JOINT COMMISSION FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
AND MALANKARA ORTHODOX SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
REPORT OF THE 2023 MEETING
Mar Baselios Dayara, Njaliakuzhy,12-13 December 2023
The Joint International Commission for Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church held its 31st meeting at the Mar Baselios Dayara, Njaliyakuzhy, Kottayam, on 12-13th December 2023.
The meeting began with an opening prayer led by His Grace Mathew Moolakkatt. In his opening address, His Grace Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Demetrios, Co-Chair, welcomed the members on behalf of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and remembered His Grace Archbishop Joseph Powathil, who passed away on 18 March 2023, highlighting his theological contribution to the Commission. Metropolitan Mar Demetrios also recalled with gratitude the progress of the dialogue since its inception in October 1989 in Kottayam. Proposed by His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews I during his historic visit to Rome in 1983, the Joint Commission was jointly established by His Holiness Pope John Paul II and His Holiness the Catholicos on 27th May 1988.
His Excellency Bishop Brian Farrell, Co-Chair, brought greetings from His Holiness Pope Francis and gratefully recalled the visit of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III and his delegation to the Vatican in September 2023. Bishop Farrell also reflected on the General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which took place at the Vatican in October 2023. The Synod is seeking to understand what it means to be a synodal Church in terms of communion, participation and mission. Bishop Farrell acknowledged the participation of His Grace Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Barnabas in representing the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church at the Synod. These synodal processes are an opportunity for the Churches to come together.
The 2022 Report was presented by Revd Fr Hyacinthe Destivelle and approved by the Commission. As suggested in 2022, Revd Dr Philip Nelpuraparampil and Revd. Dr. Jose John jointly prepared a paper consolidating all previous General Statements. Revd. Jose John presented the paper, entitled “Revisiting Past General Statements 1989-2022”, which highlighted the dialogue process undertaken through the work in four main areas: sacramental theology, history of the St. Thomas Christians, interchurch marriage and common witness.
His Grace Metropolitan Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros and His Grace Archbishop Mathew Moolikat jointly prepared a revised version of the statement on inter-church marriages, which was presented by Metropolitan Mar Diascoros. The Commission, while agreeing that there is a need to make changes in the current practice, noted that the document would have to go back to the respective Churches for further consultation and approval.
Revd Fr Hyacinthe Destivelle presented a paper on the ecological teachings of Pope Francis based on the encyclical Laudato Si and the apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum. Fr. Destivelle stated that the central concept of the two documents is clearly that of “integral ecology”, which integrates environmental, economic and social aspects (the three pillars of sustainable development), as well as cultural aspects and aspects of everyday life. This concept of integral ecology is inseparable from the notion of the common good and implies intergenerational justice. It stems from the conviction that everything is intimately linked, and that today's problems require an approach that takes into account all aspects of the global crisis.
In the absence of His Grace Yakub Mar Irenaios, Revd Dr. Mathew Varghese presented a paper on the “Eco-Theological Concept of Jacob of Serugh”. The paper focused on Jacob’s vision of the earth and nature based on his homily on Six days of Creation. Through the homily, Jacob stresses a particular vision of creatures and especially of earth and nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all created things.
Revd Dr. Jacob Thekeparampil presented a paper on “Morning and Evening (Ramso and Sapro) as ‘Deacons and Schoolmasters’ in the West Syriac Liturgical Tradition”. Fr. Thekeparampil highlighted the various theological themes associated with sunset and sunrise. Jacob of Sarug warns us not to reject or ignore nature, our teacher, because “if we ignore nature, then even the Scriptures cannot help us to sing the praises of the Creator and Redeemer”.
A draft document prepared by Revd Dr. Jose John and Revd. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparampil, entitled “Relations between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Draft document for the Awareness of the Faithful”, was presented by Fr. John. The members of the commission expressed their appreciation for this document, while suggesting some improvements.
Bishop Brian Farrell informed the Commission of his retirement from the Dicastery. He thanked the members of the Commission and expressed his gratitude for his many years of service to the Dialogue.
The next meeting will be hosted by the Catholic Church in Kottayam, on 10 and 11 December 2024. The following will be on the agenda:
1. Revised version of the Statement on inter-church marriages by Metropolitan Mar Dioscoros, Archbishop Mathew Moolikat, Revd Dr. Koshy Vaidyan and Revd. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparampil;
2. Survey of the documents of the Catholic – Oriental Orthodox Dialogue, by Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Diascoros and Revd Hyacinthe Destivelle;
3. A completed version of Patristic Reading for 365 Days by the committee appointed for this purpose and of Common Resources on Ecclesiastical History;.
4. Presentation of Draft pastoral Guidelines on sharing sacraments based on agreed statements;
5. Reflection on celebration of Nicaea, by Revd. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparampil.
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church delegation comprised: His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Demetrios (Co-Chair), His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Chrysostomos, His Grace Dr. Joseph Mar Dionysius, His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Dioscoros, His Grace Geevarghese Mar Barnabas, Revd Dr. Reji Mathew, Revd Dr. Jose John, Revd Dr. Koshy Vaidyan, Revd Dr. Mathew Varghese and Revd Aswin Fernandis (acting Co-Secretary).
The Catholic Church was represented by His Excellency Bishop Brian Farrell (Co-Chair), His Grace Mathew Moolakkatt, His Grace Dr. Thomas Koorilos, His Grace Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan, His Grace Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Revd. Dr. Xavier Koodapuzha, Revd. Dr. Jacob Thekkeparambil, Revd. Dr. Augustine Kadeparambil, Revd. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparampil and Revd. Fr. Hyacinthe Destivelle (Co-Secretary).