Catholic - Oriental Orthodox dialogue continues

Vatican (Orthodox Herald) - International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and all the Oriental Orthodox Churches concluded on Friday, January 27 at the Vatican in Rome.

The weeklong discussions dealt with aspects of communion in the Early Church and ended with an audience with Pope Francis.

The five-day dialogue, which commenced on Monday, was aimed to finalize 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 C.

Fr Gabriel Quicke, who’s in charge of relations with these Oriental Orthodox Churches at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity 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 recognized by some of the Oriental Orthodox Churches…

Dr. Gabriel Mar Gregorios of Thiruvanandapuram Diocese and Dr. Yuhanon Mar Demitrios of Delhi Diocese represented Indian Orthodox Church in the dialogue.