News from the Oriental Orthodox Churches

Edited by James Kirby Tomblin

Syrian Patriarch's historic visit to Kerala

His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch, paid his third visit to the Patriarchal churches in Kerala from 20-28 September, which included special celebrations marking the Silver Jubilee of his enthronement as Patriarch. These began in Kochi on 21 September when some two million faithful participated in an impressive function The Patriarch, accompanied by the Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I arrived in an open Jeep. The joyous crowd waved and cheered His Holiness, the Patriarchal flags were seen everywhere and people were shouting “Long Live the Patriarch! Long Live the Catholicos! Long Live the Antioch-Malankara link!” Police officers and organizers found it very difficult to control the people as they were so enthusiastic. It was one of the biggest crowd the city has seen for many years.

The Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Oommen Chandy, inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations of the enthronement of Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas. He applauded the Patriarch for his great contribution to Christian ecumenism and hoped that his visit would bring prosperity to the Church and the Nation. Chandy also tried to bring into the attention that Kerala was a role model for other states with regard to religious amity.

Delivering the keynote address, Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil, the head of the Syro-Malabar Church in India stressed the role of Antioch and the Patriarchs in Church history. He also recalled the warm relations existing between Rome and Antioch . The bilateral agreement signed between Rome and Antioch in 1984 was a milestone in Church unity. The relations between Rome and Antioch were so warm that Rome invited Mor Ignatius Zakka (when he was only the Metropolitan in charge of Mosul diocese) as an observer in the Second Vatican council. The Cardinal also recalled the visit of the Patriarch to Rome in 1984 and the Pope John Paul II's visit to the Patriarch at Damascus in 2001.

The Patriarch addressing the mammoth gathering, said “Christianity in India is as old as the beginning of the Christian Church. India had the great fortune of having received the gospel of Christ in the first century itself through Apostle St. Thomas. The relationship with the Syrian Orthodox Church in India and the Patriarchate of Antioch started in the first Christian century, was confirmed in the council of Nicea in AD 325. We are glad to note that this ancient tradition is still kept alive.” Referring to the unhappy divisions among Orthodox Christians in India , the Patriarch observed, “While we rejoice in this, as the spiritual head of the church, we are equally saddened that a group has gone astride from the mother church. Unfortunately, this rift has lead to many court cases in India , which has become a disgrace to the entire Christian community in India . As the Supreme head of the church, we have always stood for making peace in the church. In fact, the 1995 verdict of the Honourable Supreme Court of India provided us with an excellent opportunity for peace and unity in the both factions here. However, we missed the opportunity because the other faction was not willing to accept the challenge. We tried our level best to make an amicable settlement on the basis of the honourable Supreme Court Judgment and waited seven years for unity and peace in the church. That was not to be. It was in this context and on the request of our faithful here that we decided to consecrate His Beatitude Baselios Thomas Ist as the Catholicos of our church here. Today when I see this crowd, I am more than convinced that we made a correct decision and a correct choice.”

Referring to the support received from successive governments in Kerala, the Patriarch stated: “When religious fundamentalism and conflicts are destroying nations, Kerala has stood as a model for all nations to learn from. Here, people of all religion live in harmony. We have experienced this during all our visits to India . Minority religions such as Christianity have received royal patronage from the Hindu rulers in the past. Our own church, the Syrian Orthodox Church, has been a beneficiary of this generous attitude of Hindu brothers and sisters. Our Syrian community, in turn has accommodated many aspects of Hindu culture in their social and religious life. We are happy to note that our church has been able to maintain a cordial relationship with all religions here. It is our responsibility to be faithful to our own religious traditions and to be open to others and to respect the faith of the brothers and sisters of other religious traditions. We urge to continue this spirit of cooperation and to take a stronger role in nation building. The church is the extension of God's incarnation in Jesus Christ. Our mission in India is to share the immense joy of Gospel, not forceful conversion. Gospel is to be shared not to be imposed and our challenge is to witness the love of God through our lives. It is our calling to be the voice of the voiceless, the poor and marginalized. We should never entertain a minority complex; rather we should continue to be part and parcel of the national life in India .”

On 23 September the full Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Syrian Jacobite Church , met for the first time in the presence of the Patriarch of Antioch. It decided to broaden the activities of the Church across the country with more focus on indigenisation. The synod also decided to set up more dioceses, consecrate additional bishops and translate the Church liturgy into various regional languages. The Patriarch also consecrated the new church headquarters at Puthenkurishu in Ernakulam District, Kerala, on 24 September. He had previously blessed the site during his last visit in April, 2000. The Complex of the Malankara church was named the ‘Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Centre', in remembrance of the silver jubilee year of the Patriarchal enthronement. When completed, the complex will have a beautiful Chapel, special suites for the Patriarch and dignitaries, the Holy Episcopal Synod Chamber, Working Committee & Managing Committee halls, office rooms for all the office bearers of the Church, central offices for the spiritual organizations of the Church, Library and Archives, suites for the Bishops, guest rooms, dining hall, recreation rooms, kitchen, etc. Designed with a mixture of the traditional Kerala architectural style combined with Christian motifs, it covers a total area of 40,000 square feet over three storeys. It is the first phase of the building that is now completed. The remaining constructions will begin later.

Responding to a question, Catholicos Baselius Thomas I said that the Jacobite Church 's ongoing dispute with the Malankara Orthodox Church was raised at the synod. “We are ready for compromise talks. But before the talks, they should 'freeze' the litigation and should cooperate with the Government for reopening the closed churches, facilitating worship of the members belonging to both the factions.”

One of the most important highlights of the Patriarchal visit was the consecration of the Holy Myron at the Kothamangalam Marthoma Cheriaplly on 25th September. The Patriarch presided, assisted by the Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I, all the Metropolitans of Indian Church and three Metropolitans from Syria .  This is the fourth time in the history of the Church after a gap of 22 years, that the Holy Myron has been consecrated in India . The first two consecration ceremonies were at the Mulanthuruthy Marthoman Church in 1876 & 1911 and the third was at the Manarcad Marth Mariam Church in February 1982.

Later His Holiness visited the tomb of the late Catholicos of the East Mor Baselios Paulose II at Malecuriz Dayro, situated only a few distance away. (In 1980 it was Mor Baselios Paulose II Bava who led the Patriarchal enthronement ceremony.)  The Patriarchal bull appointing Mor Dioscoros Kuriakose as the Metropolitan of Dayro was read on that occasion. From Malecuriz, the Patriarch left for Mulanthuruthy Seminary where he met the Seminary students and the faculty. On 26 September the Patriarch elevated the St. Mary's Church at Manarcad as a ‘universal pilgrim centre' and also declared it as a Cathedral amid chants of ‘let Antioch-Malankara ties last for ever' by thousands of church followers.

Speaking on the occasion His Holiness reminded that the Syrian Church attached much importance to Virgin Mary and her intercession between God and believers. The Patriarch said the Manarcaud St Mary's Church had become a great pilgrim centre where thousands became blessed through prayers; and added that the miracles performed by Virgin Mary here were uncountable. During his sermon he spoke strongly against abortion saying it was a crime committed by men and women and cautioned the faithful against the medical termination of pregnancy. Terming abortion a sin, the Patriarch said the killing of unborn children was on the increase. He called upon all those who have been party to medical termination of pregnancy to repent and receive Eucharist as a means to cleanse themselves of the sin. The Patriarch said the mothers had a duty of offering babies to the world and grooming them in a good way and recalled that Virgin Mary was a role model for men and women.

On 28 September, after 128 years, the ‘Jacobite Syrian Christian Association', today met at the Mulanthuruthy Marthoman church premises for the 2nd time in its history under the presidentship of the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East. It was at the same place the first Syrian Christian Association, which is also known as the ‘Mulanthuruthy Synod' that was held for three days from 27-30 June, 1876, under the president ship of late Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV. The chief organizer of this historic Synod was Saint Gregorios (Parumala Thirumeni) who was the personal secretary to H.H. Patriarch Peter IV.

The final grand public reception was given forthe Patriarch and delegates in the Indoor stadium at Thalkothara Gardens, New Delhi where they were welcomed by thousands of Syrian Christian faithful of outside Kerala diocese.

On 29th September His Holiness led the Mooron koodasso (consecration) of the St. Peter's Patriarchal Cathedral at New Delhi and offered the Holy Qurbono. His Beatitude the Catholicos, the diocesan Metropolitan Mor Thimotheos Thomas and other Metropolitans assisted. That evening the Patriarch called on the Vice President of India Shri. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and the UPA Chairperson Shrimati Sonia Gandhi. The next day morning His Holiness paid homage to the father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi by placing a wreath at Raj Ghat. Later he called on the President of India Shri. A P J Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister Shri. Manmohan Singh and leader of Opposition Shri. L K Advani and expressed thanks for the patronage the Syrian Church is receiving in this great nation.

Iraqi Archbishop Condemns US

During a three-week visit to Britain this summer, Mor Severius Jamil Hawa, Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Church in Baghdad and Basra, gave an interview to BBC News Online criticising the Americans and complaining that the electricity shortage was crippling the city and putting lives at risk. People were sweltering in temperatures of 50C, with no telephones, no jobs, food shortages and increased illness and disorder, he said.

He said that even supporters of the invasion were now losing patience, although he praised the British for getting Basra back on its feet, and said the anti-war stance of the Church of England had prevented a Muslim backlash against Iraqi Christians. His visit included preparing for the proposed visit to Iraq in October by the Archbishop of Canterbury. “Since the Americans have been in Iraq , nothing good has happened for us. What we were looking forward to did not happen. In Basra , it is better because the British know how to administrate and know the thinking of the Iraqi people because they share a history."

Mor Severius said he was unable to say yet whether he was happy to see Saddam Hussein toppled. “There were people suffering under Saddam, but now everyone is unhappy. We cannot say if it will be better or not until power and security are returned.” Saddam Hussein fostered good relations with the Christian Church, giving it money to restore monasteries, and allowing worship without persecution. “Whenever I met Saddam, like anyone else, I met him with happiness, patience and good spirit. And he gave the help I wanted.”

Baath party laws prevented the use of Biblical names or Christian schools, and Muslims who converted to Christianity were killed, but Christianity was allowed to co-exist with Islam and the Catholic communities, with no animosity between the religions. Even as the unpopularity of the West increased, there were no repercussions for Iraq 's Christians because of the anti-war stance of Christians in the UK .

Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle-East

The seventh annual meeting of the heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East : Pope Shenouda III, Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka and Catholicos Aram , took place at St. Mark's Centre in Nasr City , Cairo , on 20 and 21 October.

COMMON DECLARATION

In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

H.H. Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See
of St. Mark,H.H. Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East and H.H. Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Orthodox Church, and the members of the Standing Committee H.E. Metropoolitan Bishoy, H.G. Bishop Moussa, H.E. Metropolitan Theophilus George Saliba, H.E. Metropolitan Elia Bahy, H.E. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, and H.G. Bishop Nareg Alemezian, who are with us, give thanks to God for bringing us together once again in the context of this meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, 20-21 October 2004 at St. Mark Centre, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.

Throughout history, we lived a concrete unity in faith, theology and doctrines. We experienced our oneness through the first three Ecumenical Councils of Nicaea 325, Constantinople 381, and Ephesus 431. We continue to live our unity of faith through church life, and in inter-church and ecumenical relations.

In this seventh meeting we had long discussions on many topics and issues and hereby we present our summary of our deliberations.

I. Inter-Church Relations and Bilateral Dialogues

A. Oriental Orthodox Churches-Eastern Orthodox Churches

•  We are saddened by the tragic passing of His Beatitude Petros VII the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa who was a sincere friend to our family of churches and a distinct church leader committed to work for Orthodox unity.

•  We extend our congratulations to H.B. Theodoros II Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa for his election and upcoming enthronement and wish him a fruitful ministry.

•  We have been informed about the discussions that occurred between Metropolitan Bishoy (co-chairman of theological dialogue) and the monks of the Monastery of St. Gregory in Mount Athos , Greece , concerning the Agreed Statements between the two families of Orthodoxy (1989 and 1990). In the context of his discussions Metropolitan Bishoy presented four papers. His Eminence received an extensive written response exposing their views, concerns and objections, and expressing the progress they noticed in some areas of Christology.

•  The second meeting between our Churches and the Russian Orthodox Church will be hosted by Pope Shenouda III from 13-17 December 2004, at Saint Mark Centre, Nasr City , Cairo . One of the main topics in this meeting is the Christology of the Syrian Orthodox Church, as expressed in the teachings of their highly venerated Saint, Patriarch Severus of Antioch.

•  In the first meeting of the Joint Commission for Relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, in Moscow (September 2001) many obstacles were removed, and several questions raised were answered.

•  In the meeting between Pope Shenouda III and H.H. Bartholomaios I the Ecumenical Patriarch (September 2001) it was clarified that this is the mandate of the joint commission with the Russian Church, and that any theological agreement with them if needed should be conducted in consultation with the Plenary Commission of the dialogue between the two Families.

•  H.E. Metropolitan Bishoy and the new co-chairman H.E. Metropolitan Emmanuel of France will continue their efforts of reassuring the process of theological dialogue of the dialogue between the two Families.

B. Official Theological Dialogue between the Oriental Orthodox
Churches and the Anglican Communion

a. The Church of Eritrea was officially invited to this dialogue which was postponed because of the ordination of Gene Robinson, the openly
homosexual bishop ( 2 November 2003 ).

b. To follow up our Theological dialogue with the Anglican Communion, which was suspended by us because of the ordination of an Anglican homosexual bishop in the USA , we discussed the matter in light of the Lambeth Commission Report. This report was shared with us on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury by Rt. Rev. Bishop Mouneer H. Anis. We have noted that this issue remains a major concern for the Anglican Communion. Once again we affirm our position that all practice and behaviour related to marriage and sexual orientation must be in accord with the biblical and moral teachings of our Churches. We hope that in the near future the Anglican Communion will solve this matter which will enable us to resume our theological dialogue with the Anglican Communion.

C. Official Theological Dialogue Between the Oriental Orthodox
Churches and the Catholic Church

1. The International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches had its first meeting, hosted by H.H. Pope Shenouda III at Saint Mark's Centre, Nasr City , Cairo , from 27 to 30 January 2004 .

2. During the opening session of that meeting, the Co-Chairman of the Commission, H.E. Metropolitan Bishoy read a message from Catholicos Aram I, concerning the use of the title “Catholicos” and “Catholicosate” by the new Armenian Catholic Patriarch and his headquarters. This usage is deemed unacceptable by the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia. The response of the Catholic Co-Chairman of the Commission, H.E. Cardinal Walter Kasper was that he exerted and is still exerting efforts to stop and that the Vatican considers the titles of “Patriarch” and these practices on the part of the Armenian Catholic Patriarch may jeopardize the participation of our three churches in the Official Dialogue with the Catholic Church by our three Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East. This issue will be carried by our representatives to the meeting at the Vatican in November 2004 which will coincide with the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity .Meanwhile, Catholicos Aram I will inform in writing the Heads of all Oriental Orthodox Churches and explain to them the situation. Catholicos Aram I, will also write to H.E. Cardinal Walter Kasper that a delegation of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East will discuss this matter with him at the Vatican in November 2004 in a special meeting notifying him if this problem is not solved our Churches will not participate in the official theological dialogue with the Catholic Church.

3. Concerning our long standing all kinds of unofficial dialogue in Pro-Oriente, we decided in view of the initiation of the official dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church to stop our unofficial dialogue with Pro-Oriente. The authorities of Pro-Oriente should be informed through the Standing Committee of this decision.

4. Presenting his paper on the Official Dialogue between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, H. E. Metropolitan Bishoy gave an important remark that the Assyrian Church of the East is publishing on its official website ( www.cired.org ), what they called erroneously “St. Nestorius' Counter Anathemas against Cyril,” with the first anathema stating “If anyone says that the Emmanuel is true God; and if anyone calls Mary the Mother of God the Word, let him be anathema.” We wondered how this could fit with the Christological Agreement between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East signed in November 1994. This concern was shared with the Roman Catholics.

5. The first part of ecclesiology on the agenda which deals with the church as communion was chosen as the topic of the next meeting of the Commission in Rome , 25-30 January 2005. Points 1-6 and 8 will be taken for discussion according to the agenda prepared by the Preparatory Committee.

6. Representatives from our Churches, other Churches and ecumenical associations are invited by the Vatican to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in the Vatican . This event will take place near the city of Rome , 11-13 November 2004. We will send our representatives to take part in this celebration.

D. Official Theological Dialogue between the Oriental Orthodox
Churches and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (W.A.R.C).

The Executive Committee of W.A.R.C. is considering the possibility
of embarking on the second phase of this dialogue. We have decided to publish the final report of the first phase of the dialogue to replace the incorrect and incomplete reports, published by W.A.R.C. under the title of “First Draft” while the meeting was in progress.

II. ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

A. Consultative Committee

1. Representatives of our Oriental Orthodox Churches have agreed to
meet on 24 January 2005 , in Rome , as a consultative committee of our Family of Churches. This will take place one day before the second meeting of the International Joint Commission with the Catholic Church. This consultative committee will meet on every occasion of theological dialogues or ecumenical meetings to coordinate all the operation and standpoints of our Family.

2. The Family of the Oriental Orthodox Churches is composed of seven
delegations (Coptic, Syrian, Armenians of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenians of the Great House of Cilicia, Ethiopian, Indian and Eritrean). In all bilateral dialogues and ecumenical gatherings when we participate as one Family this structure should be kept. Therefore, we recommend that all the diocesan bishops follow the recommendations in all ecumenical gatherings.

B. Orthodox Church of Eritrea

1. A new Patriarch, H.H. Abune Antonios I, was elected in the Orthodox Tewahedo Church of Eritrea on 5 March 2004 and enthroned as the third Patriarch of this Church, on Sunday, 25 April 2004 . Pope Shenouda III presided at the consecration and enthronement in Asmara , together with the Holy Synod of the Eritrean Orthodox Church and a Coptic Orthodox Delegation that accompanied him. Our congratulations are expressed to H.H. Aboune Antonios I and to the clergy and laity of this Church.

2. Responding to the need of the Church of Eritrea to consecrate Holy Myron (Chrism) in Asmara , Pope Shenouda III together with a Coptic delegation travelled to Asmara from 17-24 September, 2004, where he consecrated the Holy Myron together with H.H. Abune Antonios I and the Holy Synod of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church . Pope Shenouda III, with the concelebration of H.H. Abune Antonios I, also presided at the consecration of the newly built church in the headquarters at the Eritrean Patriarchate in Asmara

3. The laying of the foundation stone of St. Mark Theological College was celebrated by Pope Shenouda III and H.H. Abune Antonios I in the presence of the President of Eritrea, His Excellency Isaias Afwarki.

C. Upcoming Celebrations

1. The Silver Jubilee of the Enthronement of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I will be celebrated on 14 September 2005 , in Damascus , Syria . In the start of his silver Jubilee year Patriarch Mar Zakka I visited India and received by his clergy and people (2 milion members of Church), Catholicos Mar Basilious Thomas together with his 17 metropolitans and bishops, met with the official meeting with the president and prime minister of India. The prime minister of Kerala (in India ) was in permanent company along the visit of the Antiochene Pontiff.

2. The 10th anniversary of the Consecration of H.H. Catholicos Aram I and the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Theological Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia will be celebrated 20-27 June 2005, in Antelias , Lebanon .

D. Activities of sects in countries where the faithful of the
Oriental Orthodox Churches live

It is clearly noticed that under western pressure, many countries where Oriental Orthodox Churches exist, dangerous sects, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Adventists etc., are now being allowed or may be allowed in the near future to have recognition from the states and to start their manipulating activities against the Orthodox Christian faith, supported by huge financial resources coming from the West, with suspected Zionist support. It is our duty to reinforce the understanding of our people to their Orthodox beliefs and to be prepared to respond to the claims of these heretical groups. Many publications, audio-visual and electronic programmes, youth and Sunday School curriculum should be produced, together with visitations by the clergy to the homes of the faithful. Our faithful should be alerted to the visits by these sects home by home. With great pain we learned in Armenia of a new law recognizing Jehovah's Witnesses as a legal religious organization.

III. ECUMENICAL COLLABORATION

A. World Council of Churches  

As members of the WCC we support the work of the Council and through our representatives we continue to bring our active participation in the ecumenical work of the Council. We were informed that the WCC Commission on Faith and Order met in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia , from 28 July - 6 August. We were informed that the 9th General Assembly of the WCC will be held in Porto Alegre , Brazil , 14-23 February 2006. An Orthodox Pre-Assembly Meeting will convene 10-17 January 2005, in Rhodes , Greece . We also learned that the WCC will convene the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Athens , Greece May 2005.

B. Middle East Council of Churches

1.The MECC remains for our Churches in this region and important ecumenical organization. We have been founders of the MECC and our Churches have played an important role in the work of the Council. We will continue to encourage and support fully the work of this Council.

2. The Eighth General Assembly held in Cyprus in December 2003 elected Pope Shenouda III as the President representing the Oriental Orthodox Family of Churches. The General Assembly also elected, Mr. Guirguis Ibrahim Saleh, nominated by the Oriental Orthodox Family in the Middle East , to become the new General Secretary. We appreciate and we support all his plans and his work aimed at re-strengthening the MECC. We would like to express our full support and appreciation to Mr. Guirguis Saleh, since we have seen how he is capable and able to perform his ecumenical role through increasingly developing relations with the Heads of Churches in the Middle East . His spiritual trends are clearly affecting the daily life of the personnel of the Council.

3.The Executive Committee appointed Mr. Razig Suriani as the director
of the Unit on Education and Renewal for a second term and Mrs. Seta Khedeshian as the director of the Unit on Life and Service.

4. The Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) in its last planning committee meeting in Cairo, held in October 2004, elected Rev. Fr. Daniel Korea from the Syrian Orthodox Church was elected upon the nomination of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I, as the new Executive Secretary of ATIME for a three year term, which can be renewed.

5. We welcome the decision taken by the Executive Committee of the MECC to reemphasize the importance of Christian-Muslim dialogue in the region and give more visibility and efficiency to this concern by establishing a new committee. We expect that these decisions will be implemented soon because we believe that Christian-Muslim dialogue is of special importance to the region.

C. The Consultation between the Representatives of the Oriental
Orthodox Churches and the United Bible Societies (U.B.S.)

1. The first meeting with the U.B.S. was held at the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias , Lebanon , 11-12 February 2004, by the invitation of Catholicos Aram I. It was agreed that the request of the Oriental Orthodox Churches to have special translations of the Holy Bible for their churches fully coinciding with their canons and dogma in full accordance with the original texts of the Holy Bible in its original language.

IV. ORIENTAL ORTHODOX SUBCOMMITTEES

We were informed of the activities of the three subcommittees respectively the Subcommittees for Theological Seminaries, Youth and Publications. We bless and encourage them to continue their fruitful activities for our churches.

VI. JUSTICE AND PEACE

The prevailing situation in the world in general and in the Middle East in particular has been part of our constant concern and ongoing discussions. We renew the commitment of our Churches to peace with justice. We strongly condemn all forms and expressions of violence and urge all to engage in processes and actions aimed at conflict resolution through mutual love, respect and trust.

The escalation of violence and confusion in Iraq worries us. In this situation this country is losing its people either by killing or immigration. We urge all the citizens of Iraq of all religions and culture to feel their responsibility towards their country and one another. We call on all nations to help the people to Iraq to restore their country to its independence and sovereignty with the full participation of all Muslim and Christian communities in Iraq .

We renew our calls for a return to the peace process with a particular focus on the establishment of a Palestinian state and the right to return for the Palestinians. True and lasting peace will only be realized when justice and dignity is upheld and maintained and when Israel according to U.N. Security Council Resolutions withdraw from Arab and Palestinian territories.

We look towards the Holy Lands in the Middle East , in which our Lord Jesus Christ was born, and pray that it may become again a land of peace and tolerance with rights returning to the deprived.

VII. NEXT MEETING OF THE HEADS AND THE STANDING COMMITTEE

God willing, the next meeting will be held in St. Ephrem Monastery, Ma'arat Sadnaya, Damascus , Syria , from 6-8 December 2005 for the Standing Committee and from 9-10 December 2005 for the Heads.

Having completed this meeting, we offer prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord for guiding our deliberations and work. We ask our Lord to grant us His grace and wisdom to continue our efforts in maintaining and preserving the Apostolic faith and the unity of His holy Church. We pray that God may grant to our people and to the world the hope that His peace, justice and goodness will prevail.

We thank the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria for its fraternal love and gracious hospitality. We extend our thanks to all those who laboured, prayed and assisted us for the success of this meeting.

Glory be to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

21 October 2004

St. Mark Centre of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Nasr City , Cairo , Egypt .

Pope Shenouda III Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Catholicos Aram I  

Newly renovated Seminary reopened

On 5 August Catholicos Karekin II of Armenia presided over the ceremonies marking the reopening of the Kevorkian Theological Seminary at Holy Etchmiadzin. Founded by Catholicos Kevork IV in 1874 it has played an important role in the recent life of the Armenian Church. Its restoration was made possible through the generosity of Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian of the United States .

Catholicos Karekin in Ukraine

The local Armenian Apostolic church was ruined in the 1930s. Its reconstruction united the local Armenian community, which now numbers more than 10,000. The catholicos celebrated the first Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Resurrection. Construction work on the church complex, on the Sunday school in particular, will continue.

According to Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Information Services, the Church of the Holy Resurrection is the first Armenian church in all of eastern Ukraine.

The visit of Catholicos Karekin II to Kharkiv has been the second visit of a church primate in the city's history. Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexis I (Simansky) visited Kharkiv in 1945.

Kharkiv also has a small Armenian Catholic community. They hold Liturgies periodically at the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Most Holy Virgin Mary of the Kharkiv-Zaporizhia diocese.

Akhtamar Church Targeted for Shooting Practice, Treasure Hunts

The Istanbul-based Marmara Armenian newspaper reports that sculptures on the historic Church on the island of Akhtamar , in Lake Van in Eastern Turkey , are being used as targets for shooting practice by visitors. A photo accompanying the article in the Turkish Newspaper Milliyet reveals the pierced images. Reporting from Van, writer Cukran Bakan says that a guard is posted at the historical site only during visiting hours, and only during the summer season. Though visitors routinely arrive to the island to practice their shooting, visitors have also begun to dig underneath the church for hidden treasure. A professor of Ancient Studies at Van's Yuzuncu Yil University says that people have the notion that there are treasures buried in Van. A guard at the Akhtamar Church was even caught and arrested for digging for treasure.

Aram I expresses concerns over Turkey 's EU bid

Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia, recently expressed his deep concern about Turkey 's EU bid, stating, “The European community was not established only on economic interests and political collaboration. It is fundamentally a community of human values which ensures the identity, integrity, and unity of Europe , and gives a particular place and role to Europe within the international community. Among these values, human rights occupy an important place.”

Highlighting Turkey 's notorious human rights record, the Cathlicos remarked, “To what degree and in what way are human rights accepted, respected, and practiced within Turkey ? Turkey still ignores its immediate past - it still has failed to recognize the genocide planned and executed by Ottoman Turkey in 1915. I believe that the recognition of the Armenian genocide by Turkey is not only an ‘Armenian problem.' It is an issue that impacts the international community, since it deals with the fundamental issues of justice and human rights. The recognition of the Armenian genocide by Turkey must be taken very seriously by Europe , as Turkey is trying by all means to become a full member of Europe .”

In concluding his remarks, Aram I said, “In this globalized world of ours nations, religions, cultures, and civilizations must live together on the basis of peaceful coexistence. But living together as good neighbors and as part of the broader community implies that we must accept our faults, affirm truths, and recognize the rights of others. The foundation of a real community is built on mutual trust and justice. Therefore, it is my firm expectation that beyond economic and political interests, Europe will continue to remain firmly attached to basic human values. It is the expectation and hope of Armenians all over the world that the government of Turkey will reaffirm the truth by recognizing the historical validity of the Armenian genocide.”

Insurgents bomb churches in Baghdad

On 8 November, a bomb exploded near St. George's Chaldean Catholic Church in the southern Doura district of Baghdad. Minutes later masked men detonated a second car bomb near a Syriac Orthodox church in southern Baghdad and police at the scene said three people were killed and 34 wounded. A guard at the St. Bahnam and St. Mattay Syriac Orthodox Church in the capital's Doura neighbourhood said the militants drove up in a pickup truck. “They were all armed,” said Khalaf Enad. “They quickly poured out of the car, pointed their weapons at me and said ‘Get in.' They opened fire for over a minute and then I heard a big explosion.”

The blast created a crater over 12 feet wide and 3 feet deep. Deacon Matti Qeryaqos, who lives nearby, said the explosion shattered church windows and blew the doors off their hinges, collapsing the outer wall. He said there was no service at the church at the time of the blast, and that the dead and wounded were mostly neighbours. Mohammed Aziz said strong explosions rocked the area. “I felt my house shaking three times and then saw the fire set in the church.” Police sealed off the area and fired bullets in the air to disperse the crowd, according to another witness, Lyon Emad Elias, whose home faces the church.

The following day a bomb exploded next to the Armenian Apostolic Church of Baghdad, causing some structural damage. It appears that the Armenian church was the main target of the attack. The news comes as reports continue that Christians are being driven from Iraq with escalating violence and threats against them.

Condemning the violence, Catholicos Karekin II of Etchimiadzin, warned of a “danger to the centuries-old co-existence of the Christian and Islamic peoples” of Iraq , and urged Iraqi spiritual leaders to prevent the continuing unrest in the country from degenerating into a religious conflict. This was echoed by Pope John Paul II who declared, “I express my spiritual closeness to the faithful, shocked by the attacks.” The harshest condemnation came from Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia, “I cannot understand and accept these bombings of churches in Iraq . How such a thing happens between followers of two religions who have lived together for centuries as one community and as good neighbours. I cannot understand such an attitude towards Christians who have been inseparable part of the Middle Eastern society and have played a major role in all aspects of the society life. I consider these bombings serious attempts aimed at endangering the Christian-Moslem co-existence, undermining the importance of common values and aspirations which have sustained the life of the Middle Eastern societies, and questioning the importance of human rights and religious liberties. Such attempts also underestimate the unity of the Arab world and the credibility of the Arab cause. Therefore, I urge and appeal to the leaderships of Christian and Moslem communities in Iraq to come together and to re-affirm the Christian-Moslem co-existence as well as their national unity.”

Prince Charles at Syrian Monastery

On 26 October 2004 Prince Charles visited the 7000 year old city of Mardin in S.E. Turkey and visited the 5th century Syriac Orthodox Kirklar Church and the erstwhile seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch at Deir as Za'faran (Kurkmo Dayro). He was received at the Saffron monastery by the Archbishop Samuel Ozmen of the monastery and Archbishop Mor Timotheos Samuel Atkas of Mor Gabriel monastery in Midyat. The archbishops presented a Holy Bible in Syriac to the Prince. Prince Charles also visited the Kasimiye Madrasah, a 535-year-old Muslim religious school, and the 690-year-old Latifiye mosque.

British Museum and Ethiopian Religious artefacts  

On a shelf in a locked basement room underneath the British Museum are kept 11 wooden tablets which are covered in purple velvet. No member of the museum staff - including director Neil MacGregor - is permitted to enter the room. The tablets - or tabots - are sacred objects in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the most important of the 500 or so priceless Magdala treasures, looted by Britain from Ethiopia in 1868.

For almost two decades, the only people allowed access have been Ethiopian Church clergy; it is considered sacrilegious for anyone else to see them. Now, as pressure is mounting for the return of the treasures, the British Museum has moved them from a storage site to its Bloomsbury main building and announced it is considering loaning them to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in London on what would be a permanent basis.

New Malankara Saint

The late Paulose Mar Athanasius of the Malankara Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, known as the ‘defender of faith' and the ‘Valiya Thirumeni of Aluva,' was canonized as saint by the Patriarch, Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka I, head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church. He is the second Indian to be raised to the status of sainthood after Chathuruthil Geevarghese Mar Gregorios (Parumala Thirumeni).

The announcement was made at the Patriarchal Cathedral at Damascus . The Patrirachal declaration was also read in India at the Akaparambu Mor Sabor Apfroth Church . The Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I and the members of Holy Synod were present during the ceremony at Akaparambu Church .

Mar Athanasius was born at Nayathodu, Akapparambu, in 1869, and died on January 26, 1953 . He had been selected Metropolitan of Malankara in 1935.

The canonization had been made prior to the apostolic visit of the Patriarch to India from September 20. The Patriarch will lay the stone for the first church in the name of the Canonized Metropolitan.

Relic of Apostle Thomas at Niranam  

On 21 December the Holy Relics of the Apostle St. Thomas were consecrated at Niranam ‘Valiya Palli'. In connection with this the memorial festival of the Apostle was held in the church from 17-21 December. The Catholicos of the East and the Malankara Metropolitan, Baselius Mar Thoma Mathews II, installed the Holy relics of St. Thomas at the Smriti Mandiram attached to the St. Mary's Orthodox Church at Niranam near Thiruvalla ( India ) this forenoon. Hundreds of the faithful from different parts of Niranam diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church attended the installation ceremony led by the Catholicos in an
atmosphere charged with devotion.

St. Thomas , the Apostle of Jesus Christ, came to India in AD 52 and the ancient Niranom Church is believed to be the third Church in India founded by the Apostle in AD 54. The present church had been rebuilt 92 years ago. Hippolytus who lived in the latter part of the second century and earlier part of the third century mentions the martyrdom of St. Thomas at Calamina, presently Mylapore in Tamil Nadu. The removal of the bones (relics) of St. Thomas from Mylapore to Edessa in Persia is believed to have taken place in the third century. A portion of the Holy relics was brought to the Devalokam Bishop's House near Kottayam at the instance of the Catholicos Baselius Augen I in 1965. Part of the Holy relics being kept at the Devalokam Bishop's House and at Mosul in Iraq have been brought to the Niranom Church recently for installing it at the Smriti Mandiram. The installation of the Holy relics had been done to coincide with the 1932nd feast of the Saint. The Catholicos led the Holy Eucharist as part of the installation ceremony. The Holy relics are kept in a silver box weighing five kgs and it was brought from the church in a procession after the Holy Eucharist. The Catholicos installed the Holy relics at the specially built Smriti Mandapam after performing the customary rites. This is for the first time the Holy relics have been installed at a church founded by the Apostle himself.

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