Patriarch of Alexandria undertook a major six-day pastoral visit to Zambia, meeting President Hichilema and consecrating a new church at the Chirundu Missionary Centre (see section 2 above for details). The visit highlights the Alexandrian Patriarchate’s sustained pastoral engagement with its African dioceses, in contrast to the more recent — and contested — expansion of the Russian Exarchate of Africa.
Russian Exarchate’s first liturgy in Angola (18 May): Metropolitan Constantine celebrated the first Divine Liturgy of the Russian Orthodox Exarchate of Africa in Angola, expanding the Moscow Patriarchate’s presence to yet another African country. On 22 May, the Exarch met with the Angolan Minister of Culture. (Exarchate of Africa)
5. Ecumenical and Inter-Orthodox Relations
Coptic–Catholic dialogue resumed: Following the 15 May phone call between Pope Tawadros II and Pope Leo XIV and the assurances received regarding same-sex blessings, the Coptic Holy Synod formally voted on 22 May to resume the theological dialogue with the Catholic Church, which had been suspended since early 2024. This is a significant ecumenical breakthrough. (Coptic Orthodox Church, Aleteia)
Aram I–Pope Leo XIV meeting (18–20 May): The Armenian Catholicos and the Pope discussed ecumenism, the common date of Easter, a joint commemoration of Christian martyrs, and the possibility of a Third Vatican Council. See Top Stories for details. (Vatican.va)
Anglican–Orthodox informal talks at the Phanar (21–22 May): Preparing the next stage of the official theological dialogue between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Anglican Communion. See Top Stories for details. (Orthodox Times)
Serbian Assembly greets Patriarch Shio III: The Serbian Orthodox Church’s Assembly of Bishops sent congratulations and delegated two bishops to attend Patriarch Shio III’s first official liturgy in Tbilisi. Multiple other Church leaders have similarly offered congratulations in recent weeks. (Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America)
Common Easter date discussions: The question of a common date for Easter continues to surface in ecumenical encounters. Catholicos Aram I raised the issue with Pope Leo XIV during his Vatican visit. The Orthodox Observer published an article exploring the prospects and challenges of a common Pascha date. (Orthodox Observer)
6. Trends, Emergent Issues & Debates
Church–State Tensions in Armenia Ahead of June Elections
The Armenian Apostolic Church has become a focal point in the political polarisation ahead of the 7 June parliamentary elections. The National Security Service is monitoring church activities for suspected links to Russian influence operations. Prime Minister Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party has included proposals for church reform in its electoral platform, including calls for the replacement of Catholicos Karegin II. Russia’s historical interest in influencing Armenian elections through religious networks adds a geopolitical dimension. This confrontation raises fundamental questions about the separation of church and state in a country where the Apostolic Church has traditionally been inseparable from national identity. (Armenian Club, Eurasianet, GMF)
Estonia: Constitutional Showdown over the Orthodox Church’s Moscow Ties
The Estonian church law saga has reached its judicial climax. After the Parliament passed the Churches and Congregations Act for a third time in September 2025 — overriding President Karis’s two vetoes — the President petitioned the Supreme Court to rule on its constitutionality. The law would require the Estonian Orthodox Church to sever its canonical ties to the Moscow Patriarchate or face dissolution. The case balances national security concerns against constitutional protections for religious freedom and freedom of association. A decision was expected by late March 2026, but the outcome has not yet been announced. Meanwhile, Bishop Daniil of the EOK–MP has been working on amendments to the church statute that would reduce the Moscow connection to a prayer-level bond. The case may set precedent for how other EU member states handle Moscow-linked religious institutions. (Orthodox Times, NÖK, JPTI)
Serbian Church Governance: The Žiča Crisis and Institutional Reform
The removal of Metropolitan Justin from the Diocese of Žiča is a striking exercise of conciliar authority that signals the Serbian Church’s willingness to enforce accountability in diocesan financial administration. Patriarch Porfirije’s opening address to the Assembly, with its emphatic call for táxis (order) and the rejection of self-will in favour of canonical discipline, provided the theological framework for this action. Combined with the elevation of educational institutions to university status and the reform of seminary curricula, the Assembly’s decisions suggest a broader programme of institutional modernisation within the Serbian Church.
Halki Seminary: Inauguration Without Reopening
The clarification that the September 2026 event at Halki will mark only a building inauguration — not the reopening of the theological school — underscores the ongoing frustration of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s efforts to restore its principal theological institution. The 55-year closure remains one of the most prominent religious freedom issues in Turkey and a subject of persistent international advocacy.
Moldova Jurisdictional Transfer Continues
The transfer of parishes from the Moldovan Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) to the Bessarabian Metropolitanate (Romanian Orthodox Church) continues to accelerate. Moldovan authorities reportedly contemplate transferring up to 650 additional parishes. The conflict reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in Moldova, where the question of Russian influence through religious institutions mirrors patterns seen in Ukraine and Estonia. (Pravda Moldova, Orthodox Times)
7. New Academic Literature
Sabrina P. Ramet (ed.), Orthodox Churches and Politics in Southeastern Europe, Russia, and Ukraine: Nationalism, Traditionalism, and Intolerance, 2nd ed., Palgrave Macmillan (Cham), 2026, xix + 300 pp. Hardcover ISBN 978-3-032-13878-1 (published 8 May 2026); eBook ISBN 978-3-032-13879-8 (published 6 May 2026). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-13879-8. — This thoroughly revised second edition updates and expands the 2019 first edition to incorporate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war on Orthodox Churches and their political contexts. With contributions by David B. Kanin, Lavinia Stan, Daniela Kalkandjieva, Jelena Subotić, Altuğ Günal and Zeynep Selin Balcı, Zachary T. Irwin, Isa Blumi, Frank Cibulka, Alar Kilp and Jerry G. Pankhurst, and Regina Elsner, the volume covers the Orthodox Churches of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, Macedonia, Albania, the Czech Lands and Slovakia, Russia, and Ukraine, organised around the themes of nationalism, conservatism, and intolerance.
Sebastian Rimestad and Emil Hilton Saggau (eds.), Fault Lines in the Orthodox World: Geopolitics, Theology, and Diplomacy in Light of the War in Ukraine, Palgrave Macmillan (Cham), 2025 (softcover March 2026), xii + 258 pp. Softcover ISBN 978-3-031-81504-1. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-81505-8. — An edited volume examining how the Russian-backed conflict in Ukraine has reshaped geopolitical and theological fault lines across global Orthodoxy. The book is not limited to the Russian-Ukrainian axis but also treats the effects on other national churches, including Montenegro and Macedonia. Contributors include scholars from the Universities of Leipzig and Lund, among others. Rimestad is Senior Researcher at the Institute for the Study of Religion, University of Leipzig; Saggau is Research Fellow at the Centre for Theology and Religious Studies, Lund University, and General Secretary of the Danish National Council of Churches.
Job (Getcha) of Pisidia, Partecipi della natura divina: La spiritualità ortodossa nell’età della secolarizzazione, Qiqajon (Monastero di Bose), 2026, 259 pp. ISBN 978-88-8227-670-6. [In Italian.] — Metropolitan Job of Pisidia (Ecumenical Patriarchate), a liturgical scholar and ecumenist, explores the Orthodox understanding of theosis (divinisation) as the concrete meaning of the Christ event for men and women of the third millennium. Drawing on Scripture, patristic sources, and liturgical tradition, the work presents divinisation as a path toward a more balanced and harmonious human existence, engaging with contemporary secular culture.
Athanasios the Athonite, Una città posta sul monte: Regole monastiche per la Grande Lavra e altri documenti, ed. and tr. Luigi d’Ayala Valva, Qiqajon (Monastero di Bose), 2026, 478 pp. ISBN 978-88-8227-669-0. [In Italian.] — The first complete Italian translation of the monastic writings of St Athanasios the Athonite (c. 925–997), founder of the Great Lavra on Mount Athos. The volume includes his monastic rules, testamentary documents, and other texts, accompanied by a historical-critical introduction. The writings reveal the tension between the highest aspirations of monastic life and the practical demands of communal living, offering insights into the origins of Athonite cenobitic monasticism.
Theodosios Martzouchos, Papa Francesco visto da oriente, Qiqajon (Monastero di Bose), 2026, 27 pp. (fascicle). ISBN 978-88-8227-678-2. [In Italian.] — An Orthodox theologian’s assessment of Pope Francis’s twelve-year pontificate from an Eastern Christian perspective. Martzouchos, a Greek Orthodox theologian who studied at the University of Athens, argues that Francis has worked to present the merciful and compassionate face of Christ and the Church, addressing problematic situations within the Catholic institution.
This review covers the period 17–23 May 2026 and was compiled on 23 May 2026.
This text was generated by Claude (Anthropic), Claude Opus 4.6, on 23 May 2026. It has been edited by Orthodox.News. https://claude.ai