Their Holinesses and Beatitudes, the Primates
of the Orthodox Churches in the Middles East, held a meeting that gathered
Theodoros II, Patriarch of Alexandria, John X, Patriarch of Antioch, Theophilos
III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and Chrysostomos II, Archbishop of Cyprus, at
the Cypriot’s Archbishopric Headquarters, on April 18, 2019. In their meeting,
they prayed for peace of the whole world, and for the stability of the local
holy Churches, especially in the Middle East, the region which is going through
many trials. They also supplicated God to establish and strengthen the people
of this region, that the believers may continue their Orthodox witness for the
Risen Christ, especially in this blessed land on which the feet of Christ and
His holy and glorious apostles have trodden, and in the whole world, which is
longing for the message of the Gospel and for the hope of His salvation.
Their Holinesses and Beatitudes stressed
the need to make every effort in order to ensure stability in the Middle East.
They discussed the most important ecclesiastical issues relating to the
consolidation of the Christian presence in this region and the deepening of cooperation
between the local Churches for this purpose. They also appealed to all
responsible people to work hard in order to develop this region, by lifting the
injustice suffered by their peoples, as a result of war, occupation, and the
ensuing economic hardship.
In a private meeting between the
Patriarch of Antioch and the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Their Beatitudes discussed
together in a spirit of sincerity, brotherhood and love, and exchanged views on
the issue related to both Churches. They expressed their sincere determination
and good intention to overcome these problems in the nearest future, in order
for both Churches to reach the sought eucharistic communion.
In addition, Their Holinesses and
Beatitudes, the Primates of Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, discussed the
various ecclesiastical problems that arose at different times in the bosom of
the Orthodox Church and examined possible ways to end these differences. They
also looked into the problems that arose after granting autocephaly to the
Orthodox Church in Ukraine. His Beatitude Chrysostomos, Archbishop of Cyprus,
briefed them on his personal initiative of mediation. After listening to His
Beatitude, the Primates of the three Churches gave their support for his
initiative to carry it for the good of the unity of the Orthodox Church in
Christ Jesus.
In this regard, Their Holiness and
Beatitude called upon all people concerned to work, on the one hand, to achieve
eucharistic unity, which constitutes the fullness of the Church in Christ Jesus,
and on the other hand, to protect the faithful, their churches and their
monasteries against all forms of transgressions and all acts of violence coming
from any side, whatever the causes and motives are.
Their Holinesses and Beatitudes
expressed their sadness at the indifference of various countries and centers of
power regarding the fate of the Archbishops of Aleppo, Paul Yazigi and Youhanna
Ibrahim, pointing out that this year, the sixth anniversary of their abduction
coincides with the beginning of Great and Holy Week.
Finally, the gathered Primates affirmed
their desire and determination to continue communicating and working together
for the benefit of the Church. They also stressed that opinions may differ, but
the Orthodox Church remains One and shining with the Grace of the Lord, the
Incarnate God, carrying on Her path of salvation in this world.
They concluded their meeting by raising
heartfelt prayers to our Lord and God Jesus Christ, Who suffered for us,
that He may quickly sooth by His Divine Grace the wounds of our peoples, and
illuminate by the glorious Light of His Resurrection, that is never overtaken
by night, the hearts of all believers, leading us all to peace and inner
spiritual stillness, and preserving us in the unity of faith and the bond of
love. They also expressed their best wishes to all for a glorious Resurrection.
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου