Orthodox Leaders Commemorated Great Council Anniversary
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew opened an international scientific conference in Chantilly, France.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Catholicism
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has convened an international scientific conference in Chantilly, France, to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church. The gathering brings together academics and church representatives to assess the decade since the historic meeting in Crete.
Why it matters
The conference serves as a critical evaluation of the Orthodox Church's unity and progress since the landmark 2016 council. Participants are working to examine past achievements and set future prospects for collaboration within the faith.
The conference focuses on the theme of The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (2016-2026): Assessments and Perspectives. It marks exactly 10 years since the original council occurred in Crete.
The players
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
He is the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Church and conducted the opening of the conference.
Archbishop Joan of Albania
He is an ecclesiastical leader who attended the commemorative event in France.
The details
The proceedings began on Monday with an official opening conducted by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The event hosts hierarchs, academic experts, and various representatives of Orthodox Churches, including Archbishop Joan of Albania, to deliberate on the future of the faith.
Timeline
The Holy and Great Council took place in 2016 in Crete.
The scientific conference is held from October 5-8, 2026, in Chantilly, France.
Culture Shift
This conference highlights a shift toward institutional self-reflection and academic review following the 2016 Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church. It reflects a growing effort by the leadership to reconcile past internal challenges with modern global prospects for religious unity.
The conference results may influence how Orthodox communities and laypeople engage with church leadership and future unity initiatives. Attendees and observers can expect the discourse to shape upcoming dialogues regarding the global direction of the church.
The takeaway
The conference emphasizes the importance of ongoing scholarly review in maintaining institutional consistency across international boundaries. Observers should watch for forthcoming reports that summarize the findings of this decadal assessment.
Further reading
For more on the developments within global church structures, visit our Catholicism section.
