The Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches convened its summer meeting on Monday, August 5. This was a special meeting of bishops leading the Oriental Orthodox family of the churches, without the larger delegations of clergy from the respective churches who participate in the general meetings.
Present at the latest meeting were Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York and New England (and also the President of Standing Conference); Bishop Mor Dionysios John Kawak of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of the Eastern United States; Bishop Sinoda of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church Archdiocese of North America; Bishop Mor Titus Yeldho of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church; Bishop Gabriel of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America; and Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church.
Bishop Mesrop hosted of the gathering, which took place at St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, NJ.
The hierarchs discussed a number of matters, including the ongoing dialogue and cooperation with the Eastern Orthodox churches; the convening of con-celebrated liturgies, conferences, and other events; and various challenges facing the Oriental Orthodox communion in the 21st century, both in their homelands and in the diaspora.
Following the meeting, St. Leon pastor Fr. Diran Bohajian welcomed the visiting bishops for a luncheon prepared by parish faithful.
The next general meeting of the Standing Conference is slated for the fall, as is the annual Con-Celebrated Divine Liturgy of Oriental Orthodox churches.