By Archbishop Anastasios of Albania
I think it is useful to recall that the Holy and Great Synod is not an exact copy of the Ecumenical Synods, nor is it a facsimile of Assemblies of the Western Christian tradition. Adapted to the circumstances and possibilities of the 21st century it has its own characteristics. It remains however as a tangible and clear symbol of unity of the Orthodox and a valuable institution for its life and witness in the contemporary world. There are some who believe that only an exact repetition of Synods of the past are authentically Orthodox. But the Holy Spirit does not act only in one era. He remains the determinant guide of the Church throughout the course of time. "Today the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together" (Apolytikion for Palm Sunday)....
