Changes

His Grace the Right Reverend Bishop Dr. '''Alfred Herbert Ernest Osborne''', formerly '''Bishop Basil (Osborne) of Amphipolis''' is , was a [[titular bishop]] attached to and under the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] from 2006 until February of 2010, and is was formally known as one of "the bishops of the Throne." He serves served as an auxiliary assistant [[bishop ]] in its [[Patriarchal Exarchate for Orthodox Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe]], charged with the care of its flock in Great Britain and Ireland, until his retirement in late 2009 and his subsequent request for laicisation in February of 2010. He previously served as the temporary administrator of the [[Moscow Patriarchate]]'s [[Diocese of Sourozh]] (August 2003 - May 2006) with the title ''Bishop of Sergievo''.

In ==Departure from the Diocese of Sourozh==He was retired from his position in as administrator of the Sourozh diocese after seeking incardination into the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Exarchate in Western Europewithout receiving release from Moscow.<ref name="Innokenty1">[http://www.sourozh.org/info/letters/letter230706.html Letter "To all the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Sourozh"] - Abp. Innokenty of Korsun, July 23, Bishop Basil's authority is over 2006</ref> In a newly-formed vicariate letter sent to the Patriarch of parishes in the British Isles entitled the Moscow without notice to his [[Episcopal Vicariate of Great Britain and Irelandclergy]], which currently consists Bishop Basil requested that he and the whole of a small number the Diocese of parishes Sourozh (and some smaller Eucharistic Communities that elected not simply those members who wished to follow him in his departure ) be released from the Diocese [[jurisdiction]] of the Moscow Patriarchate, to be received into the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch as a new [[diocese]] existing alongside Constantinople's Patriarchal Exarchate for Orthodox Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe.<ref>See Bishop Basil's letter of Sourozh (these are enumerated and discussed 24 April, 2006.[http://enwww.wikipediasourozh.org/wikiarchives/Episcopal_Vicariate_of_Great_Britain_and_Ireland#Parishes_and_Communities heredocs/BB2Patr240406_en.html])On taking this decision without consulting his clergy or diocesan council, see his statements online.<ref>[http://www.exarchate-ukdioceseinfo.org/ParishesDOCUMENTS/Diocese/parishes_indexBB160506.html Parishes htm]</ref> Without awaiting a full response from the Patriarchate of Moscow, he wrote to the Ecumenical Patriarch on [[May 2]], 2006, again repeating his desire to establish a new diocese under Constantinople.<ref>So the text of his brief letter to the VicariateEcumenical Patriarchate.[http://orthodoxe.free.fr/files/BBtoEcPatr01.pdf]In this letter, unlike his original letter to the Moscow Patriarchate, he indicates that the new diocese would be made up of himself, "together with those clergy and parishes that wish to follow me."</ref> As part Announcement of Bishop Basil's retirement by the Synod of Moscow followed upon his refusal to withdraw this roleletter to Constantinople. Following announcement of his retirement in the Sourozh [[cathedral]] in London, he sits Basil immediately appealed the decision to the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the council basis of Canons 9 and 17 of the [[Fourth Ecumenical Council]] and also Canon 28 of the same Council. Such canons, some argue, endow the Constantinopolitan Patriarch with the privilege of the "ekkliton" (read, hearing appeal) and granting it jurisdiction over regions not already subject to the other four senior Patriarchates, Rome, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem. It should be noted, however, that this interpretation of these canons is not undisputed, and runs contrary to the classical interpretations of the canons found in the canonical commentaries of the ExarchateChurch.<ref>For a canonical commentary on this canon, see: [http[Prerogatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate]]. As an example of the variances in interpretation, regarding Canon 9 of Chalcedon, St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain comments://www"[This canon] did not say that if any clergyman has a dispute or difference with the Metropolitan of any diocese or parish whatever, they must be tried before the Bishop of Constantinople…." Zonaras likewise says that the Bishop of Constantinople is not necessarily entitled to sit as judge over all Metropolitans, but (only) over those who are judicially subject to him, and that "The Bishop of Constantinople must hear the appeals only of those who are subject to the Bishop of Constantinople, precisely as the Bishop of Rome must hear the appeals only of those who are subject to the Bishop of Rome.exarchat" In D.org/articleCummings, trans.php3?id_article=563 Communiqué N° 12-06 du Conseil de l, ''The Rudder of the Orthodox Catholic Church: The Compilation of the Holy Canons Saints Nicodemus and Agapius''Archevêché et Déclaration](West Brookfield, MA: The Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1983), p. 255.</ref>

He was forcibly retired from The Ecumenical Patriarchate subsequently accepted Bishop Basil into its jurisdiction on the basis of his position as administrator of the Sourozh diocese after requesting appeal which followed, although Moscow had not issued a canonical release from Moscow and incardination had instructed him not to be received into another patriarchate until matters could be looked into the Ecumenical Patriarchateby an appropriate commission. Additionally, along with those of it requested his flock who wished presence in person numerous times, which Bishop Basil refused to heed on all occasions, instructing others to follow himdo likewise.<ref name="Innokenty1">Facts that were eventually reported by the [http://www.sourozh.org/infoarchives/lettersdocs/letter230706commission_en.html Letter "To all commission established to investigate the issue]. This report also noted the bishop's use of the internet to propagate information on the disputes outside of official channels.</ref> Given these circumstances, the Moscow Patriarchate did not regard his incardination into the Ecumenical Patriarchate as valid, nor did it recognize the title ''Bishop of Amphipolis'' given to him by the clergy and faithful Holy Synod of the Diocese Patriarchate of Sourozh"Constantinople on [[June 8]] , 2006.<ref>[http://www.ec- Abppatr. Innokenty gr/docdisplay.php?lang=en&id=678&tla=en Press Release for the Election of Bishop Basil of KorsunAmphipolis] - Ecumenical Patriarchate, July 23June 8, 2006</ref> The announcement Considering him still a bishop of his the Russian Orthodox Church, but in retirement came upon his refusal , it referred to withdraw his letter to Constantinople him in official correspondence without titular connection, as 'The Right Reverend Bishop Basil (sent after his request for release from MoscowOsborne) which requested incardination and noted his request for release from Moscow'.<refname="MP1">[http://orthodoxewww.freesourozh.frorg/info/filesdocs/BBtoEcPatr01.pdf Letter to Patriarch Bartholomew I] - Bpsynod190706_en. html Decision of the Holy Synod concerning Bishop Basil (Osborne)] - Moscow Patriarchate, May 2July 19, 2006</ref> After his forced retirement was announced in the Sourozh cathedral in LondonSimilarly, Basil immediately appealed it did not regard as valid the decision to the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the basis 'letters of Canons 9<ref>"If any Clergyman has a dispute with another, let him not leave his own Bishop and resort to secular courts, but let him first submit his case to his own Bishop, or let it be tried release' issued by referees chosen by both parties and approved by the Bishop. Let anyone who acts contrary hereto be liable Basil to Canonical penalties. If, on the other hand, a Clergyman has a dispute with all his own Bishop, or with some other Bishop, let it be tried by former clergy in the Synod [[Diocese of the province. But if any Bishop or Clergyman has a dispute with the Metropolitan of the same province, let him apply Sourozh]]- letters either to the Exarch of the diocese backdated or to the throne of the imperial capital Constantinopleprepared earlier, and let it be tried before himin early February.<ref>As noted in a [http://www." (Dsourozh. Cummings, transorg/archives/letters/letter220506., ''The Rudder of the Orthodox Catholic Church: The Compilation of the Holy Canons Saints Nicodemus and Agapius'' (West Brookfield, MA: The Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1983), phtml Letter by Archbishop Innokenty] - 22 May 2006. 253)</ref> and 17 of Bishop Basil was summoned to appear before the MP [[synod]] on[[Fourth Ecumenical CouncilJuly 17]] and also Canon 28,<ref>"Everywhere following the decrees of the Holy Fathers, and aware of the recently recognized Canon of the one hundred and fifty most God[http://www.interfax-beloved Bishops who convened during the reign of Theodosius the Great of pious memory, who became emperor in the imperial city of religion.com/?act=news&div=1559 Russian Church: It considers Osborn's move to Constantinople otherwise known 's jurisdiction invalid as New Rome; we too decree and vote the same things in regard to the privileges and priorities of the most holy Church of that same Constantinople and New Rome. And this he is in keeping with the fact that the Fathers naturally enough granted the priorities to the throne of Old Rome on account of her being the imperial capital. And motivated by the same object and aim the still one hundred and fifty most God-beloved Bishops have accorded the like priorities to the most holy throne of New Romeits bishops fax, with good reason deeming that the city which is the seat of an empireJune 14, and of a senate, and is equal 2006</ref> Bishop Basil declined to old imperial Rome in respect of other privileges and priorities, should be magnified also as she is in respect of ecclesiastical affairs, as coming next after her, or as being second to herappear. And it is arranged so that only the Metropolitans of the PonticFrom July 19, Asian, and Thracian dioceses shall be ordained by 2006 the most holy throne Synod of the most holy Church of Constantinople aforesaid, and likewise the Bishops of the aforesaid dioceses which are situated in barbarian lands; that is to sayMoscow Patriarchate placed him under temporary [[suspension]], that each Metropolitan of the aforesaid dioceses, together with the Bishops of the province, shall ordain the Bishops of the province, just as is prescribed try the divine Canons. But the Metropolitans of the aforesaid dioceses, as has been said, are to be ordained by the Archbishop of Constantinople, after the elections have first been conducted in accordance with custom, and have been reported to forbidding him."(D. Cummings, trans., ''The Rudder of from celebrating divine services until his repentance or until the Orthodox Catholic Church: The Compilation decision of the Holy Canons Saints Nicodemus and Agapius'' (West Brookfield, MA: The Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1983), p. 271-276) Concerning the meaning of the reference to "barbarian Lands", St. Nicodemos writes "Not only are the Metropolitans of the said dioceses to be ordained matter by him, but indeed also the bishops located in barbarian regions that border on the said dioceses, as, for instance, those called Alani are adjacent to and flank the diocese of Pontus, while the Russians border on that of Thrace" (p. 276). And so the canon does not refer to all unclaimed territory on the planet, according to St. Nicodemos, but only to a specific area on the border court of a specific areabishops'.</ref> of the same Council, such canons, it is argued, endow the Constantinopolitan Patriarch with the privilege of the name="ekklitonMP1" (read hearing appeal) and granting it jurisdiction over regions not already subject to the other four senior Patriarchates, Rome, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem. It should be noted, however, that this interpretation of these canons is not undisputed, and runs contrary to the classical interpretations of the canons found in the canonical commentaries of the Church. For example, regarding Canon 9 of Chalcedon, St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain comments:/>

:"So it is evident that The resolutions of the Canon means that if any bishop or clergyman has a dispute or difference with the Metropolitan Moscow Patriarchate of an exarchy[[July 19]], let him apply to the Exarch of the diocese; which is the same thing as saying that clergymen and metropolitans subject to the throne of Constantinople must have their case tried either before the Exarch of the diocese in which they are situated2006, or before the therefore made Bishop of Constantinople, as before Basil's canonical stature a Patriarch matter of their own. It did not say that if any clergyman has a intense dispute or difference with the Metropolitan of any diocese or parish whatever, they must be tried before the Bishop of Constantinople…. That is why Zonaras too says that the Bishop of between Moscow and Constantinople is not necessarily entitled to sit as judge over all Metropolitans, but (only) over those who are judicially subject to him (interpretation of c. XVII of the present 4th C.). And in his interpretation of c. V of Sardica the same authority says: "The Bishop of Constantinople must hear the appeals only of those who are subject According to the Bishop of ConstantinopleEcumenical Patriarchate, precisely Basil could legitimately celebrate as the Bishop of Rome must hear the appeals only of those who are subject a bishop; according to the Bishop of Rome." <ref>D. CummingsMoscow, transhe was forbidden to do so. Accordingly, ''The Rudder no communicant of the Orthodox Catholic Church: The Compilation of Moscow Patriarchate who wished to remain faithful to the Holy Canons Saints Nicodemus and Agapius'' (West Brookfield, MA: The Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1983), p. 255. One might also point out the absurdity decisions of ''not'' reading the canon his hierarchy could knowingly participate in a [[Divine Liturgy|Liturgy]] at which Basil celebrated as St. Nichodemos suggests. You would have to conclude that Constantinople a bishop, nor could even overrule Romethey receive Holy [[Communion]] from him... something that even the pre-schism Roman Church would never have acceptedSimilarly, after these resolutions, nor is it likely that any other no Moscow Patriarchate of that time would have either[[priest]] could [[concelebration|concelebrate]] with Basil.<ref name="Innokenty1" /ref>

The Ecumenical Patriarchate subsequently accepted Bishop ancient Patriarchates of [[Church of Alexandria|Alexandria]] ([[June 19]], 2006)<ref>[http://www.ec-patr.gr/docdisplay.php?lang=gr&id=698&tla=gr Letter from Pope of Alexandria concerning Bp. Basil into its jurisdiction on the basis of his appeal which followedOsborne] - June 19, although Moscow had not issued a canonical release 2006</ref> and had instructed him not to be received into another patriarchate until matters could be looked into by an appropriate commission[[Church of Jerusalem|Jerusalem]] ([[June 6]])<ref>[http://www.ec-patr.gr/docdisplay.php?lang=gr&id=697&tla=gr Letter from Patriarch of Jerusalem concerning Bp. At the timeBasil Osborne] - June 6, the Moscow Patriarchate does not regard his incardination into the Ecumenical Patriarchate as valid2006</ref>, nor did it recognize along with the title ''Bishop [[Church of Amphipolis'' given to him by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople on Cyprus]] ([[June 814]], 2006.)<ref>[http://www.ec-patr.gr/docdisplay.php?lang=engr&id=678699&tla=en Press Release for gr Letter from ''locum tenens'' of the Election Archbishop of Bishop Cyprus concerning Bp. Basil of AmphipolisOsborne] - Ecumenical Patriarchate, June 814, 2006</ref> Considering him still a bishop of and the Russian Orthodox [[Church, but in retirement, it referred to him in official correspondence without titular connection, as 'The Right Reverend Bishop Basil of Albania]] (Osborne[[August 12]])'.<ref name="MP1">[http://www.sourozhexarchate-uk.org/info/docsNews/synod190706_enanastasios.html Decision Circular Letter from the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Albania on the Holy Synod concerning subject of the election of Bishop Basil (Osborne), addressed to His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew II] - Moscow August 12, 2006</ref>, later confirmed their support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's authority to act in the manner that it had.<ref>Refer to ORDOs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, July 19the latest being that of 2006, for the official designation of titular bishops as "bishops/hierarchs" of the "Throne" and to the text of canons 9, 17 and 28 for the rights and privileges of Constantinople regarding extraterritorial appeals and jurisdiction in the "varvariki", 2006regions beyond the borders of the other senior patriarchates.</ref>

At least by implication In March of 2007 negotiations took place in Geneva between representatives of the two patriarchates. These concluded with the Holy Synod of the Moscow Patriarchate did not recognize the act of Constantinople in accepting releasing Bishop Basil, and regarded him as remaining under from its jurisdiction. on [[Holy SynodMarch 27]] . Commenting to the media on [[June 13]]the synod's decision, Metropolitan Kyrill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department of External Church Relations, 2006. "The problem arose because Bishop Basil was summoned went over to appear before Constantinople illegally, without any request from Constantinople and without any consent from the MP synod on July 17Moscow Patriarchate. Now Constantinople has requested his documents,which customarily include a letter of release. This means that the Moscow Patriarchate has granted Bishop Basil a canonical leave".<ref>So the [http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=1559 Russian Church: It considers Osborn2812 report of the Metropolitan's move to Constantinople's jurisdiction invalid as he is still one of its bishops faxremarks by Interfax], June 14, 2006<also available [http://ref> Bishop Basil declined to appearwww.interfax-religion. Since 19 July 2006 the Synod of the Moscow Patriarchate had placed him under temporary suspension, forbidding him 'from celebrating divine services until his repentance or until the decision of the matter by a court of bishops'ru/?act=news&div=17389 in Russian].</ref name="MP1" />

The resolutions ==Bishop of Amphipolis, Episcopal Vicariate==In his position in the Moscow Ecumenical Patriarchate 's Exarchate in Western Europe, Bishop Basil had authority over a newly-formed vicariate of [[parish]]es in the British Isles entitled the [[July 19Episcopal Vicariate in Great Britain and Ireland]], 2006, made Bp. Basil's canonical stature which consisted of a matter small number of intense dispute between Moscow parishes and Constantinople. According some smaller Eucharistic Communities that elected to follow him in his departure from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Basil coukd legitimately celebrate as a bishop; according to Moscow, he was forbidden to do soDiocese of Sourozh (these are enumerated and discussed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Vicariate_of_Great_Britain_and_Ireland#Parishes_and_Communities here]).<ref>[http://www.exarchate-uk.org/Parishes/parishes_index. Accordingly, no communicant html Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate who wishes to remain faithful to Vicariate]</ref> As part of this role, he sits on the decisions council of his hierarchy may knowingly participate in a liturgy at which Basil celebrates as a bishop, nor may they receive Holy Communion from himthe Exarchate. Similarly, after these resolutions, no Moscow Patriarchate priest may <ref>[[concelebration|concelebratehttp://exarchat.eu/article.php3?id_article=563 Communiqué N° 12-06 du Conseil de l'Archevêché et Déclaration]] with Basil.</ref name="Innokenty1" />

The ancient Patriarchates of [[Church of Alexandria|Alexandria]] ([[June 19]], 2006)<ref>[http://www.ec-patr.gr/docdisplay.php?lang=gr&id=698&tla=gr Letter from Pope of Alexandria concerning Bp. Basil Osborne] - June 19, 2006</ref> Retirement and [[Church of Jerusalem|Jerusalem]] ([[June 6]])<ref>[http://www.ec-patr.gr/docdisplay.php?langLaicisation=gr&id=697&tla=gr Letter from Patriarch of Jerusalem concerning Bp. In late 2009, Bishop Basil Osborne] - June 6requested retirement, 2006</ref>, along with the [[Church of Cyprus]] ([[June 14]])<ref>[http://www.ec-patr.gr/docdisplay.php?lang=gr&id=699&tla=gr Letter from ''locum tenens'' of the Archbishop of Cyprus concerning Bp. Basil Osborne] - June 14which was granted him, 2006</ref> and the [[Church of Albania]] ([[August 12]])<ref>[http://www.exarchate-uk.org/News/anastasios.html Circular Letter from the Primate of parishes which he formerly led as a Vicariate were then given the Orthodox Church status of Albania on the subject of the election of Bishop Basil, addressed to His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew II] - August 12, 2006</ref>, have recognized the reception by Constantinople of Bp. Basila deanery.

(Refer Subsequently, in February 2010 he requested to ORDOs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the latest being that of 2006, for the official designation of titular bishops as "bishops/hierarchs" of the "Throne" be defrocked and laicised in order to have the text option of canons 9marrying and having a normal family life, a request which was then granted, 17 and 28 for Dr Osborne was returned to the rights and privileges of Constantinople regarding extraterritorial appeals and jurisdiction in the "varvariki", regions beyond the borders of the other senior patriarchates.) In March of 2007 negotiations took place in Geneva which concluded with Moscow giving Basil a [[canonical releaselaity]] to the jurisdiction of Constantinople.<ref>[http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=2812 Canonical conflict over Bishop Basil Osborn’s going over to Constantinople settled - Metropolitan Kirill]</ref>

title=Bishop of Sergievo,<br>Administrator of the [[Diocese of Sourozh]]|

after=[[Innokenty (Vasilyev) of Korsun|Innokenty (Vasilyev)]]&mdash;}}

years=2006-present2010|

*[http://www.exarchat.orgeu/article.php3?id_article=564 Biography of Bishop Basil] on the Exarchate's homepage