News
A Synaxis of the Primates of Eastern Orthodox Churches in the Middle East met in Cyprus on 27 March to discuss the situation of Christians in the region and to agree on common approaches to solidarity, strengthening and support of Christian communities struggling to maintain their presence in their historic homes.
The invitation for the gathering was extended by Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus. He was joined by Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa, Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch and All the East, and Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and the Holy Land.
According to a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, it was agreed “that due to the current situation in Syria, this Synaxis has had a special importance and supported the immediate need for peace, security and stability.”
The primates proposed to “visit different decision-making centres in order to voice their concern for peace and reconciliation and to create awareness of the situation of the Christians in the Middle East”, the communiqué reported.
The primates noted that Syria is a land in which Christianity has existed since the days of the first apostles, and that today Syrian Christians “coexist with mosques in a unique symbolism of symbiosis, fraternity and mutual respect”.
The Eastern Orthodox leaders paid tribute to the late Pope Shenouda III of the Egyptian Coptic Church, who died on 17 March. They also reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
The participants in the Synaxis are leaders of member churches belonging to the MECC and to the World Council of Churches (WCC). The current issue of the WCC quarterly journal Ecumenical Review (March 2012) is devoted to the theme “Christians in the Middle East”.
Text of the Synaxis communiqué
WCC activities in solidarity with churches in the Middle East
