The International Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue (ICAOTD) began its work today in Alexandria, hosted at the headquarters of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, with the blessing of Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa.
Alexandria has a long history of theological dialogue and engagement between different Christian traditions. The Church of Alexandria, founded by the Apostle and Evangelist Mark, has historically played a role in fostering communication between Churches, peoples and cultures.
This tradition has continued over the centuries and has been associated with several prominent figures of the Patriarchal Throne of Saint Mark, including Patriarch Cyril Lucaris, Patriarch Metrophanes Kritopoulos and Patriarch Meletios II Metaxakis, as well as the late Patriarchs Nicholas VI and Parthenios III, the latter of whom became known as the “Patriarch of Dialogues.”
This legacy continues to shape the approach of the Patriarchate of Alexandria to relations between Christian Churches and traditions.
According to this approach, genuine theological dialogue is not a diplomatic exercise, but an effort to address questions of faith through truth and love and to identify points that can bring Christians closer to the unity for which Christ prayed.
At the start of the day’s proceedings, Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa received the two co-chairs of the Commission and the members of the delegations at the Patriarchal headquarters.
The Orthodox delegation is co-chaired by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, while Bishop Michael Lewis serves as co-chair on behalf of the Anglican Communion.
Welcoming the members of the Commission, Patriarch Theodoros spoke about the role of mission, catechesis and theological dialogue in the contemporary world.
He stressed that mission should not be understood as a competition for influence or numbers, but as service to people and a witness to Christ, particularly where there is poverty, illness, displacement, loneliness and lack of hope.
Referring to catechesis, the Patriarch said that simply transmitting religious knowledge is not enough. The Church, he said, is called to lead people “from knowledge to relationship, from information to experience, and from listening to participation,” so that faith becomes a lived experience in Christ.
He also referred to the challenges posed by technological developments. At a time when technology and artificial intelligence can provide almost unlimited access to information, he said, people continue to seek what technology cannot replace: personal relationships, community, love, hope and meaning.
Patriarch Theodoros: Mission is not about imposing cultural models
Patriarch Theodoros drew particular attention to the experience of the Church in Africa, stressing that authentic mission should neither impose cultural models nor create dependency.
Instead, he said, the Church should form local clergy, strengthen local Churches and allow people to receive and live the Gospel within their own language, culture and social context.
He placed Orthodox-Anglican dialogue within the same framework, stressing that theological dialogue does not mean abandoning one’s faith or ecclesiastical identity.
Rather, he described it as an encounter based on mutual understanding and respect, with a shared commitment to peace, reconciliation and service to people.
The Patriarch summarized his message by stressing that mission is not conquest, competition or an expansion of influence, but “service, sacrifice, love and Christ.”
Its success, he added, should not primarily be measured by numbers, buildings or organizational structures, but by human lives transformed by the Gospel.
Representatives of Orthodox Churches welcomed in Alexandria
Following his address, Patriarch Theodoros thanked the two co-chairs for their contribution to the theological dialogue.
Addressing Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, he expressed his appreciation for his years of service to the Commission and sent fraternal greetings and wishes to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
He also welcomed representatives of the Orthodox Churches of Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Greece and Albania, thanking them for their participation and asking them to convey his greetings to the Primates of their respective Churches.
Patriarch Theodoros made special reference to Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe and Angola, the representative of the Patriarchate of Alexandria on the International Commission.
He praised Metropolitan Seraphim’s longstanding contribution to theological and inter-Christian dialogue, noting his theological work and his role in presenting the experience and concerns of the Church of Alexandria in these discussions.
Patriarch thanks Anglican co-chair Michael Lewis
Addressing Anglican co-chair Bishop Michael Lewis, Patriarch Theodoros thanked him and the members of the Anglican Communion for travelling to Alexandria to participate in the talks. The Anglican representatives came from countries including England, Australia, the United States, Cyprus, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
The Patriarch referred to his longstanding friendship with Bishop Lewis and praised his experience and contribution to Anglican-Orthodox dialogue, particularly his efforts to promote trust and mutual understanding between the two traditions.
He also asked Bishop Lewis to convey his greetings and best wishes to Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally.
Responding to the Patriarch, the two co-chairs thanked the Patriarchate of Alexandria for hosting the Commission and for organizing its meetings.
Metropolitan Athenagoras conveyed the greetings of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, while Bishop Michael Lewis conveyed the greetings of Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally.
Both co-chairs also referred to important stages in the history of relations and theological dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Anglican Communion, stressing the importance of continuing a process built over decades on theological discussion, mutual respect and efforts to deepen understanding between the two traditions.
Following the official reception in the Throne Room, the co-chairs and Commission members moved to the meeting room of the Holy and Sacred Synod, which Patriarch Theodoros made available for the Commission’s work during its stay in Alexandria.
Patriarch Theodoros also attended part of the first day’s proceedings, expressing the hope that the discussions would contribute to Christian witness, greater mutual understanding and unity between the Churches.
