Bishop Ambrose, who has returned to Vilnius after a visit to Russia, says he has received a positive reaction from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow on granting greater autonomy for the Lithuanian Orthodox Church.
The first decisions are expected in August, Ambrose said on Tuesday.
“[The Moscow patriarch’s] response was positive; it was understood that the [autonomous] status is really needed,” the bishop told reporters.
“We hope that the next synod, scheduled for the beginning of next month, will be able to take a decision,” he added, describing it as an intermediate step.
“Final approval for such an important decision as granting greater independence has to be given by [...] the Great Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, which will take place later,” Ambrose said.
According to the bishop, the decision is expected later this year.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
