Patriarch of Alexandria: “Theological dialogue does not mean abandoning the faith”

The International Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue (ICAOTD) began its work today in Alexandria, hosted at the headquarters of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, with the blessing of Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa.

Alexandria has a long history of theological dialogue and engagement between different Christian traditions. The Church of Alexandria, founded by the Apostle and Evangelist Mark, has historically played a role in fostering communication between Churches, peoples and cultures.

This tradition has continued over the centuries and has been associated with several prominent figures of the Patriarchal Throne of Saint Mark, including Patriarch Cyril Lucaris, Patriarch Metrophanes Kritopoulos and Patriarch Meletios II Metaxakis, as well as the late Patriarchs Nicholas VI and Parthenios III, the latter of whom became known as the “Patriarch of Dialogues.”

This legacy continues to shape the approach of the Patriarchate of Alexandria to relations between Christian Churches and traditions.

According to this approach, genuine theological dialogue is not a diplomatic exercise, but an effort to address questions of faith…