Dialogue with Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church
On Thursday, 15 October 2026, the 27th meeting of the Joint International Commission for Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church was held at the Bishop’s House of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Palai in Kerala, India, co-chaired by Archbishop Flavio Pace, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, and Metropolitan Mor Theophilose Kuriakos of Thiruvananthapuram, Patriarchal Vicar to Germany.
As agreed at the last meeting in 2025 (see Report), papers were presented and discussed on ‘Faith crisis of the Christian youth and students’ (Rev. Shibu Sherian), on ‘Practical, pastoral and spiritual situation in interchurch marriages’ (Rev. Jacob Thekkeparampil, Prof. Dr. Anish K. Joy and Rev. Greger R. Kollannoor),
On ‘Pastoral challenges in the field of geriatric and mental care’ (Rev. Augustine Kadeparambil) as well as draft agreements on ecumenical collaboration in pastoral care in hospitals and in universities (Rev. Philip Nelpuraparampil)
The Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church delegation comprised: H.E. Dr Mor Theophilose Kuriakose Metropolitan (Co-Chair); H.E. Dr Mor Anthimos Matthews Metropolitan; Very Rev. Dr. Adai Jacob Cor-Episcopa (Co-Secretary); Very Rev. Dr. Kuriakose Moolayil Cor-Episcopa; Rev. Fr. Shibu Cherian; Rev. Fr. Daniel Thattarayil; Rev. Fr. Jerry Kurian; Rev. Fr. Biju P. M; Dayroyo Dr. Saliba; Rev. Fr. Greger R. Kollannoor, Dayroyo Dr Jaisal Kauma Issac; and Rev. Dr Paulose Mathew.
The Catholic Church was represented by H.E. Archbishop Flavio Pace (Co-Chair), His Grace Mathew Moolakkatt, His Grace Dr. Thomas Koorilos Chakkalapadickal; H.E. Bishop Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan, His Grace Dr Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Revd Dr Jacob Thekeparampil, Revd Dr Augustine Kadeparambil, Revd Dr Philip Nelpuraparampil, and Revd Fr Hyacinthe Destivelle OP (Co-Secretary).