Overview
The Eastern (Byzantine) Orthodox churches and the Oriental Orthodox churches had remained separated for over fifteen hundred years before engaging in theological dialogue. Beginning in 1964, these two families of Christendom initiated unofficial consultations in Aarhus, Bristol, Geneva, and Addis Ababa, followed by official meetings through a Joint Commission of the Theological Dialogue.
Historical Context
The separation between these “two families” persisted despite their shared apostolic heritage. Some observers incorrectly characterized Oriental Orthodox churches using outdated accusations of Monophysite heresy. The Joint Commission’s work demonstrated substantial theological convergence that had been previously underappreciated.
The Commission included representatives from six Oriental Orthodox churches (including Coptic, Syrian, Armenian, and Ethiopian) and fourteen Byzantine Orthodox churches (including Russian, Greek, Romanian, and Serbian traditions).
First Agreed Statement (1989)
Both families affirmed their common inheritance of apostolic faith and tradition. They converged on Saint Cyril of Alexandria’s formulation regarding Christ’s nature and the doctrine of the Theotokos (God-bearer).
Key Christological Affirmations
The families agreed that:
- Christ possesses one hypostasis (person) uniting divine and human natures
- The union occurs “without confusion, without change, without separation, without division”
- Both families condemn Nestorianism and Eutychianism
- The distinction between natures exists “in contemplation only”
Second Agreed Statement (1990)
This statement solidified common ground on six primary issues, including condemnation of both major heresies and agreement on Christ’s complete divinity and humanity.
Shared Understandings
Both families recognized that they had “always loyally maintained the same authentic Orthodox Christological faith” despite utilizing different theological terminology. The statement emphasized that “the unbroken continuity of the apostolic tradition” formed the foundation for potential unity.
Practical Recommendations
Inter-Church Relations
The Joint Commission proposed several concrete steps:
- Exchange visits among church leaders, clergy, and laity
- Sharing of theological faculty and students
- Joint worship participation in communities where both traditions existed
- Mutual recognition of baptisms without rebaptism
- Publication of explanatory materials in multiple languages
Addressing Pastoral Issues
Four areas received particular attention:
- Preparation of church members for restored communion
- Coordinated engagement with other Christian traditions
- Collaborative humanitarian service initiatives
- Joint missionary and educational efforts
Resolving Historical Divisions
The Commission recommended that all anathemas and condemnations separating the families be lifted simultaneously by church heads through formal ecclesiastical acts. This restoration would:
- Immediately implement full communion
- Nullify all past condemnations
- Establish agreed-upon liturgical diptychs (official lists of church leaders)
Specific Pastoral Concerns
Churches were encouraged to address sensitive matters through bilateral negotiations, including:
- Recognition of marriages consecrated in either tradition
- Handling of mixed-tradition marriages
- Protection of children from forced religious affiliation
Theological Clarifications
A critical reconciliation involved Christological terminology. The statement clarified that Oriental Orthodox use of “one nature of the Logos” and Byzantine Orthodox use of “two natures” both affirmed identical theological realities when properly understood. Both formulations acknowledged Christ’s complete divinity and humanity in hypostatic union.
International Cooperation
The Commission emphasized collaborative engagement with the World Council of Churches and identified crucial areas for joint Orthodox witness, particularly regarding women’s roles, mixed marriages, and Orthodox responses to contemporary ethical challenges.
Conclusion
The dialogue represented a significant ecclesiastical achievement, demonstrating that centuries-old divisions could be overcome through careful theological examination and charitable engagement. The agreed statements affirmed that doctrinal differences often reflected “different ways” of expressing identical faith rather than substantive disagreements about essential Christian doctrine.