Syrian Orthodox Patriarch Visit: Peace Talks in Offing

By Babu K Peter

The letter of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, the Catholicos of the East to His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II, the Patriarch of Antioch.
(Photo courtesy of the SyrianOrthodox Church Almaya Forum Facebook page)

KOCHI (INDIA): With hardly two weeks left for the  Apostolic visit of Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, to India, hopes for peace and reconciliation between Jacobite and Orthodox factions soar high. The Orthodox Church has expressed willingness to attend genuine meetings for reconciliation.
Orthodox Church head Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II has sent a letter to the Patriarch, expressing willingness to hold a conciliation  meeting.The Jacobite Church and the Orthodox Church,  that trace the same roots, have been at loggerheads for more than 50 years over ownership of various churches and other establishments.
There were reports that the Patriarch had expressed his wish to put an end to the disputes between the duo. The prelate reported to have stated that he would  use all possible means to bring peace between two Churches. As communicated to a Metropolitan delegation visited him earlier, he is of the opinion that amalgamation of churches is not the possible way for unity, instead  there should be peaceful existence with mutual respect.
“It is our fervent hope that steps would be initiated for a genuine reconciliation in the Church as per the will of  Christ, taking into account, the desire of the faithful, law of this land and our precedent in blessed unity,” the Catholicos stated in the letter to the Patriarch. “The Orthodox Church has never been against the attempts to bring peace among the Churches through conciliation. If there is a genuine effort to put an end to the standoff, we’ll cooperate,” said Fr John Abraham Konat priest trustee of Orthodox Church.
COURTESY: New Indian Express 
Published: 26th January 2015

May visit of The Patriarch reign in Goodwill

Dr Thomas Mar Athanasius
(Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kandanad East of Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Syrian Church)

The visit of The Patriarch of Antioch ,HH Aprem II,who was recently elected and enthroned as The Primate of Syriac Orthodox Church, now appears a certainity.There has been some misunderstanding or confusion about his visit to India, even within the very Church faction directly under him and the media has been celebrating the same for a while.The outbursts that ’Patriarch is coming’,’He is not coming’, ’He should come’, ’He will not be allowed to come’, ’He has the right to come anytime’ appears to have almost ceased.The silence Malankara Orthodox Church maintained in this context has been wise and sensible.As the visit of HH The Patriarch has been confirmed,let us earnestly hope and pray that it will bring goodwill and blessing to the Church.
Malankara Orthodox Church had earlier protested against the visit of then Patriarch, HH Zakka I Bava of blessed memory, after the Supreme Court verdict of 1995. He came with an ‘ill intention’ of hastening the divisive process by toppling the Court verdict that had created a background and goodwill atmosphere for Church unity.He tried to organize the faction that remained loyal to him thus promoted formation of a new Church in Malankara.
Malankara Orthodox Church could not comprehend and accept this visit of HH Zakka I, who came to deepen and establish the division and unfortunately provide his blessings for the same.However,that kind of a situation/atmosphere does not exist now.The followers of Patriarch has by now formed a Church and established a Constitution also for the same.In such a context when the Head of that newly formed Church is visiting Kerala, Malankara Orthodox Church need not protest against it.However if we can take with face value the statement of The Patriarch that he would like to bring about a solution to the Church feud, his visit could be a blessing indeed.Malankara Orthodox Church certainly does not consider this visit as one that is intended on showcasing or reflecting Patriarchal hegemony,supremacy or occupation.The Malankara Orthodox Church also sincerely nurture the hope that this visit will have a positive impact on the Orthodox Church as a whole.
Malankara Orthodox Church has never wished that Patriarcch should be outsted /eliminated from our Church relationship.It has been the constant and firm stand of Malankara Orthodox Church that the relation with Patriarchate be continued and maintained.This relationship which came into existence sometime after the Coonan Cross Oath is centuries old.The Patriarch pertaining articles in our Church Constitution was purposely included to maintain this historical relationship.Malankara Sabha never tried to undo this historic bilateral relationship even at times of severe discord.Though the Catholicate came into being in 1912 and even in the context of active court cases between the Church and the Patriarch faction,Malankara Orthodox Church has tried to give due recognition to the Patriarch.When in 1995 when the Patriarch factioneers formed a new Church,challenging and disregarding the Court verdict,Malankara Sabha continued to maintain the articles in Constitution that pertains to the Patriarchate.The Patriarch having been elected without endorsement from our Malankara Sabha and in the context of he being the Supreme Head of a parallel faction,the role of Patriarch in our Church is at present totally null and void, as per the Constitution.Inspite of this Malankara Sabha still maintain the hope that this historical relationship can be honourably restored in future.
There are certain clear and valid reasons why Malankara Sabha wants to retain the relationship with the Patriarch.
1)Malankara Sabha desires that yhe historical mutual Church relationship that existed for more than 3 centuries should not just abruptly end due to certain unsolicited or unwarranted periodical disturbing situations.
2.Malankara Sabha considers it undesirable,unreasonable and a negation of Christian testimony that the blood related believers of same faith,historical background,heritage,culture and practice of worship have a division among them than promoting Church unity.
To achieve this unity it is necessary that The Patriarch gets due recognition.If there was unity in Church in 1958,it was because The Patriarch was given a honourable recognition in the 1934 Church Constitution. Therefore,Malankara Sabha believes that the due place given for The Patriarch in the Church Constitution will encourage and pave the way for Church unity.It is however at the same time, not at all binding on Malankara Sabha ,as an autonomous denomination, to owe any allegiance to The Patriarch of Antioch.Again,inspite of this, considering and recognizing the past close relationship and future chances for peace in the Holy Church, Malankara Sabha does not spare any effort to retain this relation to Patriarch.
Malankara Sabha also does not however wish this relation to be ambiguous or non specific.This relation should also be not one of dependence.It is only because the Holy Church considers this relationship very important it was given due place in the Church Constitution.Thus the Church believes that the relationship between Malankara and Antioch should be cordially established in very specific and clear terms.This points to a healthy and spiritual honourable church relationship.This kinship should also complement the overall faith and driving principles of communion of Oriental Orthodox Churches.In Oriental Orthodox Churches all the presiding Chief Metropolitans are of equal status and Churches are free to have their own autonomous governance in place.If at all any Head of a Church gets a special respect or honour from another Church, it does not at all mean that this particular Head of Church has any Supremacy over that Church.
The position,honour and privileges offered to The Patriarch by Malankara Sabha does not at all entitle Patriarch to have any authority over the Church.If there has been continuous discord between the Patriarch faction in Malankara with its Supreme Head in the recent past and earlier, it was because of the lack of precision in their interrelation,the hegemonial attitude of Patriarchate and the slave like unconditional submission of factioneers.In 2002 when the Patriarch faction formed its Constitution it gave The Patriarch unlimited powers and authority.This situation encouraged the Patriarch to go beyond certain established norms of non interference in the Patriarch faction of Malankara Church.The very recent internal rumblings and squabbles in the Patriarch faction developed as a result of this unacceptable position of authority and resultant attitude of The Patriarch.
The Syrian Churches of Kerala,whatever denomination they may be of,are different from Syrian Churches in the Middle East in culture,language,practice and organizational features.They have similarity only in Worship and Theology.Therefore,it is very essential for the growth of these Malankara Syrian Churches to maintain their individuality,independence and culturo-spiritual identity.The Patriarch factioneers,even considering the recent undesirable events in their faction,should realize the necessity of truly witnessing Christ and upkeep of sacred ecumenical cordiality between Churches,must join hand in glove with their Orthodox brethren to lead our Malankara Sabha as a whole into a viable and spiritually healthy relationship with the Patriarch of Antioch.
Malankara Sabha has no complaints on the position of The Patriarch.Though the Supreme Court said that he is spiritually superior to the Catholicose of the East Malankara Sabha do not want to object to it either.However,it should be crystal clear and assured that The Patriarch can relate to Malankara Sabha and The Catholicose only within the ambit of the Church Constitution as per the honourable Supreme Court observations.If it is so it is not impossible to bring about Church unity.Neverthless, if the so called parallel Catholicate created by The Patriarch continue to exist,any Patriarchal role in Malankara Sabha will remain null and void. Therefore, if the autonomy of the Malankara Sabha is respected by The Patriarch with due honour to the Canonic Catholicate and due recognition and acceptance of the !934 Church Constitution and a sincere effort is made to bring in Unity in our Church, we can certainly steer Malankara Sabha to a united entity and The Patriarch will be honoured and accepted by one and all in the whole of Malankara.
The Patriarch faction considers the relation to Patriarch as one of indebtedness or loyalty.There is no room or reason for such indebtedness.If Antiochians had not come after the Oath at Coonan cross we would have been under the Catholic yoke.In such a case the divisions and squabbles that has been going on in the Church in the last two centuries would not have occurred.Factually the reason for all problems and court cases in the last many years was because of the unclear, ambiguous and unprecise relationship with the Patriarchate of Antioch. The Patriarch and the Jacobite faction under him should clearly and distinctly realize this genuine truth.On the basis of a precise and tangible agreement and mutual relationship with the autonomous Malankara Sabha and the Patriarchate establishment, the prevailing chaotic situation can be smoothly resolved.
If the Antiochian Patriarch move ahead with sincere good intention towards achieving this state of accord and unity,setting aside objections against it, he will get the unstinted support and goodwill of all well meaning faithful of the Church. The Church will always remain grateful to a Godfearing,blessed and visionary holy Father who is responsible for well intentionally reshaping the Church history.
(TRANSLATION BY Dr. VINU THOMAS)
Source: Malankara Nazrani

Malankara Orthodox.tv

Patriarchal visit to State can be a game-changer

Catholicos of the East 
Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II

Patriarch of Antioch Ignatius Aphrem II

Catholicos of the East Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II, in a letter to Patriarch of Antioch Ignatius Aphrem II (right) last month, wished that the latter’s visit would help bring peace in the Malankara Church.


Peace expectations among warring congregations




George Jacob

KOTTAYAM, February 4, 2015
Though there has been no let-up in the tussle between the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in the decades-old Church schism, the first ecclesiastical visit of Patriarch of Antioch Ignatius Aphrem II to Kerala has raised a lot of expectations among those who want lasting peace among the warring Christian congregations.

Antioch 
Ignatius Aphrem II What has raised the hope is the unexpected words of goodwill sent to the visiting dignitary by Orthodox Church head Catholicos of the East Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II. According to Church authorities, in a letter mailed to the visiting Patriarch last month, the Catholicos wished that his visit would help bring peace in the Church and in land.
“This is a major development during the past four decades or more, when the Malankara Church witnessed another schism. However, there has been no change in the stance of the Catholicos, who believes the initiative should come from the Patriarch side if a lasting solution is to be found for the hostility,” said a Church spokesman to The Hindu .

The letter of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, 
the Catholicos of the East to His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II, 
the Patriarch of Antioch.
(Photo courtesy of the SyrianOrthodox Church Almaya Forum 
Facebook page)

Lasting solution
No one expects any major tangible outcome in finding a lasting solution to the fratricidal war during the visit. However, any reciprocal measure from the side of the Patriarch to the Catholicos’ words of goodwill will go a long way in breaking the ice, it is pointed out.
“No one here expects a final decision regarding contentious issues during the visit. But any response echoing the words of goodwill will help us to begin the arduous journey to find lasting peace in the Church,” said sources.
The elevation of Mar Aphrem II to the august position itself had raised a lot of hope among those who were striving for peace in the Church since as the Archbishop of the Diocese of Eastern United States of America, the then Mar Cyril Aphrem Karim (his episcopal name), he had several friends in the Orthodox Church and had close contact with many of the important Church dignitaries in the State.
The dynamic stance he had taken on the Church schism had resulted in his detractors accusing him of micromanaging the affairs of the Church in Kerala.
The peace-lovers in both the Churches are fully aware of the pitfalls but are pinning their hope on the next steps in the carefully choreographed peace moves so that the Patriarchal visit can be turned into a game-changer in the decades-old Church feud.

COURTESY: The Hindu (INDIA)

Patriarch Visit: No Clarity over Talks

By Babu K Peter

KOCHI (India): Even as an opportunity beckons for reconciliation between the Antiochian Jacobite and Malankara Orthodox factions in the wake of the apostolic visit of Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of Antioch , it is still uncertain whether the Prelate would hold talks with the Orthodox faction though the Orthodox Church has expressed willingness to hold talks.

With just one day left for the arrival of the Patriarch, there is no clarity on the matter. When the Patriarch announced the apostolic visit to India, hopes of peace and reconciliation between the factions were soaring as the Patriarch, who took charge in March 2014, had stated that reconciliation of churches in Malankara was one of his priorities.

Orthodox Church head Catholicos Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose-II had sent a letter to the Patriarch, expressing willingness to hold a conciliation meeting. “It is our fervent hope that genuine steps would be initiated for reconciliation,” the Catholicos stated in the letter to the Patriarch. “The Orthodox Church has always taken an open stand towards reconciliation. But, we are not ready for talks with pre- conditions. We expressed willingness to hold talks as Patriarch Ignatius has often expressed his wish to see the dispute between the Malankara Churches solved. It is learnt that the Catholicate of Orthodox Church had not received any reply from the Patriarchate.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Kuriakose Mor Theophilose of the Antiochian Jacobite Church said that the matter would be discussed at the synod of the Church to be held on Saturday, which will be presided over by the Patriarch.

“As of now, discussion with the Orthodox faction is not included in the schedule of the Patriarch. But, it does not mean the Jacobite Church is against the talks. The proposal by the Orthodox Church will be considered, and a change in the schedule will depend on the decision to be taken by the Synod on Saturday,” Mor Theophilose said.

The Jacobite Church and the Orthodox Church, which have the same roots, have been at loggerheads for more than 50 years over ownership of various churches and other establishments.

COURTESY: New Indian Express 06th February 2015

Pope Francis: spirit of fraternity with Oriental Orthodox

Vatican Radio

VATICAN CITY, Jan.30, 2015—

Pope Francis with Oriental Orthodox leaders at the Vatican - Credit: Vatican Radio/OSSERVATORE ROMANO

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Friday received the participants in a meeting -this week - of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches.

The Oriental Orthodox Churches those Orthodox Eastern Christian churches which recognize only the first three ecumenical councils, and rejected the formulae of the Council of Chalcedon, at which certain central Christological doctrines were dogmatically defined, most especially the dual nature – fully divine and fully human, perfectly united though without mixing, blending or alteration – of Christ.

Click below to hear our report 
http://media02.radiovaticana.va/audio/audio2/mp3/00463660.mp3


In remarks prepared for the occasion and delivered during the noon audience in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, Pope Francis praised the progress of the Commission in its dozen years of work, and called on all participants to continue their journey in a spirit of brotherhood. “I express my hope that this work will bear rich fruit for our common theological research and help us to experience ever more fully our fraternal friendship,” the Holy Father said.

Pope Francis went on to note, with, “dismay and deep sadness,” the ongoing conflicts and crises in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Syria. “I join you,” he said, “in praying for a negotiated solution and in imploring God’s goodness and mercy upon all those affected by this immense tragedy.” The Holy Father continued, saying, “All Christians are called to work together, in mutual acceptance and trust, in order to serve the cause of peace and justice. May the intercession and example of the many martyrs and saints who have borne courageous witness to Christ in all our Churches sustain and strengthen you and your Christian communities.”

Pope Francis concluded his remarks by thanking the participants for their visit, invoking the Lord’s blessings and the maternal protection of Mary on their ministry, and asking in turn for their continued prayers for him.


(from Vatican Radio)

COURTESY: Vatican Radio

Pope Francis to Oriental Orthodox: common witness of suffering

Vatican Radio

VATICAN CITY, Jan.30, 2015—

The Members of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches with the Roman Pope Francis. Credit: Facebook page of Roman Catholic- Oriental Orthodox Dialogue/OSSERVATORE ROMANO

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis of Rome on Friday (Jan. 30, 2015) received the participants in a meeting - this week - of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches. Below, please find the official English text of the Holy Father's remarks.
******************************************
Dear Brothers in Christ,
With great joy I welcome you, the members of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches. Through you, I offer fraternal greetings to my venerable brothers, the heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. I thank His Eminence Anba Bishoy, Co-President of the Commission, for his kind words.
It is gratifying to reflect on the work of your Commission, which began in January 2003 as a joint initiative of the ecclesiastical authorities of the family of the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. In the last ten years the Commission has examined from an historical perspective the ways in which the Churches expressed their communion in the early centuries, and what this can mean for our pursuit of communion today. In the course of this week’s meeting you have also embarked upon a deeper examination of your work on the nature of the sacraments, and of baptism in particular. I express my hope that this work will bear rich fruit for our common theological research and help us to experience ever more fully our fraternal friendship.
With deep appreciation I recall the inspiring commitment to dialogue shown by His Holiness Ignatius Zakka Iwas, Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East, who died this past year. Together with you and his own clergy and faithful, I pray for the eternal rest of this dedicated servant of God.
At this time we especially feel dismay and deep sadness at what is happening in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Syria. I think of all those living in the region, including our Christian brothers and sisters, and many minorities, who are experiencing the effects of a prolonged and painful conflict. I join you in praying for a negotiated solution and in imploring God’s goodness and mercy upon all those affected by this immense tragedy. All Christians are called to work together, in mutual acceptance and trust, in order to serve the cause of peace and justice. May the intercession and example of the many martyrs and saints who have borne courageous witness to Christ in all our Churches sustain and strengthen you and your Christian communities.
Dear brothers, I thank you for your visit. Upon you and your ministry I invoke the Lord’s blessing and the maternal protection of Mary Most Holy. Please pray for me.
(from Vatican Radio)
COURTESY:Vatican Radio

Some more snaps from the Roman Holy Father's meeting with the members of the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox dialogue commission

Oriental Orthodox and Catholics work to conclude joint document

Rome, 27/01/2015--

(Vatican Radio) Representatives of all the Oriental Orthodox Churches are here in Rome this week for a meeting of their International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue with the Catholic Church. During the five day encounter, which began on Monday, participants hope to finalise a joint document on Communion and Communication in the first five centuries of Christianity.

The Oriental Orthodox Churches are amongst the most ancient Christian communities in the world, founded according to tradition by the first apostles in Egypt, Armenia, Syria, India and Ethiopia in the decades following Christ’s death and Resurrection. They have not been in communion with either the Roman Catholic Church or the Byzantine Orthodox world since they officially severed ties in the 5th century.

To find out more, Philippa Hitchen spoke with Fr Gabriel Quicke, who’s in charge of relations with these Oriental Orthodox Churches at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity….

Listen: http://media02.radiovaticana.va/audio/audio2/mp3/00463219.mp3

Fr Gabriel says the new document is significant for Christians today as it highlights the rich heritage the Churches shared in the first five centuries before the divisions took place…

He says the Commission will go on to a new round of discussions on the sacraments, especially the question of Baptism which is still not recognised by some of the Oriental Orthodox Churches…

Fr Gabriel says many of the Oriental Orthodox Church leaders are witnessing an emptying out of their communities because of the lack of security in the Middle East region. He says the solidarity of the Catholic world and the appeals of Pope Francis on behalf of persecuted Christians are very important and much appreciated by the people there…..

Courtesy of Vatican Radio

Syrian Orthodox Patriarch to visit India next month

A seven-member team of Metropolitans will escort the Patriarch during his maiden visit to the state.

Kottayam, 2015 January 24: Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem-II of the Syrian Orthodox Church will arrive in Kochi for an eight-day-long visit on Feb. 7.

A seven-member team of Metropolitans will escort the Patriarch during his maiden visit to the state. Archbishop of Mosul, Iraq, Gregorios Saliba Shamoun, Archbishop of Turabdin Timotheos Samule Aktas, and Malankara affairs secretary Mar Timotheos Mathews will be among those accompanying Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church Ignatius Aphrem II on his visit to India.

He will be received at the Cochin international airport on February 7 by Catholicos Baselios Thomas I of Jacobite Syrian Christian Patriarchal faction (Antiochian Syrian Orthodox Church) and representatives of the State government as he is visiting Kerala as a State guest.

The Patriarch will participate in various programmes organised by the Church on February 9.

On February 11 and 12, Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem-II will take part in the Manjinikkara Church annual festival.

The Patriarch will also deliver a speech at the Maramon Convention the next day. He will attend rituals at various churches in the state during the visit.

Source: New Indian Express,The Hindu (INDIA)