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© Photo by Artur Petrosyan
Assembly
of Bishops of the USA and the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox
Churches Revive the Joint Commission of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox
Churches
Tuesday, October 08, 2019
NEW YORK – Representatives of Eastern and Oriental
Orthodox Christian churches met today at the Armenian Cathedral of St.
Vartan for the first meeting of the joint commission in nearly a decade.
The meeting began with a common prayer service followed by open
discussions.
Recognizing doctrinal agreement, as established in the 1990’s by the
official international theological dialogue, the delegations deliberated
on practical ways to progress the relationships between Eastern and
Oriental Orthodox Churches in the United States of America. The holy
mysteries of marriage and baptism were addressed, and a committee was
formed to explore existing agreements and study their application in the
American context. Furthermore, religious education programs were
presented, and areas of common concern were identified. A committee to
discern ministerial overlap in this regard was also established.
Finally, common areas of advocacy, including concerns in the Middle
East, were identified and tabled for a future meeting.
Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Church commented, “this meeting
is joyful, historic, and promising. It is joyful because, as King David
says, ‘behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell
together in unity.’ It is historic because it is building upon the work
of our predecessors. It is promising because there is a spirit of good
will and potential to move forward in faith and in hope.”
Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
reflected, “it is no secret that the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox
relationships are the closest relationships in the Christian world.
Despite this, we continue to develop ministries independently and remain
separated Eucharistically. Indeed, I am deeply saddened by this notion,
but am encouraged by the willingness on both sides to return to the
table to discuss ways forward. This practical approach will breathe life
into the Church.”
The dialogue concluded by establishing a date for a joint Christmas
concert to be held at the Mor Aphrem Center in Paramus, New Jersey, on
Sunday, December 8, 2019. In addition to the concert, a Pan-Orthodox
(Eastern and Oriental) youth conference will be held in summer 2020. The
joint commission will meet again on December 4, 2019.
