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The purpose of the consultation, hosted by H.E. Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia and Ammochostos of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, was to articulate the Orthodox perspective on the theme and sub-themes of the upcoming World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly, prepare the delegates for their fullest participation, and express their expectations of the upcoming assembly and life in the WCC and beyond.
“In Orthodox theology, love is of utmost importance,” reads the communique. “The One God in Trinity in His divine goodness created the world, and maintain, and protects humanity and all His creation with his love.”
The communique also defines salvation as the re-creation and restoration of humanity and the whole creation.
"As Orthodox, we are committed to the goal of Eucharistic unity, which has been the vision of the WCC from its initiation,” continues the communique. “The call for unity, reconciliation, justice, and peace remains our mission today, as our incarnate Lord invites us to abide in His love by keeping His commandments…”
The message also acknowledges that the meeting took place in an apostolic land, giving the participants the opportunity to pray together and immerse themselves in the two-millennia old Christian heritage of the island of Cyprus, and also to be informed about the vivid problems and continuing pain that the Turkish occupation has caused to the local population, an occupation that keeps the island divided.
“The participants heard from the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church about the armed conflict in Ukraine as well as their understanding of this painful situation," reads the communique. “The members of the meeting had the chance to discuss about the attitude of the local church to this painful situation and shared their deep concerns for the developments in the region, prayed for peace and expressed their hope that the theme, ‘Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity,’ chosen for the next Assembly period, will be another input that may lead this bled region as well as other wounded places from wars in the world, to peace and overcome problems of division.”
Read the full communiqué of the Inter-Orthodox Pre-Assembly Consultation
Read the report of the Inter-Orthodox Pre-Assembly Consultation
Report of the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Women’s Consultation
Sunday service “a manifestation of visible unity” as Orthodox churches gather in Cyprus (WCC photo essay 15 May 2022)
Church of Cyprus welcomes Orthodox from across the world to praytogether (WCC press release of 13 May 2022)
Hospitality at heart, in bringing Orthodox family together (WCC press release of 12 May 2022)
Orthodox churches pray and reflect on reconciliation as WCC 11th Assembly approaches (WCC press release of 10 May 2022)
Photo gallery: Inter-Orthodox pre-assembly consultation - 2022
Learn more: WCC 11th Assembly
