Is the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia ROCOR in Full Communion with the Antiochian Orthodox Church?

The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) and the Antiochian Orthodox Church have been in full communion since 2007, marking a significant milestone in the history of inter-Church relations.

The Path to Communion

Following the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion in 2007, ROCOR became an autonomous jurisdiction within the Russian Orthodox Church. This means ROCOR is now in full communion with all other local Orthodox Churches, including the Antiochian Orthodox Church, also known as the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch.

Practicing Full Communion: Theological and Liturgical Practices

Crucially, both ROCOR and the Antiochian Orthodox Church recognize the Holy Sacraments ministered by each other. As such, they engage in a special commission of theological studies and collaboratively work on specific actions. For instance, the commission has convened twice, in November 2017 and February 2019, to deepen their understanding and facilitate further cooperation.

Case Study: Personal Experience of Full Communion

This mutual recognition of sacraments and practices is not just theoretical; it is a lived experience. For example, a scenario where an individual is baptized by a ROCOR priest while concelebrating with an Antiochian priest demonstrates the practical applications of full communion. This situation brings together the spiritual goals of both churches, ensuring a seamless transition and a comprehensive understanding of Orthodox Christian practices.

Let's consider a personal testimony. I was baptized in an Antiochian parish by a ROCOR priest, and the process was a collaborative effort. Both the local ROCOR priest and the Antiochian priest participated in my journey, ensuring a comprehensive catechumenate and baptism. This example illustrates the fluidity and mutual respect between the two jurisdictions, even in the most significant acts of the Church, such as baptism and communion.

Practical Implications of Full Communion

The concept of full communion has practical implications for members of these churches. For instance, when I am at university, I worship and receive communion in the Antiochian parish, while when I am at home, I worship and receive communion in the ROCOR church. Both parishes are English-speaking, and the priests are converts, making the transition smooth for non-Arabic and non-Russian speakers. The main difference is that ROCOR churches continue to follow the Julian calendar, creating a light-hearted moment when I joke, “when I go home, I’m travelling one time zone and thirteen days back in time.”

Full Communion in the Eastern Orthodox Context

It's important to note that not all Eastern Orthodox jurisdictions are in full communion. There are a few, such as the Macedonian Orthodox Church, and Oriental Orthodox churches like Copts, Syriacs, and Armenians are also not in communion. However, among the large Eastern Orthodox jurisdictions—Russian, Greek, Alexandrian, Antiochian, Romanian, and Ukrainian—full communion is the norm. This means that if you are from one of these jurisdictions and visiting another, you can receive communion.

Conclusion

The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia and the Antiochian Orthodox Church are not just words on paper or historical documents; they are a living testimony to the unity and cooperation within the Orthodox Church. Through acts of worship, sacraments, and collaborative efforts, these two churches demonstrate the true spirit of full communion, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for one another.