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Patriarchates

The patriarchates of the Orthodox church fall into two classes.

1. Those that were established by the apostles
   1. Jerusalem - first Patriarch - St James the Just
   2. Antioch - first Patriarch - St Peter
   3. Alexandria - first Patriarch - St Mark
   4. Constantinople - first patriarch - St Andrew
   5. Rome - first Patriarch - St Peter
2. Those churches that were formed by evangelical missions of the patriarchal churches and were declared autocephalous (self-headed). These include:
   1. Moscow
   2. Bulgaria
   3. Serbia
   4. Armenia

Purpose of the Patriarchates

The patriarchates were established as administrative centers for the newly formed Christian church. The patriarchs could ordain metropolitans, bishops, priests, and deacons. They were responsible for maintaining the true teachings of the church. When they erred, it took a full ecumenical council to correct them.

Because of the ecclesiastic power they hold, the partriarchs are in a very sensitive position. They cannot interpret the scriptures on whim, nor can they introduce new teachings into the church without a council. To do so is to invite a charge of heresy from the body of the church.

The men who hold the patriarchates of the Christian church are men who have given their lives to the study of scripture and church history. As a general rule, these are the best men available to lead the church, not into the future with new and unknown doctrines, but into the present, with firm reliance on what the church has always taught, and will always teach. These are the keepers of the soul of the church. While there have been some who have failed in that charge, on the whole they have been the most faithful stewards of God's teachings.