Russian Orthodox Church Synod Recognized the Need for Further Development of Bilateral Projects with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

DECR – OCP News Service – 12/03/2024

Moscow – Russia: Satisfaction with the intensive level of interaction carried out in various areas within the framework of the activities of the Commission for Dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church was expressed by the Holy Synod, which at its meeting on March 12, 2024 heard a report by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

The Commission for Dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Church was established by the decision of the Holy Synod of July 14, 2018. Its priority areas include: joint action to protect Christians; interaction on international platforms; support for traditional moral values; exchange of experience in the media space; providing assistance in the pastoral care of compatriots in Ethiopia and Russia; interchurch cooperation in the diaspora; contacts between representatives of monasticism; development of pilgrimage programs; cooperation in academic, social and youth spheres.The first meeting of the Commission was held from January 21 to 25, 2019 in Addis Ababa, the second meeting was held from February 11 to 16, 2023 in Moscow.

The Holy Synod recognized the need for further development of bilateral projects.

It was also decided to carry out a rotation to approve the following composition of the Commission on the part of the Russian Orthodox Church:

a) Bishop Kirill of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov, vicar of the Holy Trinity Lavra of Sergius, rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, co-chairman of the Commission;

b) Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov), Secretary of the Department for External Church Relations for Inter-Christian Relations, – Secretary of the Commission;

c) Abbess Elisaveta (Pozdnyakova), abbess of the Martha and Mary Convent of Mercy;

d) V.V. Kipshidze, Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Department for Relations of the Church with Society and the Media;

e) S. G. Alferov, employee of the Department of External Church Relations.

Source:

OCP News Service and DECR