Question about Church governance

[Momzilla]

I've started reading "The Orthodox Church" and I'm beginning to understand the basic structure of orthodoxy. However, I have a question regarding church governance.

Here's what I understand so far: there are four traditional "Patriarchates"--Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria, and Jerusalem. In addition to those, there are quite a number of autocephalus Orthodox Churches, the OCA being one of them. However, if I'm understanding correctly what I'm reading, there hasn't been an ecumenical council since prior to the Great Schism.

My question is, what happens when an issue confronts the whole church? For example, abortion is an issue relevant to the whole church. How is church doctrine regarding abortion announced/decided?

Also, what happens when one of the autocephalus churches acts in a way that is counter to orthodoxy? For example, what if the OCA ordained a gay priest? How would that be handled?

Thanks in advance!

[MariaRegina]

A disobedient priest in Russia celebrated the marriage of two gay men -- he was immediately laicized and his church burned. This action of the priest was considered a sacrilege.

The OrthodoxChristian monks, laity, and hierarchs would not tolerate anything against the Holy Scriptures, Holy Tradition and her Holy Canons.