CATHOLIC CHURCH, ANCIENT EASTERN CHURCHES MEET IN ROME

VATICAN CITY, JAN 27, 2003 (VIS) - The following communique was published today by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity:

"The Catholic Church and the Ancient Eastern Churches - Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Egypt, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, Armenian Apostolic Church (Seat of Etchmiadzine and of Antelias in Lebanon), Orthodox Church of Ethiopia, Orthodox Church of Eritrea, Malankar Orthodox Syrian Church - begin a second phase of dialogue on January 27, 28 and 29, 2003 in Rome, during a meeting that will take place at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. During the first phase of this dialogue, Pope John Paul II and the authorities of these Churches signed important declarations of Christological accord. The present meeting has a preparatory character and intends to establish themes and methods for future dialogue. On Tuesday January 28, members of the preparatory committee will be received in audience by the Pope.

"The Ancient Churches were separated from the Church of Rome and from Byzantium in response to the Council of Chalcedon in 451."

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