Orthodox Church of the Gauls

The Orthodox Church of the Gauls (French: Église Orthodoxe des Gaules or ÉOG) is a self-governing Orthodox church formed in 2006 and is part of the Communion of Western Orthodox Churches (CÉOO). The church's first hierarch is Bishop Gregory (Mendez), the superior of the Orthodox Monastery of St Michael and St Martin in Luzé, France.

The ÉOG 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 ÉOG rejects the application to the Oriental Orthodox Churches of those councils' condemnations of monophysitism. Therefore, the ÉOG recognises both Oriental Orthodox Churches and Eastern Orthodox Churches as sister churches.

The ÉOG has its origins in the Orthodox Church of France (ÉOF), and was originally formed of two groups:

After the ÉOG separated from the ÉOF, the French Coptic Orthodox Church (ÉCOF) agreed to receive some groups into full communion in 2000. These groups were permitted to use their existing Gallican Mass and the Daily Office (Hours) of the ancient Western Church. When it became clear that remaining with the ÉCOF would mean abandoning their western liturgical heritage, the group separated from the ÉCOF.

After separating from the ÉCOF, they formed the ÉOG along with some other clergy and laity, and elected Father Michel Mendez as bishop.[1] Mendez took the religious name Gregory and was consecrated on 16th December 2006 by Bishop Vigile and Bishop Martin (Laplaud) of the French Orthodox Church, as well as Bishop Maël (de Brescia) and Bishop Marc (Jean-Claude Scheerens) of the Celtic Orthodox Church.

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