Formation of Commission for Inter-Orthodox and External Relations

The Commission on Inter-Orthodox and External Relations is established by H.B. Metropolitan JOHN of New York for the purpose of establishing and maintaining relations with other True Orthodox jurisdictions and traditionalists outside the communion of our Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia and the other True Orthodox local Churches within our communion. It is our hope that this commission will help foster an environment where True Orthodox Christians can present a united witness against the forces of global ecumenism, modernism and Sergianism.The Commission acts, by episcopal blessing, primarily as a consultative body which can reach out to other True Orthodox bodies to discuss the issues that separate our respective jurisdictions, and to work towards the resolutions of these issues. The Commission’s members are named by, and answer to, the Metropolitan. The Commission’s goals, on an ongoing basis, are as follows:

1) To identify problems that separate ourselves from other True Orthodox bodies and to work with other commissions and groups likewise designated by their Synods and Bishops, to identify potential solutions;
2) To identify areas of potential agreement and disagreement to help foster unity between True Orthodox Christians;
3) To identify potential areas of common service and witness between True Orthodox Christians and
4) To create avenues to resolve problems of inter-jurisdictional discipline.

It is our hope that the Commission can play a part in fulfilling these roles for the greater good of all the True Orthodox Churches, and for the sake of the future generations of the Church, if God so wills.

Members of the Commission

Hieromonk Enoch (Fetter)
Deacon Joseph Suaiden
Deacon Finbarr Brandt-Sorheim

Alternate

Deacon Vincent Durstewitz