"Holy and Great Council" or Council source of tensions?

This article examines the so-called "Holy and Great" Council of 2016 from the critical perspective of a Lebanese lay theologian engaged in the Antiochian tradition. Drawing on a situated theological testimony, the text analyzes the conditions under which the Council was prepared and held, highlighting the persistent jurisdictional conflict between the Patriarchates of Antioch and Jerusalem, to which the assembly brought no resolution. The author then proceeds to an evaluation of the conciliar documents adopted, questioning their doctrinal and ecclesiological scope. The main contribution of the article lies in shedding light on the internal tensions within Orthodoxy that marked the conciliar process, as well as in proposing a forward-looking perspective: this Council could constitute a preparatory step toward the convening of a truly pan-Orthodox council, gathering all the Orthodox Churches.