Rapprochement between Patriarchates of Jerusalem, Antioch over issue of canonical jurisdiction in Qatar

The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, under the chairmanship of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Most Godly Beatitude Theophilos III, convened on Friday and, among others, discussed the standing difference with the Church of Antioch regarding canonical jurisdiction in Qatar.

A subsequent announcement stated that following a meeting last year on Cyprus between Patriarch Theophilos and the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, His Beatitude John X, a dialogue commenced between the two Patriarchates over the issue.

The Patriarch of Jerusalem also briefed members of the Holy Synod that certain “concrete understandings” have been formulated over the recent weeks with the Patriarchate of Antioch over resolving the contentious matter. Moreover, hope was expressed that further discussions will lead to a resolution.

Finally, Theophilos said the Jerusalem Patriarchate is looking forward to next week’s meeting of Primates of Orthodox Churches in Amman, Jordan, with the prospect that dialogue will continue towards “brotherly unity”.

The following is the official announcement issued by the Jerusalem Patriarchate. Read the full text below:

In the Holy Synod convened today, Friday 21 of February, by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III various matters relating to the Patriarchate’s ministry were discussed, including the pending matter with the Patriarchate of Antioch relating to Qatar.

It was asserted by Patriarch Theophilos that since the two Primates met together mid last year in Cyprus dialogue has been taking place between the two Patriarchates on the matter.

In today’s Synod, Patriarch Theophilos positively commended the position of His Beatitude Patriarch John X in welcoming Jerusalem’s initiative for Orthodox Unity being held as the “Amman Fraternal Gathering” even though a resolution between both Patriarchates, regarding Qatar, had not yet been concluded.

Patriarch Theophilos briefed the members of the Synod that, with gratitude to the Almighty, in the last weeks, concrete understandings have been reached with Antioch for a resolution to this matter.

His Beatitude concluded that Jerusalem is looking forward to next week’s familial gathering of Orthodox Primates, with hope for continued dialogue towards the precious unity amongst brothers, as well as keenness for the opportunity to further discuss with His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch in order to reach a final agreement on the matter of Qatar.

From Secretariat-General

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