Jerusalem Patriarch hopes for continuation of Amman meeting
Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos. Photo: rg.profkiosk.ru
On the anniversary of the meeting, which took place on February 26, 2020 in the Jordanian capital city of Amman, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem published an open letter to the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches, in which he recalled why the Amman meeting was conceived and urged “to pursue deeper communion and to address our common challenges together.”
In particular, the Patriarch noted that a year ago they “gathered in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to build our common fellowship in the pursuit of a dialogue of love for the sake of the unity of the Local Orthodox Churches. After two days of prayers and fraternal discussion, we emerged with greater determination to pursue deeper communion, and to address our common challenges together."
According to the Patriarch, none of the Primates imagined that the meeting would be taking place on a cusp of a global coronavirus pandemic, which forced "to lift their hearts from despair and to turn to the Lord who gives us hope." In this context, the Primate of the Jerusalem Church recalled the late Serbian Patriarch Irinej, "who was with us in Jordan, and who is now asleep in the Lord." Thanks to the invention of the vaccine, the Patriarch looks forward to brighter days, and “we are reminded of our common commitment to gather for prayer and fellowship. We pray that this may be possible later this year.”
“Let us continue to uphold one another in prayer, and seek ways in which our Local Orthodox Churches might bring hope, blessing, and joy to one another. For the Apostle Paul says: "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2)," the Patriarch added.
Patriarch Theophilos also exhorted to join together in prayer "for our brother, His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, and our fellow Orthodox Primates," and added that he was looking forward to "to serving together to further the unity of our communion."
As the UOJ previously reported, the Ambassador to Israel again tried to discuss "the development of the OCU” with Patriarch Theophilos.
Read also
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.