Ethiopian and Indian Orthodox Churches Share Strong Spiritual Connection, Says Patriarch

Addis Ababa:Ethiopia and India may be geographically distant, but their Orthodox churches remain spiritually close, according to His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Patriarch of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Patriarch highlighted this connection during the Demera celebration in Addis Ababa. He noted that the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church are part of the Oriental Orthodox Churches family, sharing a spiritual heritage rooted in the Eucharist, fasting, prayer, asceticism, the communion of saints, and the cross of Christ.The bond between these two churches, he emphasized, stems not from diplomacy or institutional relations but from their common apostolic faith. The relationship has grown over years of visits, theological cooperation, and exchanges, with a significant gathering of Oriental Orthodox Church leaders in Addis Ababa in 1965 marking a milestone in their fellowship.His Holiness also pointed out the contributions of theologians and clergy from the Malankara Orthodox Church to theological education and fellowship in Ethiopia. Reciprocal visits by church leaders have further strengthened their ties, culminating in a bilateral agreement signed during the 2017 Meskel celebration in Ethiopia.The Patriarch remarked that the inclusion of Meskel on UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity acknowledges its role in fostering reconciliation, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence, uniting people across communities and generations.For Orthodox Christians, Meskel is more than a cultural heritage; it is a living faith and worship centered on Christ, he stated. The celebration signifies the unifying and reconciling message of the cross, guiding people towards God and each other.His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III concluded, "For us Orthodox Christians, Meskel is still more. Before it is cultural heritage, it is living faith. Before it is spectacle, it is worship. Before it b elongs to history, it belongs to Christ."