Addis Ababa:The Indian Orthodox Church is aiming to strengthen its relationship with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church through enhanced theological dialogue, educational exchanges, and a greater sharing of faith and traditions.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, emphasized the importance of this initiative during a visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa. The visit coincided with the Indian Orthodox delegation's participation in this year's Meskel celebrations.
The Catholicos highlighted that the two churches have a longstanding relationship and have already commenced dialogues to become closer as sister churches within the Oriental Orthodox family. He mentioned the ongoing efforts to explore ways to establish more intimate relations and share traditions, faith, and practices.
One key area of potential cooperation is in theological education, where there is a proposal for student exchanges between seminaries in Malankara and Ethiopia. This initiative aims to build on previous educational collaborations, including the participation of Malankara theologians in Ethiopia's theological education.
His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, a Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, underscored the ancient and strong connection between the two churches. He described them as sister churches within the same family and noted the significance of teacher and student exchanges in promoting peace and harmony in both countries.
Dr. Diascoros stressed the importance of addressing complex societal challenges through peaceful dialogue and Christian teachings. He emphasized the necessity of working together to promote peace and harmony, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The comments were made as the Indian Orthodox delegation joined Ethiopian Orthodox believers in celebrating Meskel, a major religious and cultural event in Ethiopia that commemorates the finding of the True Cross. Diascoros remarked on the unique significance of Meskel in Ethiopia, highlighting its status as a major national celebration.
