Only one Bishop in the same city

This article by Orthodox theologian John Meyendorff examines the canonical principle prohibiting the existence of several parallel ecclesiastical structures within the same territory. Proceeding through canonical study and ecclesiological reflection, the author analyzes the decisions of the ecumenical councils — from Nicaea (325) to the Quinisext Council (692) — which invariably affirmed the rule of one bishop per place. He then demonstrates the theological foundation of this principle: the visible unity of the Church, the Body of Christ, requires a concrete local manifestation, centered on the Eucharist and the episcopal ministry. The article makes a significant contribution to the debate on the Orthodox diaspora, by demonstrating that the coexistence of parallel national jurisdictions — as it has developed in North America — constitutes an anomaly without precedent in the Tradition, which the principle of economy cannot legitimize on a permanent basis.