Patriarch Theodore – to Coptic Patriarch: “Our Churches are one Church”

Patriarch Theodore and Patriarch Tavadros II. Photo: romfea.gr

On January 20, 2020, Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria congratulated the Head of the Coptic Church, Patriarch Tavadros II, on the Feast of the Epiphany and stated that the Alexandrian and Coptic Churches are a single Church led by Jesus Christ, reports Romfea.

Patriarch Theodore noted the missionary work of the Church of Alexandria in Africa, having discussed the difficulty of working on the continent with the Head of the Copts.

“Our Churches are one Church led by Jesus Christ,” the First Hierarch declared. “I know that you are praying because you have flocks, but the earth is flooded with the blood of members of the Coptic Church.”

In turn, Patriarch Tavadros II thanked the Primate of the Church of Alexandria for his fraternal visit and congratulations. “Every time I meet you, I feel inner joy. <...>

We have one name, we work in the same area, and we are the children of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark,” said the Head of the Copts.

As the UOJ wrote, due to the anti-canonical actions of Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria, the Russian Orthodox Church withdrew its parishes, located on the African continent, from the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

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