Clergy of the Eastern Diocese took part in a meeting of the U.S. Oriental Orthodox-Roman Catholic Consultation on December 6-7. Archbishop Dionysios Jean Kawak of the Syriac Orthodox Church hosted the event at the Mor Aphrem Center in Paramus, NJ.
Representing the Armenian Church were the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan; Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian; Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian; and Dn. Eric Vozzy.
Participants in the meeting, which convenes annually, discuss the centuries-old relations between the Roman Catholic and Oriental Orthodox churches in the context of current theological and pastoral issues facing both traditions. This year’s gathering gave special consideration to how each tradition addresses the dissolution of marriage. Fr. Bohajian presented the Armenian position on divorce and remarriage.
Also significant was the presentation by Dr. Robin Darling Young, professor at Catholic University of America, about a project to create a digital history of the Christian communities of the Middle East. Other topics included the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, and the visits of Pope Francis to Armenia and Egypt.
The Consultation includes representatives from the Roman Catholic Church, as well as from the churches in the Oriental Orthodox “family”: the Armenian, Coptic, Syrian, Ethiopian, and Malankara (Indian) churches.