Assembly in Jordan: Press Release

Photo: orthodoxia.info Photo: orthodoxia.info     

Following the initiative for dialogue and reconciliation announced by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III in November 2019, the Amman Fraternal Familial Gathering was hosted today in the capital of Jordan, with attendance of Primates and Delegations from various Orthodox churches. The purpose of the gathering was to renew dialogue and promote unity between brothers within the Orthodox Communion.

On the conclusion of the gathering, the Primates and Delegates issued the following statement:

On February 26, 2020, a meeting of Primates and representatives of Local Orthodox Churches was held in Amman, Jordan, with the primary view of unity and reconciliation within Holy Orthodoxy. The participants noted their understanding of the anguish of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem for the imminent danger of schism within our Orthodox Communion.

Participating in the meeting were delegations of: the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem led by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, the Russian Orthodox Church led by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the Serbian Orthodox Church led by His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, the Romanian Orthodox Church led by His Eminence Metropolitan Nifon of Targoviste, the Polish Orthodox Church led by His Eminence Archbishop Abel of Lublin and Chełm, and the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Rastislav of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.

The participants expressed their gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Hashemite Custodian of the Christian and Muslim Holy Places in the Holy Land and to the people of Jordan for facilitating the hosting of this gathering in their capital city, Amman, noting His Majesty’s outstanding work in promoting interfaith dialogue internationally.

The participants also thanked the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos for all the relentless efforts aimed at paving the way for dialogue and bringing brothers together in the precious spirit of unity, noting that the light that emanates from Jerusalem stands as a witness to that Holy City which continuously proclaims its multi-faith and multicultural tapestry rejoicing in its existence as the warm home for the three Abrahamic faiths, Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

The delegations declared that this gathering was to strengthen the fraternal bonds between brothers and their churches, to promote the bonds of peace in Christ among them, to advocate for the unity of the Orthodox churches, and to renew dialogue in the prayerful hope of bringing reconciliation where there has been discord.

In the atmosphere of fraternal love, those gathered for the meeting agreed that decisions concerning issues of Orthodox-wide importance, including the granting of autocephaly to particular Churches, should be finalised in a spirit of pan-Orthodox dialogue and unity, and with pan-Orthodox consensus.

Concerning the current ecclesiastical situation in the Ukraine the participants also recognised that a pan-Orthodox dialogue is necessary for healing and reconciliation.

In the matter concerning North Macedonia, the delegations stated that this matter is to be solved through dialogue within the Serbian Orthodox Church and with pan-Orthodox support.

Regarding Montenegro, the participating delegations urged the relevant authorities to respect and uphold the fundamental right of ownership of property including that of the Church.

The delegations agreed that they should gather as brothers, preferably before the end of this year, to strengthen the bonds of fellowship through prayer and dialogue. The participants hope that His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with his known seniority of honour (πρεσβεια τιμήs) will join this dialogue along with his brother Primates.

The delegations embraced the call of their brother Patriarch Theophilos III to hold a prayer for the world, for an end to war, sickness and suffering, and for all the Christians as well as for the unity of the Orthodox Church. This prayer is to be held in the Mother Church, the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) in Jerusalem, before the Holy Tomb of Christ, from which He rose and proclaims peace to the world.

Comments
Fr William Bauer2/27/2020 7:20 pm
Thanks for this news that we can talk to each other.
Athanasios bitar2/27/2020 8:58 am
What is the benefit of prayer if each person hold fast to his own opinion?
Theophan Steele2/27/2020 5:58 am
It seems they are working on commonality in order to move towards issues that may prove to be more challenging, Lord have mercy on our Bishops. Through the prayers of Monk Eulogios, Archbishop of Alexandria, who struggled against heresies of his time, may our struggles be fruitful.
Maximus 2/27/2020 4:12 am
“Abrahamic faiths?” “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad."” ‭‭John‬ ‭8:56‬ ‭
Gary Cox2/27/2020 3:42 am
Even though this is not what I had hoped for, I will submit to the Patriarchs. I know they are trying to prevent a permanent split in the Church. It will take some time but it can't drag on forever. If they can convince Constantinople to give up their silly claims of superiority then we can have unity. If this drags on too long then people will leave jurisdictions for ROCOR. And I will one of them. This being in communion with schismatics is something I can't stand.
Theodoros2/27/2020 3:01 am
This was a good beginning and it looks like they Covered a lot of ground. However no reference to The political and governmental interference from Washington that instigated the whole crisis is Mentioned. I know this is a beginning but church Leaders have to address all the instigators Involved. Patriarch bartholomew had partners in These events. There is no reason to think that Washington will stop. We have seen oppression Of the church in Kiev extend to Montenegro. Also it is unlikely patriarch bartholomew will attend Any council he does not control. Next time around It is time to talk about deposing him.
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