Orthodox Church Rejects Joint Declaration Backing Jacobite Faction

The heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in West Asia, including Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, and Catholicos Aram I, have issued a joint declaration supporting the decision of the Universal Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch to refrain from participating in liturgical celebrations and formal theological dialogues with the Orthodox faction. This declaration has been met with strong opposition from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, which asserts that the statement was issued by a regional body lacking authority.

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church welcomed the peace mediation efforts initiated by the heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches but denounced the content of the joint declaration. The church emphasized its independent (autocephalous) status and unique apostolic tradition within the Oriental Orthodox family. It noted that since 2017, it has resisted efforts by the Antiochian Church to isolate it from global Orthodox gatherings, both legally and theologically.

The declaration, issued following the 15th meeting of the heads of three Oriental Orthodox Churches in West Asia, stated that Pope Tawadros II and Catholicos Aram I expressed solidarity and support for the decision of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. However, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church contended that the leaders of the three Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East were misled by the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch. It stressed that the Armenian Apostolic Church of Etchmiadzin, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church were not involved in the joint declaration.

The church further clarified that there is currently no single representative body that speaks for all Oriental Orthodox Churches, aside from local groups and pan-Oriental dialogue platforms. It pointed out that the declaration was made by a regional assembly of the leaders of the three Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, without the participation of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church or other major Oriental Orthodox Churches.

In addition to rejecting the joint declaration, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church also reiterated its objection to the recent consecration of Mar Baselios Joseph as the new Catholicos of the Jacobite Church by Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch. This action has raised concerns about the implications for inter-church relations and the unity of the Oriental Orthodox family.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the Oriental Orthodox Churches regarding theological positions, liturgical practices, and participation in interfaith dialogues. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church’s stance reflects its commitment to maintaining its autonomy and preserving its distinct traditions within the broader Oriental Orthodox community. As the churches navigate these complex issues, the emphasis remains on fostering peace, mutual respect, and a shared pursuit of Christian unity, as seen in Micah 6:8, which calls for actions rooted in justice, mercy, and humility.

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