Strengthening Bonds: Working Group Meeting Highlights Cooperation between Russian and Malankara Orthodox Churches

DECR and OCP News Service – 05/09/2024

Moscow- Russia: The third meeting of the Working Group for the Coordination of Bilateral Relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Orthodox Church, held on August 21-25, 2024, in Dubai, resulted in a reaffirmation of strong bilateral ties and plans for future collaboration.

The meeting, co-chaired by Bishop Kirill of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov (Moscow Patriarchate) and Metropolitan Zachariah Nicholovos of Northeast America (Malankara Church), focused on a wide range of areas, including:

• High-level visits and official contacts: Both Churches emphasized the importance of continued communication and exchange of visits at various levels.
• Collaboration on international platforms: The Working Group discussed joint efforts on international platforms, particularly in advocating for the rights of Christians worldwide and addressing issues such as the persecution of Christians in various regions.
• Student exchange programs and academic cooperation: The two Churches reaffirmed their commitment to student exchange programs and academic cooperation, with a focus on theological education, language training, and research collaboration.
• Social ministry and hospital partnerships: The Working Group explored opportunities for cooperation in the field of social ministry, including hospital partnerships, medical exchanges, and collaboration on healthcare initiatives.
• Media outreach and educational materials: The two Churches agreed to continue their efforts in producing educational materials, documentaries, and other media content to promote mutual understanding and awareness of their respective traditions.
• Monastic exchanges and spiritual enrichment: The Working Group discussed the importance of monastic exchanges and spiritual enrichment initiatives, including visits between monks and nuns of both Churches.
• Promoting pilgrimage visits and veneration of saints: The two Churches agreed to promote pilgrimage visits between their believers and to foster mutual veneration of saints.
• Support for Orthodox communities in the Diaspora: The Working Group discussed ways to support Orthodox communities in the Diaspora, particularly in areas where both Churches have a presence.
• Church music festivals and cultural exchange: The Working Group explored opportunities for collaboration in the field of church music and cultural exchange, including joint concerts and festivals.
• Theological consultations: The Working Group recognized the importance of theological consultations and agreed to initiate a process of dialogue and discussion on theological issues.

The meeting resulted in a joint communiqué that outlines specific action points for future collaboration. The Working Group also visited the Malankara Church of St. Thomas the Apostle in Dubai and interacted with the local clergy and community.

The results of the Working Group meeting will be presented to the Primates and Holy Synods of both Churches for approval. This meeting signifies the growing closeness and cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Orthodox Church, and the established Working Group provides a valuable platform for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

Source:

OCP News Service