JOINT COMMISSION FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 
AND THE MALANKARA ORTHODOX SYRIAN CHURCH

REPORT OF THE 2012 MEETING

Kottayam, 6-7 December 2012

The Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church held its meeting at the Spirituality Centre, Manganam, Kottayam on Thursday and Friday 6–7 December 2012.  After a moment of prayer His Grace Yuhanon Mor Dioscoros welcomed the members on behalf of His Grace Gabriel Mor Gregorios and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, expressing also his gratitude for the hospitality of the Spirituality Centre and the continuation of the dialogue.

His Excellency Bishop Brian Farrell, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and Co Chairman of the Commission, addressed the members in his introductory words, saying that the “Lord is leading all Christians in the same direction. We are grateful to be present for the dialogue. It is an honor and a grace to come here”. He informed the members about the Synod of Bishops that took place in Rome on the theme The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith, and also about the opening of the Year of Faith on Thursday 11 October at a Mass presided over by Pope Benedict XVI and attended by 14 surviving Fathers of the Second Vatican Council. The open-air Mass in St Peter’s Square also marked the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, and was attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He also mentioned that the PCPCU held its Plenary meeting on the theme The Significance of Ecumenism for the New Evangelisation.  He congratulated His Grace Archbishop Powathil on the Golden Jubilee of his priestly ordination and the 40th anniversary of his episcopal ordination. His Grace Archbishop Powathil expressed words of welcome to the members of the Joint Commission, especially to the new member His Grace Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, and congratulated Rev. Dr. Mathew Vellanickal, who was honoured as ‘Malpan’.

His Grace Gabriel Mar Gregorios (Co-Chairman), His Grace Yakub Mar Ireanaios, His Grace Yuhanon Mar Dioskoros, His Grace Mathews Mar Thimothios, His Grace Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Fr. Dr. Baby Varghese, Fr. Dr. T. I. Varghese, Fr. Dr. O. Thomas, Fr. Dr. Johns Abraham Konat, Fr. Dr. Reji Mathew, Fr. Dr. Jose John, and Fr. Abraham Thomas (co-secretary) represented the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The Catholic Church was represented by His Excellency Bishop Brian Farrell (Co-Chairman), His Grace Mar Joseph Powathil, His Grace Mar Mathew Moolakatt, His Grace Mar Thomas Mar Koorilos, His Excellency Bishop Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan, His Grace Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Rev. Dr. Mathew Vellanickal, Rev. Dr. Xavier Koodapuzha, Rev. Dr. Jacob Thekkeparampil, Rev. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparampil and Rev. Fr. Gabriel Quicke (co-secretary).

Rev. Fr. Gabriel Quicke presented the report of the meeting in 2011, which the Commission approved.

As proposed in the last meeting, Reverend Dr. Philip Nelpuraparambil presented a paper on The Theological Principles of Communicatio in sacris. During the discussion the members expressed the opinion that the question of terminology is very important from a pastoral point of view, principally the terminology in the texts of the Council, although the texts of Ut unum Sint and the Ecumenical Directory are a very important addition.  They reflected on the fact that in Catholic terminology the term oikonomia, which is a patristic term, does not appear frequently.  His Grace Gabriel Mor Gregorios presented a paper on Theory and Praxis of the Principle of Oikonomia of Sharing of the Sacraments in the Pastoral Situation. The principle of oikonomia concerns God’s plan of salvation for humankind.  “The economy exercised by the church manifests on the one hand the pastoral concern of the Church and on the other hand, its prudence to safeguard the integrity of the Canon of the Church…”  The nature of oikonomia does not change, but it can be adapted in different situations.

Another paper on the Challenges Raised by Pentecostals and the New Christian Churches was presented by Rev. Dr. Reji Mathew. During the discussion the members analyzed the different aspects of the Pentecostal movements, and particularly their range of diversity. Members reflected that these new trends are very charismatic (with an emphasis on the Bible, praying, fasting) while our churches have become very institutionalized, neglecting the charismatic dimension. The members agreed that they needed to study this phenomenon seriously, as it represents a growing reality. There is a need to analyze why people are leaving our churches, and a need to undertake a real study on the life in the Spirit. How are the sacraments related to the life in the Spirit? How are the word of God, prayer and sacraments related to one another in harmony? It is very important to open ways for spiritual renewal. The charismatic movement can be used as a means of Christian unity.

The proposed draft statement on Inter-Church Marriages (which is subject to the approval of the Churches) was again taken up for discussion. As was proposed in the last meeting, a draft document on Pastoral Guidelines on marriages between members of the Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church was presented by His Grace Mathew Moolakatt. The members agreed that they would patiently await the response of the KCBC and the Synod.

Regarding future plans the Commission proposed to establish a Subcommittee (His Grace Gabriel Mor Gregorios, His Grace Yuhanon Mar Dioskoros, Fr. Dr. Johns Abraham Konat, Fr. Abraham Thomas and Rev. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparambil) in order to prepare a common draft document on the papers that were presented by His Grace Gabriel Mor Gregorios on Oikonomia and Rev. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparambil on Communicatio in sacris.  His Grace Yuhanon Mar Dioskoros and His Grace Mar Joseph Kallarangatt should prepare a paper on The Work of the Holy Spirit and the Spiritual Renewal of the Church. Fr. Dr. Johns Abraham Konat will present a paper on the Basis and Epistemological Understanding of Canon Law in the Orthodox Tradition.

The next meeting will be held at the Sophia Centre on 18–19 December 2013.