JOINT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR DIALOGUE
BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE MALANKARA (JACOBITE) SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
REPORT OF THE 2023 MEETING
Udayagiri, Vettickal, India, 11 December 2023
The 24th meeting of the Joint International Commission for Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church was held at the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary (MSOT Seminary) at Udayagiri, Vettickal on Monday 11th December 2023.
The meeting began with the prayer led by His Grace, Mar Mathew Moolakkatt, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kottayam. In his introductory address, His Grace Dr Mor Theophilose Kuriakose Metropolitan, Co-Chair, welcomed the members of the Joint Commission, noting that “the uniqueness of our dialogue is that it fulfils both the theological and practical aspects of dialogue”. Referring to Cardinal Koch's book, Wohin geht di Ökumene?, Mor Theophilose Kuriakose highlighted the three major challenges facing ecumenism today: the dispute over the goal of ecumenism, new ethical and anthropological controversies, and the emergence of new ecumenical partners and realities. In this general context, Christians in India also face specific challenges, such as the new political situation, demographic imbalances and the emigration of young people.
Bishop Brian Farrell, Co-Chair, conveyed the greetings and good wishes of His Holiness Pope Francis. Underlining the importance and necessity of the bilateral dialogue between the Churches, Bishop Farrell noted that “developments in society are calling our Churches to work in a very visible way”. He also stressed that the synodal process in which the Catholic Church is engaged is also a unique opportunity for its commitment to Christian unity.
Revd Dr Adai Jacob read a tribute to His Grace Joseph Powathil, Archbishop Emeritus of the Syro-Malabar Archeparchy of Changanacherry, one of the main founders and inspirers of the dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Churches in Kerala, who passed away on 18 March 2023. In his homage, he noted the unique contribution of Archbishop Powathil in the field of ecumenism: “For Archbishop Powathil ecumenism was a sacred idea and principle, which he tried his best to realise in the life of the Church”. Revd Fr Hyacinthe Destivelle, OP, Co-Secretary, then presented the report of the 23rd meeting of the Commission, held in 2022, which was approved by the participants.
As planned at the last meeting, the session continued with the reading and discussion of three papers. Revd Dr Augustine Kadeparambil and Dr Anish K. Joy presented a paper on “Christian formation in family and among youth. Navigating spiritual growth in a post-pandemic era”, reflecting on 1) the impact of the pandemic on Christian formation, 2) the changing dynamics of family life, 3) the role of the Church and Christian communities, 4) technology and faith integration, and 5) renewed spiritual resilience post-pandemic. Commission members suggested that this paper could be used to develop some recommendations for ecumenical cooperation in the digital world for faith formation and youth ministry. The discussion provided an opportunity to point out that the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity had conducted a survey of all Bishops' conferences and Synods on the impact of the pandemic on ecumenical relations. A synthesis of this survey was published in 2022 under the title “Ecumenism in a time of pandemic: from crisis to opportunity”.
The second paper was presented by Fr. Hyacinthe Destivelle on the theme “Youth ministry according to Pope Francis”, based mainly on the document Christus vivit published in 2019. The paper highlighted that youth ministry according to Pope Francis should have the following characteristics: synodal, kerygmatic, diaconal, fraternal, cultural, popular, open to realities such as the arts, the environment and the digital world. All these aspects are also fruitful from an ecumenical point of view and could certainly inspire our churches to work together in the field of youth ministry.
Revd Dr Philip Nelpuraparampil then presented some “Pastoral guidelines on ecumenical collaboration in pastoral care in universities and hospital chaplaincies”. Participants discussed and valued the proposal, while making some suggestions for a final draft.
After discussion, it was decided that the next meeting, to be held at the Spirituality Centre, Manganam, Kottayam, on Monday 9 December 2024, will have the following items on the agenda:
1. “Ecumenical collaboration in the digital world for the faith formation and for the Youth Ministry” by Dr. Anish K. Joy and Rev. Dr. Augustine Kadeparampil;
2. “Migration and its effects in the Kerala Churches: Theological and Pastoral study”, by Rev. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparampil and Rev. Dr. Jerrin;
3. Revised Paper on Pastoral Guidelines on ecumenical collaboration in pastoral care in Universities and in hospital chaplaincies, by Rev. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparampil.
As this will be the 25th meeting of the commission, it is suggested that young people be invited to take part in this ‘Silver jubilee’.
The Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church delegation was composed of His Eminence Dr Mor Theophilose Kuriakose Metropolitan (Co-Chair); His Eminence Dr Mor Anthimos Matthews Metropolitan; His Eminence Mor Timotheos Mathews Metropolitan; V. Rev. Dr Adai Jacob Cor-Episcopo (Co-Secretary); V. Rev. Dr Kuriakose Moolayil, Cor-Episcopo; Rev. Fr. Daniel Thattarayil; Rev. Fr. Shibu Cherian Kooliyattu; Rev. Fr. Biju Mathai Parekkattil; and Rev. Fr. Jerry Kurian Kodiyattu and Dr Anish K. Joy.
The Catholic Church was represented by His Excellency Bishop Brian Farrell (Co-Chair); His Grace Mar Mathew Moolakkatt; Metropolitan His Grace Thomas Mar Koorilos; Bishop Dr Selvister Ponnumuthan; His Excellency Mar Joseph Kallarangatt; Revd Dr Xavier Koodapuzha; Revd Dr Jacob Thekkeparampil; Revd Dr Augustine Kadeparambil; Revd Dr Philip Nelpuraparampil; and Revd Father Hyacinthe Destivelle (Co-Secretary).