© photo by John Mindala
August 12, 2019
NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros met
today, Monday, August 12, 2019, with a delegation from the Standing
Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches (SCOOCH), which was comprised
of His Grace Bishop David (Coptic - President of SCOOCH), His Eminence
Mor Dionysios (Syriac), His Eminence Mor Titus (Malankara), His Eminence
Archbishop Silvanos (Malankara-Syriac Knanaya) and His Grace Bishop
Daniel (Armenian).
Recent changes in both SCOOCH and the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox
Bishops of the USA, a strong desire for unity, and the need to
reinvigorate the joint dialogue – especially on matters of pastoral
concern – were openly discussed. The group proceeded to agree on a joint
Christmas concert, for which details are forthcoming.
Reflecting on the meeting, Archbishop Elpidophoros commented, “we
cannot let what happened in the past prevent us from living in the
present and looking to the future. For that reason, I am excited to
continue working with our Oriental brothers and sisters toward not only
common understanding but full unity of faith and communion.”