20080226

Letter of His Eminence Cardinal Walter Kasper To the President of the Department of Ecumenical Relations of the Indian Orthodox Church

The following message was sent by Walter Cardinal Kasper, the President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity of the Roman Catholic Church.









PONTIFICIUM CONSILIUM
AD CHRISTANORUM UNITATEM POVENDAM

E Civitate Vaticana, die
18 June 2005

Port. N. 2581 / 2005/h
Your Eminence,
I duly received your letter of 12 May 2005, regarding the decision of the Malankara Orthodox Church not to hold its dialogue with the Catholic Church, in the framework of the annual Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Church. I see this letter as a continuation of the discussion we had in Rome on the occasion of your last visit here.

I can only confirm that the title of Catholicos has not been given by the Holy See to His Grace Cyril Mar Baselios : (1) that the title of Major Archbishop is the only one mentioned in the Decree of elevation issued by the Holy See, and in all Vatican messages or publications regarding this nomination; (2) that the title of Catholicos does not appear in the Code of Canon Law for the Eastern Churches, I have also been informed that His Beatitude Cardinal Moussa I Daoud did not use the title Catholicos during his stay in Kerala, on the occasion of the celebrations for the elevation of His Grace Cyril Mar Baselios.

I have conveyed your message regarding the decision of the Malankara Orthodox Church to His Grace Cyril Mar Baselios and look forward to receiving a reply.

I deeply regret that use of the title Catholicos, for which the Holy See and this Pontifical Council are not responsible, could lead to this difficult situation. Knowing how important the activities of this joint International Commission have been for the development of fraternal relations between the Malankara Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church in Kerala, it would be a great loss if this commission were not able to continue its activities. It is my hope and prayer that we will be able to overcome this difficulty, for the greater good of promotion of Christian unity.

I would ask Your Eminence to convey my greeting and prayerful good wishes to His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II and to the members of the Holy Synod of the Malankara Orthodox Church.

With the expression of my cordial esteem, I remain

Yours sincerely in Christ,









Walter Cardinal Kasper
President
His Eminence Philipos Mar Eusebius
Metropolitan of Thumpamon
St. Basil Aramana
Pathanamthitta 689645 Kerala, India


--------------

20080224

H.E. Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios Metropolitan Passes Into Eternal Rest

Devalokam (KOTTAYAM): His Eminence Dr. Mar Makarios Thomas, Metropolitan of the Canada, U.K. and Europe diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, died on Saturday(2008-02-23). He was 81.

Mar Makarios, who was seriously injured in a car accident outside London on January 5, was admitted to Newcastle General Hospital and was on life support system ever since. He succumbed to his injuries at 10:42AM (GMT), 4:12 PM (IST) on Saturday, according to the Catholicate office here. His body will be interred in a specially built crypt at the Catholicate Arama Chapel at Devalokam .

His Eminence had been injured and hospitalized for the last seven weeks at Newcastle General Hospital outside of London following a serious car accident. The accident took place in Newcastle as His Eminence was going to the Newcastle Airport on Saturday, January 5, 2008 to return to London. Another vehicle hit the passenger side where His Grace was seated. His Eminence had just declared a new parish in Sunderland during his annual pastoral visit to the UK and Ireland.

A meeting of the Holy Episcopal Synod was held at Devalokam at 8:00 PM on Saturday and discussed on the various matters related to the bringing of the mortal remains and the funeral of His Eminence Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios Metropolitan. As per the decision of the H. Episcopal Synod, His Eminence Dr. geevarghese Mar Coorilos will go to New Castle on Wednesday. After finishing the formalities the mortal remains will be brought to India by an Emirates flight most probably to Thiruvananthapuram by next monday/tuesday. From the airport the body will be brought to Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam where it will be kept overnight for prayer and vigil. The funeral is likely to take place the next day morning in a specially prepared tomb at the southern part of the Catholicate Aramana Chapel, Devalokam.

His Eminence was born on May 26, 1926, the son of Mr.Chacko and Mrs. Mariamma Kuttikandathil. He studied theology at the Orthodox Theological Seminary at Kottayam. He was ordained a priest in 1952 by His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Geevarghese II. He came to New Delhi, the capital city of India, and organized congregations inNorth Indian cities. He became the first vicar of Orthodox Church in New Delhi.

It was during the time of the litigation of the Church that Mar Makarios showed his ingenuity as leader and scholar in Church History. He helped the lawyers of the church understand the history, traditions and Canons of the Church. This was instrumental in seeking an historic verdict by the Supreme Court of India in favor of the Church in 1958. Mar Makarios has studied in various religious institutions in England, Germany, Switzerland and France. He has been in the U.S since 1963 and earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Nashota House in Wisconsin, a Master's of Sacred Theology from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Theology from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond. He returned to India and worked as a professor of Church History at Orthodox Theological Seminary in India. In 1975, Mar Makarios was consecrated as a Metropolitan by His Holiness Catholicos Augen I. In the same year The Catholicos appointed Mar Makarios the first metropolitan of Diocese of Bombay.

In 1979 Mar Makarios was installed as the first metropolitan of the Diocese of America. Since 1985, Mar Makarios has been teaching religion at Alma College in Michigan. He believes that he can help give students a deeper insight into the `mysterious' insight of the Eastern Church. In recognition of Mar Makarios' achievements and contributions to society, the college awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1990. In 1994 Mar Makarios was appointed as the first metropolitan of the newly created diocese of Canada and Europe.
-----
Thomas Mar Makarios dead

H E Thomas Mar Makarios Metropolitan Injured in a Car Accident in London

20080215

His Holiness Karekin II Congratulates New Archbishop of Greece


Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin:
On February 9, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, congratulated the newly elected primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece.

His Holiness’ letter states in part, "We were happy to learn…of Your Beatitude’s election as Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. We congratulate you on this joyous occasion, and extend to you our best wishes and fraternal love in Christ from the spiritual center of all Armenians – the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

"As a faithful laborer in the Lord’s vineyard, Your Beatitude has served in high and responsible positions of the Church, being a champion of instruction and giving special emphasis to Christian education and the theological edification of young clergymen.

"For continuous centuries, the virtuous work of education and illumination has been at the source of the friendship between our two nations, which today is reinforced by the presence of the Armenian community and Armenian diocese in the Hellenic Republic, and through warm collaboration in inter-state and inter-church spheres. We are hopeful that throughout the years of Your Beatitude’s primacy, these important ties will be greater enriched with many more God-pleasing and successful works and achievements.

"We congratulate you once again and pray for our Lord Jesus Christ to decorate Your Beatitude with heavenly graces, bestowing you with many long years of reign to realize all of your good aspirations and beneficial plans…"

Ieronymos of Thebes and Levadeia elected Archbishop of Athens and All Greece
-------------

20080206

INDEX

  1. Preparatory Committee Meeting for the Catholic Church - Oriental Orthodox Churches International Joint Commission for Dialogue
  2. ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE CHARGED WITH PREPARING THE THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES
  3. The First Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
  4. The Second Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
  5. The Third Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
  6. The Fourth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
  7. The Fifth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
  8. The First Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East
  9. The 2nd Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East
  10. The Third Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East
  11. TheFourth Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East
  12. The 5th Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East
  13. The Sixth Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East
  14. The 7nd Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East
  15. The Eighth Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East
  16. THE TENTH MEETING OF THE HEADS OF THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES IN THE MIDDLE EAST
  17. Middle Eastern Oriental Orthodox Common Declaration
  18. Rabban Mushe Görgün Consecrated Metropolitan of The Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Europe
  19. Holy Episcopal Synod of the East Holds Special Session
  20. Thiruvithamcode "Arapally" Declared Pilgrimmage Site
  21. Consultative Committee of the Oriental Orthodox Church
  22. Letter from H.H Abune Antonios, Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church
  23. Delegation of the E O C met His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of Armenia
  24. AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH MOR IGNATIUS ZAKA I IWAS FROM CHOREPISCOPUS JOSEPH TARZI, PH. D.
  25. COMMON DECLARATION OF THE POPE OF ROME PAUL VI AND OF THE POPE OF ALEXANDRIA SHENOUDA III
  26. Papal Message of H.H. Pope Shenouda III for the Feast of Nativity, January 2008
  27. H E Thomas Mar Makarios Metropolitan Injured in a Car Accident in London
  28. The Fifth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
  29. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS
  30. Meetings of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches

  31. Aghapy T V (Live)
  32. His Holiness Karekin II Congratulates New Archbishop of Greece
  33. H.E. Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios Metropolitan Passes into Eternal Rest
  34. Letter of His Eminence Cardinal Walter Kasper To the President of the Department of Ecumenical Relations of the Indian Orthodox Church
  35. The first part of the funeral service of Makarios Metropolitan
  36. Body of H.Em. Mar Makarios laid to rest
  37. Catholicos of the East presides over Chrism Mass Maundy Thursday
  38. The Orthodox Syrian Church to ordain seven bishops
  39. Doctrinal Agreement on Christology
  40. H.EM. METROPOLITAN MARCOS OF FRANCE DIES
  41. Abba Seraphim send condolence message over death of H. Em. Metropolitan Marcos
  42. MIDDLE EAST ORIENTAL ORTHODOX STANDING COMMITTEE MEETS IN CAIRO
  43. Church of India Elected Seven Bishop Candidates
  44. Concern & protest against the attacks in Koothattukulam
  45. Police lathicharge at Piravom
  46. Antiochian Jacobite Group attacked assistant vicar of parish Church of Trisoor Diocese
  47. Patriarch His Holiness Karekin II to Visit Malankara
  48. Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos to Visit Malankara (India)
  49. HISTORIC RECONCILIATION IN CAIRO
  50. Ethiopia celebrates its Millennium
  51. Armenian Catholicos visits Rome
  52. The Encyclical issued by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I regarding the Independent Syrian Orthodox Church in America
  53. Protocol between the Coptic Orthodox Church (COC) and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC)
  54. Protocol Between The Coptic Orthodox Church And The Eritrian Orthodox Church
  55. The British Orthodox Unite with the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate
  56. Joint communiqué issued by the Heads of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on April, 2008
  57. His Holiness Karekin II Receives Delegation from the Indian Orthodox Syrian Church of the East
  58. Kerala High Court Order is implemented at a parish Church
  59. POPE SHENOUDA III AND CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEET IN CAIRO
  60. His Holiness Aram I visited the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch at St. Aphrem Seminary in Damascus on Tuesday 9 September 2008
  61. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MEETS PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD OF IRAN
  62. Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Church, H.H. Abba Paulos visits Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch at Syria
  63. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I CONGRATULATES U.S. PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA
  64. Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas visits Kerala, India
  65. Indian Orthodox Church followers take out impressive rally
  66. Five Bishop Designates Elevated to the Order of Monk in the Orthodox Church of the East
  67. His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia passed away: the Oriental Orthodox Church Expresses Condolences
  68. The Ninth Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East
  69. The Oriental Orthodox Churches Addis Ababa Conference January, 1965- documents PART-I
  70. The Oriental Orthodox Churches Addis Ababa Conference January, 1965- documents PART-II
  71. The Oriental Orthodox Churches Addis Ababa Conference January, 1965- documents PART-III
  72. Metropolitan Kirill elected interim head of Russian Byzantine Church
  73. HIS HOLINESS PAULOS I, THE PATRIARCH OF ETHIOPIA VISITS ANTELIAS
  74. Oriental Orthodox Festival 2008, London
  75. Syrian, Ethiopian, Armenian Church Leaders Meet
  76. Catholicos Aram wants Christians to celebrate Easter on same day
  77. Supreme Patriarch of the Armenian Orthodox Church, H.H. Karekin II visits the Orthodox Church of of the East
  78. Addis Ababa Conference, 1965
  79. The Sixth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
  80. NATURE, CONSTITUTION AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH
  81. COMMON DECLARATION OF POPE PAUL VI AND OF THE POPE OF ALEXANDRIA SHENOUDA III
  82. "The World Needs a Visible Sign of the Mystery of Unity" – the Roman Pope Benedict XVI

  83. Oriental Orthodox-Reformed dialogue

  84. A Report concerning the Dialogue of the Syrian and the Assyrian Churches

  85. Syrian Roman Catholic Patriarch of Antioch visits Supreme Patriarch of Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch

  86. His Eminence Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim pays a Visit to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III


  87. ETHIOPIAN PATRIARCH ON FAITH IN AFRICA

  88. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MEETS PATRIARCHS IGNATIUS HAZIM IV AND ZAKKA I IWAS IN DAMASCUS

  89. Holy Synod Secretary of Coptic Orthodox Church H.E Bishoy met H.H Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I at St. Ephraim Syriac Orthodox Monastery

  90. Pro-Oriente Second Colloquium Syriacum held at Vienna

  91. H.G Abune Makarius Became Bishop of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, North America Diocese

  92. Dialogue with the Assyrian Church of the East and its effect on the Dialogue with the Roman Catholic

  93. The Restoration of Saint Anthony's Monastery near Al-Zaafarana, Egypt

  94. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians visits Patriarch of Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch at the St. Ephraim Monastery

  95. WCC calls for investigation of Gaza war crimes

  96. Catholicose of the East expresses condolences over the demise of Serbian Patriarch

  97. Ethiopian Patriarch expresses sorrow over death of Serbian Patriarch

  98. Muslim Violence Ongoing in Egypt -- Christians Plead For Help

  99. Muslim Anti-Christian Riots Spread in Upper Egypt, Video Shows Looting and Burning

  100. EOC Patriarch Receives Highest-honor Portuguese, Spanish Medal

  101. CONSTITUTION OF THE SYRIAC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ANTIOCH

  102. THE SEVENTH MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

  103. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I CONGRATULATES HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH IRINEJ OF SERBIA

  104. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I EXPRESSES HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE PATRIARCH OF ETHIOPIA

  105. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I AND THE MEMBERS OF THE CATHOLIC AND ORIENTAL ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE COMMISSION VISIT THE PRESIDENT OF LEBANON

  106. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I AND CARDINAL WALTER KASPER MEET IN ANTELIAS

  107. "BILATERAL DIALOGUES MUST SHIFT THEIR EMPHASIS FROM CONSENSUS-ORIENTED AGREEMENT TO CONVERGENCE-ORIENTED PROCESSES" - ARAM I

  108. HIS HOLINESS BASILILIOS MAR THOMA DIDMOS I, PATRIARCH OF THE MALANKARA ORTHODOX SYRIAN CHURCH INVITES HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO INDIA

  109. ECUMENISM NEEDS CLEAR ORIENTATION AND FOCUS - HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

  110. The Seventh Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches

  111. Patriarch His Holiness Aram I to Visit Malankara

  112. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I BEGINS FIVE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE ORTHODOX SYRIAN CHURCH IN INDIA

  113. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I arrived at Kochi

  114. Indian legacy testimony to religious harmony: His Holiness Catholicos Aram I

  115. Visit of the Pontiff of All Armenians to Jerusalem

  116. "THE CHURCHES OF INDIA PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT" - HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

  117. Strengthen ecumenical movement: Catholicos Aram I

  118. Patriarch Zakka I Visits Pope Shenouda III of the See of Alexandria

  119. Coptic Orthodox Church quits Middle East Churches Council

  120. CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEETS PATRIARCH ZAKKA I IN DAMASCUS

  121. Seven New Bishops for the Orthodox Church of the East

  122. The annual meeting of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church

  123. ElBaradei his own Enemy – Coptic Bishop

  124. PATRIARCH ZAKKA I IWAS IN ANTELIAS

  125. H.H. Baselios Marthoma Didymus I, The Catholicos of the East Abdicates

  126. 115th Catholicos of the East Baselios Marthoma Paulose II installed

  127. Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem Issues Communiqué Following General Assembly of the St. James Brotherhood

  128. Jerusalem Armenian Patriarch to Have Co-Adjutor

  129. INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES REPORT

  130. Reflections on events in Egypt

  131. ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI TO THE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

  132. Statement of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III on the Egyptian Revolution

  133. Pope Shenouda comments on the Egyptian Revolution

  134. Islamist Mobs in Ethiopia Destroy Church Buildings

  135. Easter Papal Message for 2011

  136. Syrian Orthodox Patriarch visits Turkish Premier

  137. Tensions in Armenian-Georgian Church relations

  138. Christians face unrest in Syria

  139. THE LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO THE PRIME MINISTER R.T. ERDOGAN OF TURKEY

  140. Egypt's Pope back home

  141. Catholicos of the East H.H.Beselios Paulose II Fasting at Kolenchery

  142. H E Metropolitan Domadios of Giza passes away

  143. Kolencherry Church Issue - His Holiness Baselios Paulose II calls off hunger strike

  144. Court dismisses Rebel Jacobite plea for ownership

  145. Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia welcomed in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

  146. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RETURNS FROM ARMENIA

  147. Recent Kolenchery Church Verdict

  148. Pope Shenouda III urges US not to destroy Palestinian statehood 'dream'

  149. 100,000 Christians Have Left Egypt Since March: Report

  150. The Boola issued by the Catholicos Patriarch of the East Baselios Marthoma Paulose II on indefinite fast at Kolenchery

  151. Pope Shenouda: Modern-day Jews not 'God's chosen people'

  152. Kolencherry Church row: Rebel Jacobite Plea for status quo dismissed

  153. Antiochian Syriac Orthodox Church (Rebel faction) stopped all their operations in India

  154. Syriac Christians to get first church in Istanbul

  155. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I LEAVES FOR U.S.A. ON A PONTIFICAL VISIT

  156. Egyptian Army, Police Kill 35 Coptic Christian Protestors

  157. Live Updates: Protesters march from Coptic Hospital to cathedral

  158. Pope Shenouda declares days of mourning after protest turns violent

  159. Statement of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church Issued after its October 10, 2011 meeting

  160. Thousands mourn victims of Maspero violence; church blames 'infiltrators'

  161. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I EXPRESSES HIS CONDOLENCES TO POPE SHENOUDA III OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH

  162. Roman Pope, at audience, condemns attack on Christians in Egypt

  163. Abba Seraphim offers condolences to H.H. Pope Shenouda

  164. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III Addresses Copts around the World on the Massacre of Copts in Maspero

  165. Statement of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on the Egyptian Military's Massacre of Copts

  166. Maspero clashes a conspiracy by SCAF, say political powers, witnesses

  167. Malankara Orthodox condemns violence against Coptic Christians

  168. CBI questions head of Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch in murder case





*

20080205

Meetings of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches

REPORT

  1. Preparatory Committee Meeting for the Catholic Church - Oriental Orthodox Churches International Joint Commission for Dialogue [Rome 27 –29 January 2003]
    ++ ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
  2. The First Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Cairo, Egypt, 27-30 January 2004)
  3. The Second Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Rome, Italy, 26-29 January 2005)
  4. The Third Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Etchmiadzin, Armenia, 27-30 January 2006)
  5. The Fourth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Rome, 28 January - 3 February 2007)
  6. The Fifth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Maarrat Saydnaya, Syria, January 27 to February 2, 2008)
  7. The Sixth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Rome, Italy, January 26 to 30, 2009)
    ++ Dialogue documents:-  NATURE, CONSTITUTION AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH
    ++ "The World Needs a Visible Sign of the Mystery of Unity" – Pope Benedict XVI of Rome
  8. The Seventh Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Antelias, Lebanon, January 27 to 31, 2010)
  9. The Eighth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Rome, January 25 to 28, 2011)
    ++ ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI TO THE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES
  10. The Ninth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 17 to 21, 2012)
  11. The Tenth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Rome, January 23 to 27, 2013)
    ++ ROMAN POPE RECEIVES MEMBERS OF JOINT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE
    ++ THE 10TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL JOINT ROMAN CATHOLIC-ORIENTAL ORTHODOX COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE 
  12. Report of the Eleventh Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
    ++International dialogue between Oriental Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church begins in India Dialogues sessions of the catholic- oriental orthodox joint commission started 
    ++ CATHOLICOS OF THE EAST RECEIVES MEMBERS OF JOINT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE  ++ Commission on Theological Dialogue between Catholic and Oriental Orthodox Churches 
    ++OCP Delegation visits Members of the International Commission of the Oriental Orthodox Churches
    ++ The Armenian Orthodox Church Participates in the Eleventh Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches in India. 
    ++The Roman Catholic- Oriental Orthodox joint commission calls for stronger ties 
  13. Report of the Twelfth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
    ++ Dialogue documents:- THE EXERCISE OF COMMUNION IN THE LIFE OF THE EARLY CHURCH AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR SEARCH FOR COMMUNION TODAY 
  14. Report of the Thirteenth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
    ++Thirteenth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches held at Cairo,Egypt 
  15. Report on the Fourteenth meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches
    ++ International Joint Commission For Theological Dialogue Between The Roman Catholic Church and The Oriental Orthodox Churches Meeting held in Rome
    ++Jesus Is the Point of Reference for the Journey towards Full Unity 

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS


Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos passed away on Sunday January 27th, 2008. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia expressed his condolences in a letter sent to the Holy Synod. Hereunder the text of the letter:


Holy Synod
Orthodox Church of Greece
Athens, Greece


Dear members of the Holy Synod,

We came to learn with deep sorrow the passing away of His Beatitude Archbishop Christodoulos, the head of the Orthodox Church of Greece.

His Beatitude played a significant role in giving a new vitality to the Orthodox church of Greece in its evangelistic, social and ecumenical witness. He opened a new page in the modern history of the church, particularly in respect to the active role of the church in the life of people. His strong commitment to the Gospel values and the traditions of his church will be always remembered by the people and by all those who came to know him.

A close relationship and collaboration were established between us on for­mal and personal levels. His Beatitude has always expressed his great apprecia­tion for the dedication of the Armenian community of Greece for the prosperity and progress of Greece.

On this sad occasion, on behalf of our people and church and personally I would like to express our deepest condolences to Holy Synod, to state authorities and to the people of Greece.

May God accept the soul of His Beatitude in His heavenly kingdom.

We have delegated the Primate of our community in Greece, His Grace Bishop Khoren Doghramadjian to represent us at the funeral.

Your in Christ

ARAM I
CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA

The Fifth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches


Maarrat Saydnaya, Syria, January 27 to February 2, 2008

The fifth meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches took place at St Ephrem Syrian Orthodox Monastery in Maarrat Saydnaya, Syria, January 27 to February 2, 2008, at the kind invitation of His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East. The meeting was chaired jointly by His Eminence Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette, General Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Joining delegates from the Catholic Church were representatives of the following Oriental Orthodox Churches: the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of All Armenians), the Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia), and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Representatives of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Eritrean Orthodox Church were unable to attend.

The two delegations met separately before the first plenary session, which took place on January 29. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the examination of a draft document produced by the drafting committee, entitled “Nature, Constitution and Mission of the Church.” There was broad agreement about the main lines of the draft document. The drafting committee will elaborate the document in the light of the discussion at this plenary session and present a revised text at the next meeting. The document mentions points for further study and discussion that will be taken up in future meetings.

In addition, papers were presented by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and by Rev. Fr. Frans Bouwen on the goal of our dialogue. Each day began with a prayer service using material that had been produced for the 2008 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Special prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of His Beatitude Archbishop Christodoulos of the Orthodox Church of Greece, who passed away on January 28.

On the morning of January 30, His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas invited the two other Patriarchs in Damascus to meet the dialogue members. These were His Beatitude Ignatius IV Hazim, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and His Beatitude Gregory III Laham, Greek Catholic Melkite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East. His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Archbishop Giovanni Battista Morandini, also was present. During this encounter the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch spoke about the new ecumenical relationship that has existed between Catholics and Oriental Orthodox in recent decades, and pointed in particular to the Joint Statement on Pastoral Issues signed by himself and His Holiness Pope John Paul II in 1984, noting that the agreement provided for cooperation saying that “by cooperating in priestly formation, that is, by sharing facilities in regard to the education of the clergy and having the service of professors of theology from either church, we hope that we will be able to understand each other better and that would help to bring us much closer. Now, with the formation of the official Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue, I believe that the way has been cleared for better relationships between the Roman Catholic Church and not only my Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch, but the whole family of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. And may the prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ, ‘that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in us,’ (St. John 17:21) be fulfilled in all of us.”

On the morning of January 31, His Holiness the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch and His Eminence Walter Cardinal Kasper were received by His Excellency Dr. Bashar Al-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic. His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy was unable to attend for health reasons. The Patriarch and Cardinal were kindly received, and the President expressed a lively interest in promoting good relations between Christians and Muslims, and fraternal relations and cooperation among the various Christian churches. The importance of the Christian presence in the Middle East was emphasized. The Patriarch and the Cardinal expressed their gratitude for Syria’s reception of many refugees from Iraq, and for promoting conditions in which Christians can live in religious freedom in this country.

On the evening of January 31, the members of the commission attended a concert in the patriarchal cathedral. The program was presented by the Damascus Symphony Orchestra and the combined choirs of St. Ephrem’s Seminary and the patriarchal church in Damascus. The event was followed by a banquet in the seminary that was attended by government officials as well as Muslim and other Christian leaders.

The members of the International Dialogue were most grateful to His Holiness the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch for his very generous hospitality during the meeting at St. Ephrem Monastery, and to the members of the monastic community, the nuns and the patriarch’s staff for doing so much to promote a cordial atmosphere for the meeting.

The sixth meeting of the International Commission will be hosted by the Catholic Church in Rome in January 2009. The day of arrival will be January 24 or 25, enabling the members to take part in the Vespers Service at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica for the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The two delegations will meet separately on Monday January 26. January 27, 28, 29 and 30 will be set aside for plenary sessions, with departures on Saturday January 31. At this session work will continue on the common statement on ecclesiology, and each side will present one paper “The Exercise of Communion Among the Churches in the First Five Centuries” and another paper “Reception of Councils in the First Five Centuries.”

The members of the Commission are:

Representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches (in alphabetical order)

Antiochian Syrian Orthodox Church: H.E. Mor Theophilus George Saliba, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon, Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church; H.E. Kuriakose Theophilose, Metropolitan of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kerala, India;
Armenian Apostolic Church: Catholicosate of all Armenians: H.E. Mesrob K. Krikorian, Archbishop of Vienna and Patriarchal Delegate for Central Europe and Scandinavia; H.E. Khajag Barsamian, Archbishop of the Eastern Diocese of the USA;
Armenian Apostolic Church: Holy See of Cilicia: H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Archbishop of the Eastern Prelacy in the U.S.A.; H.G. Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Holy See of Cilicia;
Coptic Orthodox Church: H.E. Anba Bishoy (co-chair), Metropolitan of Damiette, General Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church; Rev. Fr. Shenouda Maher Ishak, West Henrietta, NY; H.G. Bishop Daniel of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Sydney, Australia (observer);
Eritrean Orthodox Church: Rev. Fr. Kaleab Gebreselassie Gebru, Coordinator for Foreign Affairs (unable to attend);
Ethiopian Orthodox Church: Rev. Fr. Megabe Biluy Seife Selassie Yohannes, Lique Hiruyan Getachew Guadie (unable to attend);
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church: H.E. Philipos Mar Eusebios, Metropolitan of Pathanamthitta (unable to attend), Rev. Dr. John Mathews (co-secretary), Secretary of the Committee on Inter-Church Relations (unable to attend).

Representatives of the Catholic Church

His Eminence Cardinal Walter Kasper (co-chair), President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity;
Most Reverend Paul-Werner Scheele, Bishop Emeritus of Würzburg (Germany);
Most Reverend Amba Kyrillos William, Coptic Catholic Bishop of Assiut, President of the Ecumenical Commission of the Catholic Church in Egypt;
Most Reverend Jules Mikhael Al-Jamil, Procurator of the Syrian Catholic Patriarchate to the Holy See and Apostolic Visitator in Europe;
Most Reverend Peter Marayati, Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo, President of the Ecumenical Commission of the Catholic Church in Syria;
Most Reverend Woldetensae Ghebreghiorghis, Apostolic Vicar of Harar (Ethiopia), President of the Ecumenical Commission of the Catholic Church in Ethiopia and Eritrea;
Rev. Fr. Frans Bouwen M.Afr., Consultant to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity; Jerusalem;
Rev. Fr. Philippe Luisier SJ, Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome;
Rev. Fr. Ronald Roberson, CSP, Associate Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC;
Rev. Fr. Paul Rouhana, OLM, Université Saint-Esprit, Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon (unable to attend);
Rev. Fr. Mark Sheridan, OSB, Rector, Pontificio Ateneo S. Anselmo, Rome;
Rev. Fr. Mathew Vellanickal, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry (India);
Rev. Fr. Boghos Levon Zekiyan, Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome;
Prof. Dietmar W. Winkler, Paris Lodron Universität, Salzburg, Austria;
Secretariat: Msgr. Johan Bonny (co-secretary), staff-member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

Maarrat Saydnaya, Syria, February 2, 2008