Successful Armenian mediation between the Coptic and Ethiopian Churches

 

Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia and Patriarch Paulos of the Church of Ethiopia arrived in Cairo on 13 July 2007. Patriarch Paulos was accompanied by a delegation of ten bishops. A delegation of bishops and secular representatives from the Coptic Church welcomed the two spiritual leaders at the airport.

 

Patriarch Shenouda III, who was in medical care in the United States, had arrived a day before to attend the reconciliation meeting between the Coptic and Ethiopian Churches. Surrounded with bishops, Patriarch Shenouda III greeted Catholicos Aram I and Patriarch Paulos. A public reception in honor of the spiritual leaders was held in the Patriarchate?s large yard, which was decorated with huge images of the three spiritual leaders and words of welcome.

 

 

Prior to the signing of the Joint Declaration, a service was held in the cathedral. Patriarch Shenouda stressing the historical importance of this meeting and expressing his deep appreciations for the crucial role the Armenian Pontiff played in this initiative. Following the speeches, Metropolitan Bishoy from the Coptic Church, Bishop Nareg Alemezian from the Catholicosate of Cilicia and Archbishop Abba Timothy from the Ethiopian Church read the Joint Declaration which was later signed by the three spiritual leaders.

 

The Joint Declaration underlines the unity of faith of the Oriental Orthodox Church and the need to preserve and strengthen it with cooperation. 

 

Patriarch Shenouda organized an official luncheon in the evening in honor of the two spiritual leaders and their delegations.

 

 

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ADDITIONAL READING

 

 

The Coptic and Ethiopian Churches have had serious differences particularly in administrative issues during the last 40 years. These differences have drifted the two churches apart throughout this period. Many spiritual and political leaders tried to find a common ground between them; all attempts, however, remained fruitless.

 

His Holiness Aram I finally succeeded in reconciling these two churches of the Oriental Orthodox family thanks to his close ties with their two spiritual leaders, Patriarchs Shnouda III and Abba Paulos, and his unending efforts in this respect.

 

The first phase of reconciliation began in Addis Ababa during the Armenian Pontiff?s visit to Ethiopia. The delegation he headed (its members being Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer, V. Rev. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer and national philanthropist Gabriel Chemberdjian) held a meeting with the Holy Synod. Over 50 bishops attended the meeting (photo available here).

 

Speaking on behalf of the Synod, Patriarch Paulos thanked Catholicos Aram I for this historical achievement. The Armenian Pontiff then said that despite existing difficulties he continued working with both spiritual leaders to achieve internal unity between the two churches. He said it was the Holy Spirit that drove everyone towards this good work.

 

In front of the Synod as a witness, Catholicos Aram I and Patriach Paulos then signed a Joint Declaration. Bishop Nareg read the English version of the declaration and Bishop Karima, the Ethiopian version of the document, before it was signed.

 

As a reminder of this historic event, His Holiness Aram I planted a tree at the entrance of the new Patriarchate (photo available here). Patriarch Paulos and the Synod then organized a luncheon in honor of His Holiness Aram I. Speeches were given and souvenirs exchanged during the event. On the occasion of his historic visit, His Holiness distributed souvenirs to all the bishops present at the event.

 

Read also: Aram I meets with the President of Ethiopia

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