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The following is an archival document from the Diocese of Sourozh web site, dating from before the web site's update in April 2007. These archival documents are provided for the benefit of those sites which maintain links to older documentation. Please also visit the current web site of the Diocese of Sourozh.

Decision of the Holy Synod concerning Bishop Basil (Osborne)

from the minutes of the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, chaired by His Holiness the Patriarch, 19th July, 2006

Minute no. 75

HEARD: The report of the Commission for the study of the situation in the Diocese of Sourozh.

DISCUSSED: The situation in the Diocese of Sourozh and the decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople concerning the reception into its jurisdiction of the Right Reverend Bishop Basil (Osborne)

Background: A Commission for the study of the situation in the Diocese of Sourozh was established on 9th May, 2006, by the decree of His Holiness the Patriarch, with the approval of the Holy Synod. On 12th June, 2006, in conection with the decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople to receive into its jurisdiction Bishop Basil (Osborne), who had not received for this purpose a Letter of Dismissal, Bishop Basil was summoned to the present session of the Holy Synod. It was also resolved to discuss the matter after studying all the circumstances surrounding the given decision of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

RESOLVED:

1. To note with regret that His Grace Bishop Basil (Osborne) did not respond to the summons of the Higher Church Authority and did not attend the present meeting.

2. To approve the work of the Commission for the study of the situation in the Diocese of Sourozh, and to consider its conclusions justified.

3. To consider it important to hear the personal testimony of His Grace Bishop Basil before making a final decision about his actions. For this purpose, once again to call Bishop Basil to the next session of the Holy Synod.

4. To note with special concern the distribution by His Grace Bishop Basil, after his retirement, of unlawful 'letters of dismissal', and likewise the invitiations addressed by Bishop Basil to clergy and parishes of the Diocese of Sourozh to transfer to another jurisdiction without observing the established canonical procedure.

5. To recognise that the actions of Bishop Basil, beginning on 24th April, 2006, are in fundamental contradiction with his previous declarations of loyalty to the Russian Orthodox Church.

6. In connection with the breaking of the episcopal oath and canon 33 of the Holy Apostles, canon 32 of the Council of Carthage, and canon 15 of the 'Twice-repeated' Council, temporarily to suspend the Right Reverend Bishop Basil from celebrating divine services until his repentance or until the decision of the matter by a court of bishops.

7. To call the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople to an appropriate canonical resolution of the question of His Grace Bishop Basil.

8. To adopt the 'Announcement of the Holy Synod concerning the uncanonical reception of the Right Reverend Bishop Basil into the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople'.

9. To send the aforementioned announcement to the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches.