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Four Primates of Autocephalous Orthodox Churches in the Middle East met at the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Cyprus in Nicosia where they discussed inter-Orthodox topics on Thursday, April 18, 2019.
The conclusions of the meeting were summarized in a joint statement signed by the four religious leaders.basilica.ro
Statement by Primates of Orthodox Churches in Middle East following meeting in Cyprus: full text
Their Holinesses and Beatitudes, the Primates of the Orthodox
Churches in the Middles East, held a meeting that gathered Theodoros II,
Patriarch of Alexandria, John X, Patriarch of Antioch, Theophilos III,
Patriarch of Jerusalem and Chrysostomos II, Archbishop of Cyprus, at the
Cypriot’s Archbishopric Headquarters, on April 18, 2019.
In their meeting, they prayed for peace of the whole world, and for
the stability of the local holy Churches, especially in the Middle East,
the region which is going through many trials.
They also supplicated God to establish and strengthen the people of
this region, that the believers may continue their Orthodox witness for
the Risen Christ, especially in this blessed land on which the feet of
Christ and His holy and glorious apostles have trodden, and in the whole
world, which is longing for the message of the Gospel and for the hope
of His salvation.
Their Holinesses and Beatitudes stressed the need to make every effort in order to ensure stability in the Middle East.
They discussed the most important ecclesiastical issues relating to
the consolidation of the Christian presence in this region and the
deepening of cooperation between the local Churches for this purpose.
They also appealed to all responsible people to work hard in order to
develop this region, by lifting the injustice suffered by their
peoples, as a result of war, occupation, and the ensuing economic
hardship.
In a private meeting between the Patriarch of Antioch and the
Patriarch of Jerusalem, Their Beatitudes discussed together in a spirit
of sincerity, brotherhood and love, and exchanged views on the issue
related to both Churches.
They expressed their sincere determination and good intention to
overcome these problems in the nearest future, in order for both
Churches to reach the sought Eucharistic communion.
In addition, Their Holinesses and Beatitudes, the Primates of
Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, discussed the various
ecclesiastical problems that arose at different times in the bosom of
the Orthodox Church and examined possible ways to end these differences.
They also looked into the problems that arose after granting
autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. His Beatitude
Chrysostomos, Archbishop of Cyprus, briefed them on his personal
initiative of mediation.
After listening to His Beatitude, the Primates of the three Churches
gave their support for his initiative to carry it for the good of the
unity of the Orthodox Church in Christ Jesus.
In this regard, Their Holiness and Beatitude called upon all people
concerned to work, on the one hand, to achieve Eucharistic unity, which
constitutes the fullness of the Church in Christ Jesus, and on the other
hand, to protect the faithful, their churches and their monasteries
against all forms of transgressions and all acts of violence coming from
any side, whatever the causes and motives are.
Their Holinesses and Beatitudes expressed their sadness at the
indifference of various countries and centres of power regarding the
fate of the Archbishops of Aleppo, Paul Yazigi and Youhanna Ibrahim,
pointing out that this year, the sixth anniversary of their abduction
coincides with the beginning of Great and Holy Week.
Finally, the gathered Primates affirmed their desire and
determination to continue communicating and working together for the
benefit of the Church.
They also stressed that opinions may differ, but the Orthodox Church
remains One and shining with the Grace of the Lord, the Incarnate God,
carrying on Her path of salvation in this world.
They concluded their meeting by raising heartfelt prayers to our Lord
and God Jesus Christ, Who suffered for us, that He may quickly sooth by
His Divine Grace the wounds of our peoples, and illuminate by the
glorious Light of His Resurrection, that is never overtaken by night,
the hearts of all believers, leading us all to peace and inner spiritual
stillness, and preserving us in the unity of faith and the bond of
love. They also expressed their best wishes to all for a glorious
Resurrection.
Photography courtesy of Antioch Patriarchate
