In the afternoon of 7th June 2023, the sitting of the International Joint Theological Commission for Dialogue between the Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches was successfully completed at the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa.
During the departure of the 22 Orthodox and 18 Roman Catholic Cardinals, Metropolitans, Elders and lay theologians, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria expressed his satisfaction and joyful feelings.
The Patriarch stated: “We glorify the Trinity for this historic theological meeting, which was successfully concluded in unanimity with sacred emotion and great joy. We make our farewells to the Most Reverend Co-Presidents and the honorable members of the International Joint Commission of the Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches, which met from 1 to 7 June at the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa with its rich history and promising future.
Nowadays, there are divisions, expediencies, petty empathies and meaningless confrontations that bedevil our turbulent world, but also the Church, which thirsts for peace, unity and love. As shown by history, this event of peaceful, thorough, fruitful and blessed dialogue between the two Churches is a shining example of good will and philadelphian cooperation. It, therefore, gives hope for abetter future of mutual understanding, humility and solidarity.”
It is noted that in the evening of the 6th of June, the General Consul of Greece in Alexandria Athanasios Kotsionis gave the visitors a warm reception in order to honor the Joint Comission. Patriarch Theodore II offered him a handmade copy of an icon called “Axion Esti” as a sign of gratitude for his assistance in the sitting of the Theological Dialogue that was held in Alexandria.
