The International Commission for Anglican–Orthodox Theological Dialogue met in Alexandria, Egypt, from September 19 to 24, 2026, at the invitation of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa.
The discussions focused on Christian witness in the contemporary world, mission, repentance and the spiritual formation of the faithful. The Commission also continued drafting its joint theological document, entitled Witnessing Christ in the Contemporary World.
According to the joint communiqué, members of the Commission expressed their gratitude to Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa for his warm welcome and hospitality. During the meeting, the Patriarch presented the life and work of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
Commission members also visited Anglican Archbishop Samy Shehata of Alexandria, who welcomed them to St Mark’s Pro-Cathedral and presented the mission and ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Egypt.
As part of the meeting, members of the Commission attended the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the historic Holy Monastery of St Sabbas the Sanctified, in the presence of Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria.
Christian witness and the spiritual formation of the faithful
During its meeting in Alexandria, the Commission continued working on its theological document, Witnessing Christ in the Contemporary World, which addresses mission, Christian witness, repentance, spiritual formation and discipleship.
Particular emphasis was placed on how the Orthodox and Anglican traditions understand spiritual formation and the Church’s role in nurturing the spiritual lives of believers.
Discussions focused on participation in sacramental life, spiritual growth, the development of moral discernment and the preparation of Christians for ministry and mission.
A central biblical reference was the teaching of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:12–13, concerning the spiritual maturity of believers and the building up of the Body of Christ.
Two theological papers were presented in this context. The first, entitled Daily Life and Spiritual Practices, examined the subject from an Orthodox perspective, while the second, Principles and Practices of Anglican Spirituality, drew on sources from the Anglican tradition.
Special publication on the history of the theological dialogue
The Commission also finalized preparations for significant material to be included in a special publication dedicated to the history and achievements of the International Commission for Anglican–Orthodox Theological Dialogue.
The initiative was agreed upon during the Commission’s meeting in Boston in 2024, marking the 50th anniversary of its establishment in 1973.
The publication will provide a comprehensive overview of the Commission’s history, introductory texts for each of the seven Joint Statements issued since 1973, and additional archival material.
The meeting was co-chaired by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, representing the Orthodox Church, and Anglican Bishop Michael Lewis.
Participants included representatives of Orthodox Churches and the Anglican Communion, among them Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe and Angola and Metropolitan Nifon of Târgoviște, as well as clergy and theologians from various countries.
The Commission’s next meeting is scheduled to take place in Lisbon from September 17 to 24, 2027, hosted by the Lusitanian Church of Portugal and Bishop José Jorge de Pina Cabral.
The discussions will continue to focus on mission and the spiritual formation of Christians.
