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H.G. Bishop Moussa · Youth Concerns · 21

Faith Q&A › Youth Concerns › Theology, Doctrine, and Dogma

Is there a view amongst the Orthodox churches, for having one head patriarch?

The answer

No, because throughout the history of Christianity, there has always been different Apostolic Sees: Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, Constantinople and Jerusalem. We believe that all the patriarchs are brothers, and of the same level. However, representing the Chalcedonic Orthodox churches, in a co-ordination role - not a supremacy role, is His Holiness Patriarch Bartholemeuw, who resides in Constantinople (modern day Istanbul), in Turkey. Constantinople being the only ancient Apostolic See in the Chalcedonic Orthodox churches. There are 14 patriarchs in the Chalcedonic Orthodox churches, and Patriarch Bartholemeuw is considered the first amongst equals. Therefore, just as we believe that the twelve apostles were equal, and no apostle had supremacy over the others, we also believe that all the patriarchs are equal.

H.G. Bishop Moussa

H.G. Bishop Moussa, Bishop of Youth, Youth Concerns (Questions & Answers). Compiled by Lisa Agaybi. Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, Bishopric of Youth Bookstore.