Joint Commission of Russian and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches Convenes

ESG – OCP News Service – 26/09/2024

Addis Ababa- Ethiopia: The Third Meeting of the Commission for Dialogue Between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church commenced in Addis Ababa on Monday, September 23, 2024. The commission, with the blessings of His Holiness Patriarch-Catholicos Abune Matthias of Ethiopia and His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, convened at Holy Trinity University for discussions.

Representatives from both sides, including His Grace Bishop Kirill of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov, abbot of the Lavra of the Holy Trinity and St. Sergius and rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, co-chair of the Commission, who joined via zoom; and Hieromonk Stephan (Igumnov), DECR secretary for inter-Christian relations, secretary of the Commission, who led the Russian delegation with three members, from the Russian Church, and His Grace Archbishop Filipos of South Omo, rector of the Holy Trinity University, co-chair of the Commission; Rev. Daniel Seifemichael Feleke, head of the Ethiopian Church Department for External Relations, secretary of the Commission; Nibure Ed Elias Abraha, vice chancellor of the Spiritual Sector of the Patriarchate, Prof. Abba Haile Gabriel Girma, vice academic president of Holy Trinity university from the Ethiopian Church, participated in the meeting.

Rev. Daniel Seifemichael, secretary of the Commission, presented a report highlighting the strengthening relationship between the two churches and the practical cooperation that has developed.

On the second day of the conference (Tuesday, September 24, 2024), the Russian delegation met with His Holiness Abune Matthias, who expressed his appreciation for the dialogue and stressed the importance of continuing the discussions. The Primate conveyed to the delegates the love and honor he has for the Russian Church and Its Patriarch.

The commission also addressed Pope Francis’ stance on same-sex marriage, declaring it to be against religious values, immoral and against nature.

The joint commission is expected to discuss various agendas and reach joint decisions over the course of the meeting. The aim of the dialogue is to address common issues facing both churches.

Sources:
Tewahedo Media Center
Addis Ababa Diocese Media
Holy Trinity University Public Relations