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ORTHODOX PRIMATES AND DELEGATIONS RECEIVED IN JORDAN FOR THE AMMAN FRATERNAL FAMILIAL GATHERING-DIALOGUE AND UNITY

In Amman, Jordan, His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, welcomed the Primates of the Orthodox Churches of Russia, Serbia and Czech Lands and Slovakia, and representatives of the Orthodox Churches of Romania and Poland, for the Amman Fraternal Familial gathering of Orthodox Primates and Delegates. The gathering has been called to initiate dialogue and work for unity and reconciliation within the Orthodox Communion.

At a welcoming dinner, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III said:

“Your Holiness,

Your Beatitudes,

Your Eminences,

Beloved Brothers in Christ,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we assemble here from around the Orthodox world in the spiritual territory of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in our beloved Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, we welcome you warmly to our home for this gathering of brothers and concelebrants in the Lord.

We are deeply mindful of the words of the Psalmist, who reminds us;

How very good and pleasant it is
   when brethren live together in unity!
For there the Lord ordained his blessing,

(Psalm 133 [134]:1,3)

It is indeed good and pleasant for us to be here, so that we may enjoy the valuable privilege of fraternal dialogue, in which hearts may speak to hearts, and where we renew our commitment and fraternal bonds.   With God’s help, tomorrow our work begins.

As we are blessed with this time together, in addition to welcoming all of you, we wish to acknowledge His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Hashemite custodian of the Muslim and Christian Holy Places in the Holy Land, under whose gracious auspices and with whose encouragement this fraternal gathering is taking place. 

Allow us to raise our cup and propose a warm toast to His Majesty and the Hashemite family.

Once again, we thank you, and you’re most welcome.   We wish you a pleasant stay here in our home, and we are looking forward to our fraternal work.”

The Primates and delegates will meet today in private for fraternal fellowship and dialogue.

From Secretariat-General