The Communion of Western Orthodox Churches (French: Communion des Églises Orthodoxes Occidentales ; CÉOO) is a communion of Christian churches of Orthodox tradition, standing alongside the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox communions. The Western Orthodox communion is distinguished by its adherence to the liturgical and spiritual customs of western Christianity.
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The Communion currently comprises three member churches:
The Communion was established on 25th December 2007 with the signing of its charter and the concelebration of the mass for the Nativity of the Lord by Bishop Maël de Brescia and Bishop Mark of the Celtic Orthodox Church, Bishop Vigile and Bishop Martin Laplaud of the French Orthodox Church, and Bishop Gregory Mendez of the Orthodox Church of the Gauls.
Parishes, monasteries, and missions of the communion are currently located in France, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Cameroon, Australia, the United States of America, Brazil, and Martinique.
Beliefs
The Communion of Western Orthodox Churches maintains traditional Orthodox beliefs and practice, and affirms the doctrinal teachings of the first seven Ecumenical Councils. While affirming the theological statements of the latter four councils, the Communion rejects the application to the Oriental Orthodox Churches of those councils' condemnations of monophysitism. Therefore, the Communion recognises both Oriental Orthodox Churches and Eastern Orthodox Churches as sister churches.
Relations with other Churches
The recognition of the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox communions as sister churches is not currently reciprocated.
Through the Orthodox Church of the Gauls, the Communion of Western Orthodox Churches is in communion with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America and, by extension, its sister churches.
Written into the directives of the Communion are provisions for accepting new member churches which also subscribe to the charter and principles of the Western Orthodox Communion.