Orthodoxy all over the world is expecting the upcoming pan-Orthodox Synod, since the Ecumenical Patriarchate took the initiative in having all the Orthodox Churches convene, in order to decide together on some issues, with the participation of all the unanimous Orthodox people, beyond individual different approaches which may derive from historically explainable differences, or from different theological origins. What is important about this Synod is, the gifted people participating in it, the fact that we can keep up with the demands of the times and that there is an honest conservatism, deriving from our anxiety to have an unswerving faith or from an excessive fear.

And the time has come. A dream is about to come true after decades. However, last minute temptations threaten to downgrade the importance of the Synod and turn it into a lost chance for the witness of Orthodoxy both for the world and for the modern man.

As the Synod is coming on, the Orthodox people all over the world request that everyone think responsibly that the reason why the pan-Orthodox Synod is being held is to primarily declare the common faith, the sacred rules, our theological tradition and unity to the Sacrament of the Eucharist. And this Synod ensures unity. It is not just a matter of historicity or authenticity. Unity is also expressed through the people, who are delegates of each Church. In Orthodoxy there is no rank competition. Even the smallest parish at the ends of the earth expresses common faith and tradition through the Eucharist. But the Bishops of each Orthodox Church, except for their teaching and the apostolic succession, express the Church's witness to history. Their meeting is not a typical event. They are showing the anxiety, the witness, the hopes and the identity of their congregation. And none can be left over. There is no church that is redundant.

The current circumstances invite us not to look only at individual issues, as this is a temptation and makes us not look at the important things but at the minor ones. And the important thing is the witness of Orthodoxy to the modern man. At a time in which the image plays a very important role for the majority, the participation of all Orthodox Churches lays further emphasis on the above message. We should not be defeated by divisive nationalism and the sense of self-sufficiency. We should not think that a small "we" is the only authentic thing and not its function in the large "We" of Orthodoxy, which hugs the whole world. Individual disagreements, complaints and different approaches are signs that there is no "infallible" and not just one way. Everything can be discussed, since, in fact, we all agreed and signed the procedure and decisions are to be taken the way our tradition defines: "The Holy Spirit blessed us as well". Decisions, however, are being taken by the present.

A Synod becomes acceptable by the people of God. Its decisions are judged. Our Orthodox faith is not threatened. Perhaps, some of the issues of the Synod do not seem modern. But thus a new way opens up and set the scene for the next Synod. Thus, we can learn how to talk together. Dialogue is a great experience of love and reconciliation. Let us not disappoint the humans who call for hope, now that our culture is admirable but there are many dead ends at the same time. They seek hope in the Person of the Christ and in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church which invites us all "to be one as we are one".

We are confident that finally love will prevail and the pan-Orthodox Synod will be acceptable by everyone.