The Fifth Session of the Dialogue Commission between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Assyrian Church of the East Commences

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On June 17, 2024, the fifth session of the Dialogue Commission between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Assyrian Church of the East began in Saransk. This meeting is organized with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Awa III of the Assyrian Church of the East.

Metropolitan Zinovy of Saransk and Mordovia warmly welcomed the Commission members at the Makarov Ioann-Bogoslovsky Monastery, where the current session is being held. He spoke about the development of Orthodoxy in Mordovia and emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue.

Representing the Moscow Patriarchate at the session are Bishop Kliment of Krasnoslobodsk and Temnikov, Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov), Secretary for Inter-Christian Relations of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR), and DECR staff member Sergey Alferov. The Assyrian delegation is led by Bishop Mar Elia Taimr of Baghdad and includes Chorepiscopi Samano Odisho and Nikodim Yohannaev, Father Ephrem Alkhaz, and Deacon Roland Bidjamov.

Bishop Kliment highlighted the historical connection between Mordovia and the Russian world, noting the contributions of local peoples to the development of a unified Russian state. He also underscored the high quality of relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Assyrian Church of the East, emphasizing the importance of joint humanitarian and social projects.

In his response, Bishop Mar Elia Taimr expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Moscow Patriarchate to Assyrian Christians and thanked them for their efforts to strengthen the centuries-old friendly ties.

Later that day, the Commission members met with the Head of the Republic of Mordovia, A.A. Zdunov. During the meeting, they discussed important aspects of interfaith dialogue and cooperation. Zdunov emphasized the significance of the Commission's work in the face of global challenges and expressed his readiness to support its activities.

Metropolitan Zinovy stressed the importance of unity between the Russian Orthodox and Assyrian Churches on fundamental issues such as marriage, freedom, and human nature. He highlighted the need for joint efforts to protect universal values in a modern secular society.

The session of the Commission will continue for several days, during which participants will visit holy sites in Mordovia and participate in celebrations marking the arrival of the Moscow copy of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Saransk.

 

Photo: Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate / mospat.ru

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