Latest news with #TawadrosII
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Orthodox Church rejects joint declaration backing Jacobite faction
Taking a strong exception to a common declaration by the heads of three Oriental Orthodox Churches in West Asia, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church here on Tuesday maintained that the declaration was issued by a regional body without any real authority. Though the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church welcomed the peace mediation efforts initiated by the heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, it firmly denounced the other contents in the joint declaration, which endorsed the decision of the Universal Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch to refrain from participating in any liturgical celebration and formal theological dialogues with the Orthodox faction. In a statement from its Department of Inter-Church Ecumenical Relations, the Orthodox Church emphasised its independent (autocephalous) status and unique apostolic tradition within the Oriental Orthodox family. It noted that since 2017, it has pushed back against efforts by the Antiochian Church to isolate the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church from global Orthodox gatherings, both legally and theologically. 'Regional assembly' While declaring that the decision was made by a regional assembly of the leaders of the three Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, the Orthodox church also contended that these leaders were misled by the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch. 'Neither the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Etchmiadzin, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, nor the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church were involved in the joint declaration. Apart from local groups and pan-Oriental dialogue platforms, there is currently no single representative body that speaks for all Oriental Orthodox Churches,' stated Inter-Church Ecumenical Relations department of the Orthodox Church. The said declaration, which followed the 15th meeting of the heads of three Oriental Orthodox Churches in West Asia the other day, stated that 'Pope Tawadros II and Catholicos Aram I expressed their solidarity and support regarding the decision'' of the universal synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch not to participate in any liturgical celebration and formal theological dialogues in the presence of the representatives of the separated faction of the Church in India. Meanwhile, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church also reiterated its objection to the recent consecration of Mar Baselios Joseph as the new Catholicos of the Jacobite Church by Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch. It alleged that this act was an attempt to create a parallel leadership structure within the Malankara Church. The Orthodox Church claimed this move violated the Church's constitution and was aimed at gaining international recognition for the Jacobite faction.
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Pope Tawadros II praises Lebanon progress under President Aoun - Foreign Affairs
Pope Tawadros II, the head of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church, praised on Monday the noticeable improvements in Lebanon's security and economic conditions under President Joseph Aoun's guidance. The pope made these remarks during his meeting with the Lebanese president and his accompanying delegation at the Papal Residence in Cairo. Pope Tawadros II welcomed President Aoun's first-of-its-kind visit to the Coptic Orthodox Church. During their meeting, the pope highlighted Lebanon's special position in Egyptians' hearts and expressed his hopes for its swift recovery and prosperity. He also spoke about the ancient heritage of the Coptic Church, founded in the first century, praising its strong ties with all institutions and components of the Egyptian state. For his part, President Aoun thanked the pope for his warm reception. Aoun noted that he, alongside the Lebanese government and parliament, is focused on moving forward and overcoming past hardships that deeply affected the country. The Lebanese president also emphasized his resolve to prevent Lebanon from relapsing into former crises, expressing confidence that the support of allies, especially Egypt and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, would help Lebanon reclaim its strength. Furthermore, Aoun affirmed the deep bond between the Lebanese and the Egyptian peoples, inviting the pope to visit Lebanon soon. After the meeting, the Lebanese president wrote a message of appreciation in the official guestbook before touring St. Mark's Cathedral, where he learned about its historical background, structure, and key milestones. Earlier Monday, Aoun arrived in Cairo on his first official visit to Egypt since taking office in January. He also met with President El-Sisi, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb, and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Three Oriental Orthodox Churches seek to resolve dispute in Malankara Church
The efforts to resolve the dispute within the Malankara Church have received a boost with three Oriental Orthodox Churches stepping in to facilitate peace negotiations. According to sources, the 15th meeting of the heads of three Oriental Orthodox Churches in West Asia at St. Bishoy's Monastery in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt, the other day decided to invite Catholicos Baselios Joseph, head of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, and Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Orthodox Church, to Cairo for discussions As per the decision, Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark; and Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Orthodox Church of the Great House of Cilicia; will lead the discussions in the presence of Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and head of the Syriac Orthodox Church. The date and further details will be released in accordance with the responses of both factions. Common declaration At the same time, a common declaration of the heads of the three Churches stated that 'Pope Tawadros II and Catholicos Aram I expressed their solidarity and support regarding the decision'' of the universal synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch not to participate in any liturgical celebration and formal theological dialogues in the presence of the representatives of the separated faction of the Church in India. Orthodox Church sources said they would not accept the decisions taken by only three Oriental Orthodox Churches. 'There are seven Oriental Orthodox Churches, including the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The decisions were taken in the absence of the Orthodox Churches of Ethiopia, Eretria, and Armenian Apostolic Church, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. They have no right to take such a decision,' they said. The Orthodox Church raised questions about the legitimacy of the universal synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. 'To date, the Oriental Orthodox Churches have not taken any decisions regarding the participation of liturgical celebrations and theological dialogues,' said a priest. The Jacobite faction, on its part, welcomed the decisions taken by the Oriental Orthodox Churches, noting that the call from the leaders of the Oriental Orthodox Churches should be embraced with an open mind. The Oriental Orthodox Churches reject the dogmatic definitions of the Council of Chalcedon in AD 451 AD and recognise only the first three ecumenical councils of Nicaea (325), Constantinople (381), and Ephesus (431) whereas the Eastern Orthodox Churches recognise seven ecumenical councils including the first three. The Armenian Apostolic Church has two Catholicosates: the Catholicosate of All Armenians (headquartered in Etchmiadzin) and the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia (headquartered in Antelias, Lebanon).
Al-Ahram Weekly
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church congratulates Catholic church on election of Pope Leo XIV - Foreign Affairs
The Coptic Orthodox Church, led by Pope Tawadros II and its Holy Synod, congratulated the global Catholic Church on the election of Cardinal Robert Francis as the 267th Pope of the Vatican. On Thursday, Robert Francis Prevost became the first pope from the United States after cardinals worldwide elected him to lead the Catholic Church's 1.4 billion followers, taking the name Leo XIV. 'We pray that the Lord may grant him grace and wisdom in leading the Catholic Church, support him in the immense responsibilities required of the one seated on the Apostolic See of Rome, enable him to bear witness to Christ everywhere, and uphold true faith values and authentic Christian principles,' read the Coptic Orthodox Church's statement. Pope Leo XIV succeeded Pope Francis, who died on 21 April at the age of 88. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Today
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Pope Tawadros inaugurates first Coptic Orthodox Church in Romania
FILE - Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark CAIRO – 3 May 2025: Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, inaugurated the Church of St. Mina the Martyr in Bucharest—the first Coptic Orthodox Church in Romania. The inauguration was part of his ongoing pastoral visit to Romania, within the broader framework of his tour of the Diocese of Central Europe, which commenced on April 25. Accompanying Pope Tawadros were Bishop Giovanni of the Diocese of Central Europe and 11 other Coptic Orthodox bishops from across Europe, who participated in the inauguration prayers. Pope Tawadros II met with Bishop Giovanni on Friday to discuss the mission and role of the Coptic Church in Europe.
