LETTER TO DR ALFONS KLOSS, PRESIDENT OF PRO ORIENTE FOUNDATION ON THE OCCASION OF THE ELEVENTH

PRO  ORIENTE FORUM SYRIACUM

Syrian Orthodox Monastery of Glane/Losser 
 February 19-22, 2019

Dear Dr Kloss,

It gives me great pleasure to send cordial greetings to the moderators, speakers and participants attending the eleventh Pro Oriente Forum Syriacum, in the Syrian Orthodox Monastery of Glane/Losser from 19–22 February 2019 upon the invitation of His Grace Metropolitan Mor Polycarp Aydin.

Our Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity has always supported and encouraged this worthy initiative, and is pleased this year to be represented by Reverend Father Hyacinthe Destivelle, OP, the new official responsible for the Oriental Orthodox Churches.

I assure you of my prayerful best wishes for a fruitful week of fraternal exchange and academic research. I wish to express my appreciation of the endeavours of the large group of eminent scholars who guide research in the field of promoting a culture of dialogue, religious harmony and, indeed, unity among Christians.

I especially thank the Pro Oriente Foundation for its steadfast and generous commitment to promoting Christian unity. Christians will speak more convincingly if they speak with one voice in addressing questions in contemporary pluralistic societies. United by one Baptism, we should walk together towards peace and harmony.

With cordial greetings in the Lord, I remain

Sincerely yours,

Cardinal Kurt Koch
President