Prospects of Theological Dialogue with the Oriental Orthodox Churches are Discussed

A meeting of representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches was held in Chambesy, Switzerland, on 10-13 March 2005, to discuss prospects of pan-Orthodox dialogue with the Oriental Orthodox Churches.

The meeting was chaired by Metropolitan Emmanuel of France (Patriarchate of Constantinople). Taking part in it were Metropolitan Petros of Aksum (Orthodox Church of Alexandria), Dr.Albert Laham (Orthodox Church of Antiochia), Rev.Prof. Nicolae Necula (Romanian Orthodox Church), Bishop Basilios of Trimithos (Orthodox Church of Cyprus), Prof. Ioannis Fountoulis, Prof. Georgios Martzelos (Greek Orthodox Church), Archimandrite Warsonofy (Doroshkevich; Polish Orthodox Church), and Prof. Vlasios Fidas.

The Russian Orthodox Church was represented by Archpriest Valentin Asmus and Sergei N.Govorun, a staff member of the Department for External Church Relations.

Discussed at the meeting was a programme of actions of the Mixed Theological Commission on the Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches, particularly in the light of critical remarks expressed by many Local Orthodox Churches, including the Russian Orthodox Church, on the joint theological statements worked out by the Commission (the Anba Bishoi Monastery-1989 and Chambesy-1990).

The necessity to continue thorough studies of some controversial questions and of unclear formulations in the statements was noted. It was decided to continue the study of the problems of liturgical and pastoral nature within the framework of the two special subcomissions set up for this purpose.