Patriarchs of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle Call for Peace in Middle East, Condemn Violence in Gaza

Gerges Mounir Hanna – OCP News Service – 11/05/2024

Cairo – Egypt: The Fourteenth Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East concluded today at the Papal Residence in Cairo. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, and Catholicos Aram I, representing the Coptic, Syriac, and Armenian Apostolic Churches respectively, held discussions on a range of pressing issues.

The focus of the meeting centered on the Christian presence in the Middle East, fostering inter-church relations, and the historical significance of ecumenical councils. A joint statement issued at the conclusion outlined areas of agreement between the three Churches.

The statement offered congratulations to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on his re-election. It went on to express deep concern over ongoing conflicts and regional tensions, particularly within the Middle East. The leaders joined international peace advocates in condemning violence, urging the global community to take immediate action to halt the aggression against Gaza. The statement emphasized the need for “meaningful and credible negotiations” to achieve a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, concluding that “Only complete justice can ensure the restoration of comprehensive, true and lasting peace in the Middle East.”

Source:

Coptic Orthodox Church
OCP News Service