Coptic Orthodox Pope and Catholicos of All Armenians Issue Common Declaration
06.05.2003
In the evening of Sunday, May 4, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, issued a Common Declaration and Message, wherein they re-affirm the mutual brotherly love that exists between the two ancient Churches, based on the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Tradition of the early Church of Christ.
In the document, the two Pontiffs promote the close cooperation of the two respective Churches of the Oriental (Ancient) Orthodox family within the sphere of their involvement in the Ecumenical movement. Further, they give importance to the increased activities in the common task in facing and meeting the challenges in defeating elements that are dangerous to the Christian Church. The Pope and the Catholicos also endorse a proposed exchange of representatives on a regular basis to benefit a greater understanding of each Church's customs, traditions and monastic life.
His Holiness Karekin II and His Holiness Shenouda III conclude the agreement by stating, "We pray . . . for peace and justice in the world, and for true human prosperity for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, for Egypt, for the whole of the Middle East, including the Holy Land and Iraq, and for the whole world. May God guide us, our Churches and all peoples and nations on the way to peace for His Glory."
After signing the Common Declaration, the two Pontiffs were led into the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin by a combined Pontifical procession. A farewell service was held before the Holy Altar of Descent, as they prayed to God for the further strengthening of the two Sister Churches. In his farewell message to Pope Shenouda, the Catholicos of All Armenians wished him a safe journey and invited him to return to Armenia in the near future.
Early in the morning of May 5, His Holiness Karekin II and a delegation of clergymen of the Armenian Church escorted His Holiness Shenouda III and his entourage to Armenia International Airport, whereupon they departed from Armenia.
