POPE SHENOUDA III AND CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEET IN CAIRO

POPE  SHENOUDA III, ZAKKA I AND ARAM I CALL FOR A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CHURCHES OF JERUSALEM

Cairo, Nov.12, 2008: Meeting in the Coptic Patriarchate of C

airo, His Holiness Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenians of 

the Great House 

of Cilicia released a joint declaration with regard to the sad incident between Armenians and Greeks in Jerusalem recently. The Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch , His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I, expressed his support for the declaration.

 

In their joint declaration the spiritual leaders expressed sadness at the clashes between the two groups. They emphasized the respect for the historic rights of all churches in Jerusalem and the importance for resolving misunderstandings and sensitivities through mutual understand. The declaration also stressed the need to strengthen Christian unity in the Middle East.

 

His Holiness Aram I visited Cairo on a one-day trip to meet with Pope Shenouda II. The two spiritual leaders discussed the cooperation between the two churches as well inter-faith and inter-church issues at large on November 11, 2008.

 

The Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, Bishop Nareg Alemezian and the Chairman of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church also attended the meeting.

 

 Source:http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/English/visitseng.htm#4

 

Kerala High Court Order is implemented at a parish Church

Kothamamgalam (India): At Kothamamgalam Marthoman Cheria Pally, a parish Church of Ankamali Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Rev. Fr. Thomas Paul Ramban (photo) of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church officiated in his father's burial ceremony on 8-11-08. This was after a high court order given on 7-11-08 allowing so.

The dissident Antiochian Jacobite Syrian Christian fraction objected in allowing the burial to take place in a peaceful atmosphere. There were discussions with the police authorities between the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the dissident Antiochian Jacobite Syrian Christian fraction. The dissident Jacobite faction attempted to prove that the high court order to be practically invalid. However, the police executed the high court order in allowing the burial to take place in Kothamangalam Cheriapally.

There were some members of the dissident Jacobite faction present inside the church with a bishop and a priest hoping to hold a last minute retreat to hinder the burial. Despite their deliberate attempts the mortal remains Remban's father was brought into the church for proper burial services in the midst of police officials.

It is important to remember that the Church case of Kothamangalam Cheriapally was decided in favour of the Orthodox Church, in 1995 judgment of the Supreme Court and its Execution Petition is pending in High Court. While it was taken for trial, father of Rev. Fr. Thomas Paul Ramban died and an I.A. (interim application) was filed for allowing the burial to done by priest of the orthodox Church, and it was allowed.

His Holiness Karekin II Receives Delegation from the Indian Orthodox Syrian Church of the East

On 29 September, His Holiness Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received a delegation from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India, a Sister Church, led by His Grace H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasios, Metropolitan of the Chengannur Diocese and accompanied by Very Rev. Father Oshagan Gulgulian, Dean of the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy in Calcutta and Pastor of the Armenians of India. 

His Holiness welcomed the visit of the delegation to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and expressed his appreciation for their participation in the Blessing of the Holy Muron, reflecting on its importance for the unity of Christians as a sign of brotherhood and Christian love.

His Holiness extended fraternal greetings to His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I, Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The Catholicos of All Armenians discussed his upcoming Pontifical visit to India in November, on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the St. Nazaret Armenian Church in Calcutta and the visit to Kerala, the Spiritual Center of the Malankara Church.

Also present for the meeting were His Eminence Archbishop Yeznik Petrosyan, General Secretary for Inter-Church Relations of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Very Rev. Father Hovakim Manukyan, Deputy General Secretary for Inter-Church Relations.- 

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services Sep 29, 2008 

Source: http://66.208.37.78/index.jsp?sid=3&nid=1137&y=2008&m=8&d=29

Joint communiqué issued by the Heads of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on April, 2008

Joint communiqué issued by the Heads of the Coptic Orthodox Church (COC) and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) on the occasion of the official visit of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark to Ethiopia from April 11 to 13, 2008.

In the Name Of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God.

In this historical moment of the visit of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark upon the invitation of His Holiness Patriarch Paulos I of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church to Ethiopia, accompanied by a delegation of the Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod members and received by the Ethiopian Orthodox Holy Synod in Addis Ababa, we together thank our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ for the strong and historical relations between our two venerable Churches and for the harmony we are achieving in our mutual visits both in Egypt and Ethiopia.

We are looking forward to reinforcing the historical cooperation between our two Churches in preserving our common Orthodox Faith and Apostolic Tradition, following the teachings of our common Holy Fathers Saint Mark the Evangelist, Saint Athanasius the apostolic, Saint Kyrii the great and Saint Dioscorus the protector of the faith.

We take this opportunity to jointly sign this document together on behalf of our Churches asking all our clergy and people to activate the protocol of fifteen articles approved by our two Holy Synods and signed separately by ourselves in April 1994.

We, solemnly declare that guided by the Holy Spirit and on behalf of our Churches clergy and peoples, subscribe our joint signatures on this document.

May God bless the Coptic Orthodox Church (COC) and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC)

The British Orthodox Unite with the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate

After 128 years of independent existence the Orthodox Church of the British Isles has been reunited to the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches from which it originated with the consecration of Jules Ferrette in 1866 as Bishop of Iona.

Renamed the British Orthodox Church it now constitutes a diocese of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria with jurisdiction over the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

On 6th April, 1994 a joint protocol determining the relationship of the British Orthodox Church and the Coptic Patriarchate was jointly signed in Cairo by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III and Metropolitan Seraphim of Glastonbury. After consideration of their historical origins His Holiness Pope Shenouda decided that no reordination was required and Metropolitan Seraphim was received into the Coptic Church by His Holiness Pope Shenouda by anointment with the Holy Myron at the Monastery of St Bishoy in the Wadi El-Natrun on 4th June. Later that day - in consideration of his own ecclesiastical background - he was admitted as a monk of the Monastery of the Syrians and will now be known a His Grace Abba Seraphim el Souriani.

On Sunday 19th June (Pentecost Sunday), Abba Seraphim was consecrated as a Metropolitan in the Coptic Patriarchate by His Holiness Pope Shenouda assisted by some seventy Metropolitans and Bishops. Abba Seraphim now ranks as a full member of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate.

Under the terms of the Protocol the British Orthodox Church is recognised as 'a local church, holding to the historic faith and order of the Apostolic Church, committed to the restoration of Orthodoxy among the indigenous population and desiring to provide a powerful witness to the Orthodox Faith and Tradition in an increasingly secular society.'

Although the British Orthodox Church will continue to observe the Orthodox Pascha it has been permitted to follow the Gregorian Calendar for solar festivals. His Holiness has agreed in principle to the use of the Liturgy of St James and a provisional text awaiting final approval has been in use for some months. Abba Seraphim is also appointed chairman of a permanent liturgical commission to 'consider .. the use of alternative forms of services drawn from ancient Western Orthodox sources which may be adapted to the local situation,' which may make recommendations to His Holiness the Pope. Abba Seraphim is also authorised to preside over a local Synod for the conduct of the day to day affairs of the Church.

The Protocol makes a very clear distinction between the Coptic Orthodox communities in the British Isles and the British Orthodox Church. The latter remains quite distinct and is directly subject to His Holiness the Pope and the Holy Synod. There is provision, however, for a Standing Committee under the co-chairmanship of the Metropolitan of Glastonbury and a Coptic bishop 'for the exploration of ways of mutual co-operation and discussion of issues of common concern.'

The Coptic community in the British Isles has churches in Lapworth (Birmingham) & Solihull in the Midlands, Kensington and Croydon in Greater London, Manchester, Brighton, Kirkcaldy (Scotland), Newport (Wales), and Dublin (Ireland). The British Orthodox have communities in South-East London, Doncaster, Huddersfield, York, Bournemouth, Trotton (Sussex), Glastonbury, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Commenting on this development Abba Seraphim has stated, 'Having maintained our independence and the integrity of our mission since 1866, we have come to understand that it is God's will for us to be used in His service by something much larger and more universal at this critical moment in the destiny of British Christianity. We therefore willingly surrender our long cherished independence in order to be at the service of others. The Coptic Patriarchate is an ancient church which has preserved the apostolic faith in the face of centuries of oppression, but it is also a very lively church facing the challenges of the late twentieth century. The evangelical fervour which has made this relationship possible comes from a common faith, vision and purpose. We believe that the entire Christian Church in the British Isles can only be strengthened by an effective Orthodox witness and we shall continue to work closely with our brethren in other Christian traditions to build up and strengthen the Christian Church against the increasing secularism of our age.'

Abba Seraphim (whose secular name is William Henry Hugo Newman-Norton) is 46,and is a kinsman of his predecessor, Mar Georgius (Hugh George de Wilmott Newman), who was consecrated almost exactly fifty years ago. He became Orthodox when he was 17, served as a deacon for three and a half years, as a priest for almost seven years and was consecrated as coadjutor to Mar Georgius in 1977 when he was in his thirtieth year. He succeeded as Metropolitan on his predecessor's death in February 1979.

Source: http://www.britishorthodox.org/bocpress.php

Protocol Between The Coptic Orthodox Church And The Eritrian Orthodox Church

INTRODUCTION

The two Churches are linked by very intimate relations since the early Centuries of Christianity, as both are sons of St. Mark the Apostle. Such link was realized when St. Athanasius, the Apostolic, the 20th Pope of Alexandria, consecrated Fromentious in the year 329 A.D to be the first bishop of Eritrea and Ethiopia, on the request of the two Christian kings Abraha and Atsbeha. He was given the name of Abba Salama and started his bishopric when he arrived first in Eritrea in the Year 330A.D., and is venerated as a Saint.

Through the consecration of Abba Salama, the church of Alexandria established the bishop’s seat for the church of Eritrea and Ethiopia, which then became part of the See of Saint Mark, the Apostle.

The Church of Alexandria used to consecrate and send a bishop to continue the pastoral responsibilities of Abba Salama.

On the 24 May 1991, Eritrea became an independent country. The Eritrian church expanded and now has about 1,700,000 members (One million and seven hundred thousands), 1500 churches, 22 monasteries and 15,000 priests.

On July 1993, H.E. Isaias Afeworki visited H.H. Pope Shenouda 111. in his office in Cairo and conveyed the wish of Eritrea, president, temporary Holy Synod of the church and the people to have an independent church for an independent country. H.H. Pope Shenouda III asked to receive an Eritrian church delegation in Cairo, representing the temporary Holy Synod, to discuss the ‘Matter and the future steps, carrying an official letter. This delegation met H.H. Pope Shenouda III on 19 July 1993, and offered the official letter expressing this request.

H.H. Pope Shenouda III wrote a letter dated July 21, 1993 to H.G. Bishop Philipos, the head of the EOC and Synod expressing his acceptance to form an Eritrean Synod of bishops and subsequently to ordain a new Patriarch for the EOC, recognizing it thereby as an independent church.

On August 2, 1993, the Eritrean temporary Synod in Asmara decided to follow the advice of H.H. Pope Shenouda III expressed in his letter, and sent a letter forwarded by H.G. Bishop Philipos with a copy of the Synod signed resolutions.

On Jan 11, 1994, H.H. Pope Shenouda III received a letter from the Eritrean church informing him that five monk abbots were elected to become diocesan bishops for Eritrea.

The election was under the supervision of the vice-minister of interior affairs of Eritrea. The names of the elected abbots were stated in that letter.

The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church in a special meeting on September 28, 1993, approved all the arrangements with the EOC .

A Coptic delegation visited Asmara carrying a letter from H.H. Pope Shenouda III dated May 24,1994 to "discuss all the preparations for the ordination of the new five bishops, the place, the date, the dioceses and the enthronement of the new patriarch of the Orthodox church of Eritrea: when and where to be ordained, and all other matters."

The delegation met the Temporary Holy Synod and discussed everything and then met with the President.

The delegation came back from Asmara with an official letter dated May 26, 1994 carrying the names of the new bishop, their dioceses, the ordination to be in St.Mark cathedral in Cairo, the ordination of the patriarch also to be in Cairo. Through negotiations, it was agreed that after the ordination of the patriarch, H.H. Pope Shenouda will come to Asmara to enthrone him.

The ordination of the new five Eritrian Orthodox Bishops took place in St. Mark Cathedral in Cairo on the feast of Pentecost, 1994 by H.H. Pope Shenouda III and the Coptic Holy synod in a great celebration attended by thousands of Coptic people and visitors.

Abouna Philipos attended and participated in their ordination, and an Eritrean delegation, clergy and lay people were present. The five bishops were enthroned afterwards in their dioceses in Eritrea by the Eritrian Orthodox Church.

On April 15, 1998, H.H. Pope Shenouda III sent H. E. Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette to Asmara according to the request of the EOC to attend the chosing of the Patriarch. Abouna Philippos was chosen unanimously as the only candidate by the Eritrian bishops.

On the feast of St. Mark, May 8, 1998 Abouna Philipos was ordained as the first patriarch of EOC by H.H. Pope Shenouda III, along with the Coptic and Eritrean Metropolitans and bishops in a huge festival in the Cathedral of St. Mark in Cairo, attended by thousands of clergy and lay people from both COC. and EOC.

H.H. Pope Shenouda III together with H.H. Patriarch Philipos I and a Coptic Delegation will be going, God wills, to Asmara in order to enthrone the first Patriarch of Eritrea on his seat in a joyful and huge festival in Asmara Cathedral, to be attended by President Afeworki, Government Dignitaries, visitors and the Eritrian people.

This protocol was prepared and approved by the two Holy Synods of COC & EOC.

Article 1:
The Church of Alexandria recognizes the autocephally (independence) of the EOC

Article 2:
His Holiness, the Pope of Alexandria, being the successor of St. Mark the Apostle, has the first position of honor, in accordance with the Church traditions and the resolutions of the canonical ecumenical councils confessed by the two Churches and also due to the historical links between the two Churches, in a manner that does not belittle the independent status of the EOC.

Article 3:
The two Churches belong to the SEE of SAINT MARK and confess one Orthodox Doctrine.

Article 4:
In order to manifest and affirm the spiritual relations between the two Churches, H.H. the Pope of Alexandria and H.H. the Patriarch of Eritrea should be mentioned in all the liturgical prayers The name of the Pope of Alexandria to be mentioned first.

Article 5:
Each Church has her own Holy Synod to care for her affairs. The resolutions of the two Synods should be exchanged regularly.

Article 6:
To assure the unity in the Apostolic Orthodox faith and Tradition, a general Holy Synod of both churches should convene together every three years, and whenever the need arises.

Article 7:
Each Church has the liberty to chose its own Patriarch. But in order to manifest the tight relations between the two Churches; the other Church will send a delegation of ten members of the church: two diocesan Bishops, two abbots of monasteries, and six other persons representing other categories of church members in order to attend the election process as guests.

Article 8:
In any future consecration and enthronement of a Patriarch for either one of the two Churches, a delegation should be sent from the other Church to invite her to participate. The type of participation is to be negotiated at that time.

Article 9:
Both Churches should invite each other to participate or observe in all major occasions.

Article 10:
In meetings of theological dialogues with other confessions, on matters of faith, which are not on the level of the Oriental Orthodox Family, the two Churches will from a common delegation

Article 11:
Both Churches are committed not to depose and replace a Patriarch or a Bishop of her own in his life time, unless his deposition is decided by the Holy Synod of his Church, through a canonical procedure.

Article 12:
A permanent joint committee is to be formed out of the members of the two Synods from the cooperation of the two Churches in different areas such as:

(a) Exchange of visits of-. Patriarchs, Metropolitans, Bishops, Abbots Priests, Monks, Deacons, Professors, Students. and should be encouraged.(b) Cooperation in Theological education.(c) Christian Education: Sunday schools, Youth and family programs. (d) Social services and development projects(e) Pastoral Care: Both Churches should be given the chance to extend their pastoral care to their people at each other’s country.

Article 13:
The text of this protocol, being approved by both Holy Synods and signed by the Patriarchs of the two Churches, has come into effect and should be publicized and circulated to all the dioceses and parishes of both Churches

Article 14:
Any addition or amendments of this protocol should be discussed and approved in the joint meeting of the two Holy Synods.

Article 15:
This protocol has been prepared in the Tigrigna, Arabic and English languages. If misunderstandings arise in matters of interpretation, the English version shall prevail.

The above protocol of fifteen articles, together with the introduction, a total of six pages (in the English version), pursuant to article thirteen of this protocol, it is hereby signed by the heads of both Churches in May 1998.

Protocol between the Coptic Orthodox Church (COC) and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC)

INTRODUCTION

The two Churches are linked by very intimate relations since the early Centuries of Christianity, as both are sons of St. Mark the Apostle. Such link was realized when St. Athanasius the Apostolic, the 20th Pope of Alexandria, consecrated Fromentious in the year 329 A.D. to be the first bishop of Ethiopia, on the request of the two Ethiopian Christian kings Abraha and Atsbeha. He was given the name of Abba Salama and started his bishopric in Ethiopia in the Year 330 A.D., and is venerated as a Saint.

Through the consecration of Abba Salama, the Church of Alexandria established the bishop's seat for the Church of Ethiopia, which then became part of the SEE of SAINT MARK the APOSTLE.

The Church of Alexandria continued to consecrate and send a bishop to the seat of Ethiopia. With the expansion of the pastoral duties in Ethiopia and by the request of the Ethiopian Church, the Church of Alexandria started to consecrate several bishops for the Ethiopian dioceses besides sending the metropolitan. At the request of the EOTC, the Alexandrian Church, in appreciation of the Church's growth, enthroned Abune Basilios in 1959 as the first head of the EOTC.

Through the period from the fourth century till the middle of the twentieth century, the Church of Alexandria was considered the mother church of the EOTC. Patriarchs who had been enthroned as heirs of the throne of the SEE of SAINT MARK, from the fourth century until 1959, had been spiritual fathers of the EOTC as well.

Caring for the relations between the two Churches and the growth and continuity of the closer links, the two Churches agreed to form a joint committee to solve the current problems between them and to negotiate laying down the terms of relations between the two Churches at present and in the future.

After many initiatives and meetings, this joint committee met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 1994 and laid down a proposed protocol which, after the final amendment of one article, was approved by the Holy Synods of both Churches in March, 1994.

The joint committee was formed of the following nine members:

The Coptic delegation:	The Ethiopian delegation:
1. H. G. Metropolitan Bishoy 2. H. G. Bishop Antonious-Marcos 3. H.G. Bishop Moussa 4. H.G. Bishop Serapion	1. H.G. Archbishop Mekarios 2. H.G. Archbishop Nathaniel 3. H.G. Archbishop Gabriel 4. H.G. Archbishop Timotheos 5. H.G. Archbishop Gerima

Article I :

For the sake of recognition of the hierarchical succession of the EOTC, and in accordance with this protocol, the Church of Alexandria recognizes the autocephaly (independence) of the EOTC.

Article II:

His Holiness, the Pope of Alexandria, being the successor of St. Mark the Apostle, has the first position of honour, in accordance with the Church traditions, and the resolutions of the canonical ecumenical councils confessed by the two Churches and also due to the historical links between the two Churches, in a manner that does not belittle the independent status of the EOTC.

Article III:

The two Churches belong to the SEE of SAINT MARK and confess one Orthodox Doctrine and each of them has her own independence.

Article IV:

In order to manifest and affirm the spiritual relations between the two Churches, H.H. the Pope of Alexandria and H.H. the Patriarch of Ethiopia should be mentioned in the liturgical prayers in the following occasions:

1- Whenever the heads of the two Churches meet

2- Whenever the head of one of the two Churches is celebrating the liturgy.

3- Whenever a bishop or a priest celebrates a liturgical prayer in the other Church, or during concelebrations .

4- Major feasts such as: Easter. Christmas, Epiphany, Holy Cross.

The name of the Alexandrian Pope to be mentioned first in these occasions

Article V:

Each Church has her own Holy Synod to care for her affairs. The resolutions of the two Synods should be exchanged regularly.

Article VI:

To assure the oneness in the Apostolic Orthodox faith and Tradition, a general Holy Synod of both Churches should convene together every three years, and whenever the need arises. The place of meeting will rotate between Alexandria and Addis Ababa starting with Alexandria.

Article VII:

Each Church has the liberty to choose its own Patriarch; the other Church should send a delegation of five members of the Holy Synod to take part in the election process, having the right to vote.

Article VIII:

In any future consecration and enthronement of a patriarch for either one of the two Churches, a delegation should be sent from the other Church to invite her to participate. The type of participation is to be negotiated at that time.

Article IX:

Both Churches should invite each other to participate or observe in all major occasions.

Article X:

In meetings of official dialogues with other confessions, on matters of faith, each Church will invite the other Church to send at least one member of the Holy Synod to attend.

The two Churches will consult each other on world wide ecumenical affairs.

Article XI:

Both Churches are committed not to depose and replace a Patriarch or a Bishop of her own in his life time, unless his deposition is decided by the Holy Synod of his Church, through a canonical procedure.

Article XII:

A permanent joint committee is to be formed out of the members of the two Synods to monitor the implementation of this protocol and to promote the cooperation of the two Churches in different areas such as:

1- Exchange of visits of: Patriarchs. Metropolitans, Bishops, Priests, Monks, Professors, Students and Deacons should be encouraged.

2- Theological education.

3- Christian Education: Sunday schools. Youth and Family programmes.

4- Social services and Development projects.

5- Pastoral Care: Both Churches should be given the chance to extend their pastoral care to their people at each other's country.

Article XIII:

This protocol once approved by both Holy Synods and signed by the patriarchs of the two Churches, will make any previous agreement and/or protocol between the two Churches null and void.

Article XIV:

The text of this protocol, being approved by both Holy Synods and signed by the Patriarchs of the two Churches, has come into effect and should be publicized and circulated to all the dioceses and parishes of both Churches.

Article XV:

This protocol has been prepared in the Amharic, Arabic and English languages. If misunderstandings arise in matters of interpretation, the English version shall prevail.

The above protocol of fifteen articles, together with the introduction, a total of six pages, pursuant to article fourteen of this protocol, it is hereby signed by the heads of both Churches in April. 1994.

P D F FILE Protocol between the Coptic Orthodox Church (COC) and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC) 

http://www.copticpope.org/downloads/commondec/commondec2008eng.pdf

The Encyclical issued by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I regarding the Independent Syrian Orthodox Church in America

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I, Catholicos-Patriarch of the East, has issued an Encyclical confirming the spiritual relationship of St. James Syrian Orthodox Church of America- Los Angeles with the Orthodox Syrian Church of the East. 

No. 292 A/2008

In the blessed name of the Tri-une God, Self-existent,
Beginningless and Endless, Perfect in Being, (Glory be to Him)
Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Didymus I Catholicos of the East and
Malankara Metropolitan enthroned on the apostolic throne of St. Thomas

Apostolic Blessings to Very Reverend Chorepiscopo Dr. Joseph Tarzi, vicar, and the blessed faithful members of the St. James of Sarug Syrian Orthodox Church, Los Angles, California, USA

Dearly Beloved,

We pray that you are in good health and under the protection of our Lord and God Jesus Christ. We write this on the report regarding the unfortunate excommunication of your community by His Holiness Zakka I Iwas Patriarch of Antioch in 2007. We understand, recognize and pronounce that the excommunication lacks proper merit according to the canons of the Holy Church. Be comforted in knowing that you remain part of the Apostolic, Catholic and Orthodox Faith as members of the One Body of Christ.

We convey our concern for your spiritual and pastoral needs and are aware that since His Holiness separated you from his flock, His Grace Yuhanon Mar Meletius, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Trissur of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church,has maintained a pastoral relationship with your community.

As per your request and the recommendation of His Grace Yuhanon Mar Meletius Metropolitan, the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church held in February, 2008, has decided to extend the help of the Malankara Church through His Grace Yuhanon Mar Meletius Metropolitan to attend to your pastoral needs. We do not assign him as an administrator or ruler, but rather, to provide necessary assistance in spiritual matters.

May the Grace and Mercy of the God Almighty be with you, your families, your Children, and all your endeavors. May the prayers and intercessions of St. Mary, the Mother of God , St. Thomas Apostle to India, St. Gregorios and St. Dionysius, the saints of Malankara, and all the saints of the Holy Church be with you now and always.

Our Father who art in Heaven..........................

Baselios Marthoma Didymus I.

From Catholicate Aramana
Devalokam, Kottayam, Kerala, India
On September 10, 2008

PDF File


Source:

1. http://www.stjamessyriac.org/News/encyclical/encyclical.html
2. http://meletiusofthrissur.spaces.live.com/
   

Armenian Catholicos visits Rome

            From 6-9 May H.H. Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch & Catholicos of All Armenians, paid an official visit to Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. The visit to Italy also included a one-day visit to the Armenian community of Milan and a two-day visit to the Mekhitarian Congregation on the Island of San Lazzaro in Venice. Upon arrival, Catholicos Karekin II and the Armenian bishops visited the tomb of Pope John Paul II in the crypt below Saint Peter’s Basilica, and offered a solemn prayer for the repose of his soul. The Catholicos and the Armenian delegation also visited the newly named St. Gregory the Illuminator plaza inside St. Peter’s courtyard and viewed the statue of the patron saint of the Armenian Church, placed there during the pontificate of John Paul II. Immediately afterwards, the Armenian delegation of clergy and laity participated in the general audience in St. Peter’s Square, jointly held by Pope Benedict XVI and Catholicos Karekin. The two church heads exchanged messages of greeting, a fraternal embrace and kiss of peace on the platform before a crowd of more than 35,000 faithful. That same afternoon the Catholicos was presented with an Honoris Causa doctorate from the Pontifical Salesian University recognizing his fruitful work in Christian Education and Youth Instruction. On 8 May Catholicos Karekin and his delegation visited the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, and conveyed his blessings and warm greetings to the participants of a symposium dedicated to the study of the Armenian Divine Liturgy organized by Fr. Robert Taft.

On 9 May, the delegation of 100 Armenian bishops and faithful went to the Apostolic Palace of the Holy See, for a private audience under the joint presidency of Catholicos Karekin and Pope Benedict. The two pontiffs again exchanged warm messages of greeting and brotherly love, embraced with a solemn kiss of peace and spoke of the strong ties and increasing collaboration between the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church and the Roman Catholic Church. A short prayer service was held under the presidency of both church heads, following which, the faithful approached the Catholicos and the Pope to kiss their hands and receive their blessings. At the conclusion of the audience, Catholicos Karekin and Pope Benedict met privately during lunch to discuss issues of importance to both Churches.

In the afternoon, Catholicos Karekin met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the Vatican Guest House for a private meeting. The Archbishop was coincidentally also in the Holy See and the two fondly recalled the Archbishop’s fraternal visit to Holy Etchmiadzin in September 2007, as well as discussed the forthcoming Lambeth Conference.

The final event at the Vatican was an Ecumenical Prayer Service, offered at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where the grave of St. Paul the Apostle is located. Catholicos Karekin presided during the service, which included the participation of Roman Catholic and Armenian Church bishops and clergy.

Source: http://www.britishorthodox.org/116h.php

Ethiopia celebrates its Millennium

As the Ethiopian Orthodox Church inherited its calendar from the Coptic Church, which retains the old Egyptian system whereby the year was divided into twelve months of thirty days each plus one additional month of five days (six days in leap years), Ethiopian dates therefore, fall some seven or eight years behind western dates and have done so since early Christian times. For this reason Ethiopia has just celebrated the end of the second millennium during a series of ceremonies in Addis Ababa on 26-27 September 2007. 

His Holiness Patriarch Paulos welcomed a number of distinguished Church leaders to Ethiopia, among whom was the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomeos I and the  Catholicos-designate of the East (the Malankara Orthodox Church), H.E. Paulose Mar Milithios Metropolitan. They participated in the public ceremonies of the feast of the Holy Cross, held in the main square of Addis Ababa with the participation of thousands of faithful. On 26 September, an international peace conference was convened in the African headquarters of the United Nations. Around 500 religious and lay participants attended the conference. The conference addressed such urgent matters as the overcoming of violence, the cessation of wars, the non-discriminated delivery of health care, the establishment of social justice and the preservation and protection of nature.  

 

Each Ethiopian year is dedicated to one of the four Evangelists according to the cycle:Matthew, Mark, Luke andJohn. The year of St. Luke is Leap Year, and therefore always has six days in the thirteenth month of the Ethiopian calendar. 

Source: http://www.britishorthodox.org/115h.php

HISTORIC RECONCILIATION IN CAIRO

On 13 July 2007 H.H. Pope Shenouda III and Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church signed a Common Declaration in St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo, marking the end of a period of strained relations between the two Patriarchs. The reconciliation was facilitated through the fraternal co-operation of His Holiness Aram I, Armenian Catholicos of Cilicia, who had earlier met with Patriarch Paulos in Addis Ababa, who greeted both Pope and Patriarch with the words, “You have made history ….. This is a historical day.”

Relations between the Ethiopian and Coptic Churches declined suddenly in 1994 as a result of Pope Shenouda’s willingness to support the Eritreans in their desire to have independence from the Ethiopian Church. Both ecclesiastically and politically Eritrea was part of Ethiopia, but the overthrow of the Empire and rule of the Communist Dergue which seized power 1974-1991 led to persecution of the church and civil war with Eritrea, which declared itself separated from Ethiopia. In April 1993, following a referendum, Eritrea gained its official independence as a state whilst the local church, supported by the government, asked Pope Shenouda for support in establishing an independent Eritrean Church. During the troubles, he had already assisted Eritreans in the diaspora by consecrating Bishop Makarios for the Eritreans in the USA and Marcos for those in Britain in May 1991.

Under the terms of the Protocol of June 1959 the Metropolitan of Ethiopia was raised to the dignity of a Catholicos-Patriarch, which was the position when Abune Paulos was enthroned in Addis Ababa on 12 July 1992; but in 1994 a new Protocol was agreed by which the Coptic Church recognized the full autocephaly of the Ethiopian Church with her Primate enjoying full Patriarchal status. Immediately following this the Ethiopian Church protested at the grant of independence to the Eritreans and for the past thirteen years relations between the two churches have been strained although communion between them was never broken.

The reconcilation was also welcomed by Dr. Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, who sent his greetings to the three Primates quoting from Psalm CXXXIII:1, “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” After recalling that both the Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches were founding members of the WCC, he noted that Pope Shenouda had served as one its President from 1991-1998, Patriarch Paulos was currently a President and Catholicos Aram had served as Moderator of the WCC Central Committee for two terms from 1991-2006. Dr. Kobia spoke of them as both being deeply rooted since the beginning of Christian history among the people of Africa. “We rejoice with this promising news that extends far beyond bilateral relations by confirming that true reconciliation among churches is possible. We are grateful to each of you, the heads of churches, for the tangible witness you have offered in dealing successfully with church-dividing matters.”

The text of the Joint Declaration is as follows:

We, Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark; Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenians of the Great House of Cilicia, and Patriarch Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for granting us the opportunity to meet in Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo, Egypt, July 13-14, 2007.

We would like to emphasize the importance of this historical meeting in which we reaffirm our unity of faith that, for centuries, has been the basis of our common doctrinal position and theological teachings. Deeply rooted in the Holy Scriptures, the Apostolic Faith and Tradition, the three Ecumenical Councils (Nicaea 325, Constantinople 381 and Ephesus 431) and the teachings of our Chur5ch Fathers, especially St. Athanasius the Great, St. Cyril of Alexandria and St . Gregory the Illuminator, our unity has sustained the life and witness of the Churches of the Oriental Orthodox Family becoming a living source of spiritual strength and missionary engagement. For the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the full communion and the visible unity of churches are based on the unity of faith which is manifested through Eucharistic communion and other Sacraments of the Church.

Pope Shenouda III and Patriarch Paulos would like to express their deep thanks to His Holiness Aram I for his fraternal efforts to bring this historic meeting into reality, hoping for him a safe journey back to Antelias-Lebanon, after his important visit to Addis Ababa.

After signing the protocol of the relations between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in April 1994 by the heads of these churches through the approval of both holy synods, no meeting was possible to take place between the two heads since that time. Also, the Joint Commission did not continue its work after signing the protocol except during the short visit of the Coptic-Armenian delegation last month from Cairo and Antelias to Addis Ababa. Both churches are looking forward to the continuation of their historical relations with the pastoral services and doctrinal teachings. Convening a Joint holy synod is possible in fulfillment of the articles of the protocol.

Pope Shenouda III and Catholicos Aram extend their congratulations to His Holiness Abune Paulos on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of his enthronement as Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Patriarch Paulos and Catholicos Aram I would like to express their thanks to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III for his warm hospitality.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all the faithful of our Churches.

PDF Format

Source:http://www.britishorthodox.org/115a.php

Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos to Visit Malankara (India)

His Holiness Abune Paulos Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Church will visit Malankara on Dec. 28.

Source: http://www.malankaraorthodox.tv/

Photo: His Holiness Abune Paulos Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Church with His Holiness Didymus I Catholicos of Indian Orthodox Church in 2001

Patriarch His Holiness Karekin II to Visit Malankara

His Holiness Karekin II The Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians will visit the Malankara Orthodox Church and her head His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Didymus I, The Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan from Nov 5-8.His Holiness is coming to India to attend the 300th anniversary celebrations of the Armenian community in Calcutta and Chennai. His Holiness Karekin II will be accompanied by
1. His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the Armenian Church Diocese of Australia,
2. His Excellency Dr. Ashot Kocharian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in India.
3. His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor.
4. His Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Church Diocese of Damascus.
5. His Grace Bishop Anushavan ( Andranik) Zhamkochyan, Dean of Yerevan State University - Theological Faculty.
6. V. Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, Pastor and Manager of the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy.
7. Rev Fr Hovnan (Artur) Hakobyan, Staff-Bearer.
8. Rev Fr Ktrij (Armen) Devejian, Translator.
9. Ms. Manya Ghazaryan, Executive Director-Shoghakat TV.
10. Mr. Suren Ter-Grigoryan, Chief cameraman-Shoghakat TV.
11. Ms. Paula Devejian - Director-Internet Development Dept.
12. Mr. Gagik Galstyan.
13. Ms. Aida Khachatouryan.

His Holiness Karekin II will be received by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I at his Catholicate Palace, Devalokam on the 5th. His Holiness Karekin II will be confered the Order of St. Thomas by His Holiness the Catholicos of the East, in a function at Mammen Mappilai Hall on 6th. His Holiness will attend a couple of functions at Parumala and the inauguration of the newly built and consecrated Metropolitan's Residence of Mavelikara Diocese on the 7th. On the 8th His Holiness will visit the Orthodox Theological Seminary and will inaugurate the recording studio at SRUTI complex. His Holiness will leave to Chennai in the evening.

The His Holiness Karekin II will be accorded the status of State Guest by the honourable Government of Kerala

Antiochian Jacobite Group attacked assistant vicar of parish Church of Trisoor Diocese

- Mor Meletius Yuhanon Metropolitan, Thrissur (Orthodox Church of the East )

Elanadu St.Mary's Church near Thrissur was under RDO (Revenue Divisional
Officer) custody for over three decades and both parties (Catholicos faction and
Patriarchal faction of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church ) were taking turns
for worship. There was an agreement on the matter between the two factions and a
joint petition was filed in 1996 and there was an order from the court that an
election be held according to the 1934 constitution (constitution of the
Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church ) and the committee thus elected should be
given the key of the Church by the RDO. Thus election was held and a managing
committee was elected. The court directed the RDO to hand over the key of the
Church to the newly elected managing committee. The committee unanimously
requested the RDO to hand over the key to the vicar. In the mean time the
trustee elected changed his mind and joined the Patriarch faction and he filed
an objection that the key should be given to him.


There were about
fifty families with him in a four hundred family parish. They formed a
Antiochian Syrian Jacobite Simhasana Church and built a Church building in the
near vicinity. The committee and the vicars defended the case saying the key
should be given to the vicar as per the unanimous decision of the committee.
Last month (September) the Kerala high court ordered the RDO to hand over the
key to the vicar as per the request of the committee. But the RDO still delayed.


Finally the village officer who had the key handed over the
key on last Sunday (26-10-2008) afternoon. We opened the church and prayed. On
Monday (27-10-2008) we conducted a thri-mass. After the mass the assistant vicar
Fr. Mathew Jacob Puthussery who is also the diocesan secretary and Sabha
Managing Committee member was on his way to Thrissur. Few people in a car
followed him and knocked him down from his motor cycle. They had on several
occasions threatened him over phone that he will be killed. Then they attacked
hurting him seriously. He is admitted in the hospital with head injury.



The police has identified the car and has taken in to custody.
The owner of the car and his brother who are the erstwhile members of Elanadu
Orthodox Church and who later joined Antiochian Syrian Jacobite party are hiding
themselves from police. The police is searching for them. Earlier when the court
order came we had offered few lakhs of Rupees and a share in the cemetery for
them if they do not make any problem in the Church. They had time and again
created problem during H.Qurbana on Sundays and Perunnal days. Thue Church
authorities have expressed concern over the incident.