Under the blessing of Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, the Patriarchate of Alexandria is honored to host the upcoming meeting of the International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Lutheran World Federation.
This significant gathering, scheduled for May 24-31, will bring together 14 Orthodox and 10 Lutheran representatives, including clergy and lay theologians.
The event holds special significance as it will be held with the paternal and patriarchal blessing of Pope and Patriarch Theodore II in the historic Patriarchal See of the Church of Alexandria, a region rich in Christian history and theological heritage nurtured by esteemed figures such as the Great Fathers and Holy Archbishops of Alexandria, the Catechetical School of the Holy See of Alexandria, and the monastic traditions of the region.
The official dialogue between Orthodox and Lutherans commenced around 40 years ago at the invitation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the Lutheran World Federation, with the first joint meeting held in 1981 in Espoo, the Netherlands. Since then, over 17 meetings have taken place in various European and Mediterranean cities, focusing on topics like ecclesiology, the Eucharist, and the sacraments.
Since 2019, the Commission has been exploring the theme of spirituality, specifically “Holy Spirit, Church, and World,” with plans to conclude this discussion in Cairo after the 2023 Plenary Assembly in Wittenberg, Germany. The outcomes of these meetings serve as a foundation for ongoing dialogue between the two Christian communities, touching on aspects like the Holy Spirit’s role in creation, divine worship, and liturgical practices.
The official inauguration of the International Joint Theological Commission’s work is set for May 24, 2024, at the Theobaptist Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Old Cairo.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou