Press Releases19 Sep 16

The International Commission for Anglican–Orthodox Theological Dialogue to meet in Armagh

The International Commission for Anglican–Orthodox Theological Dialogue will be meeting in Armagh from Friday 23rd to Thursday 29th September. The Commission draws together senior clergy and theologians from across the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Anglican Communion; last year it met in Buffalo, NY, USA, and published an Agreed Statement: In the Image and Likeness of God: A Hope–Filled Anthropology.

Representatives from the Churches will stay in Armagh and will worship in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral using both Anglican and Orthodox liturgies. On Sunday 25th September, members of the Commission will worship at St Mark’s Parish Church, Ballymore (Tandragee), at 11am and in the afternoon there will be a special ecumenical Evensong at St Patrick’s Cathedral at 3.15pm, followed by a reception in the Synod Hall, Armagh. The Commission members will also visit Downpatrick and the Mournes on Tuesday 27th.

Ahead of the meeting in Armagh, the Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, was appointed to the co–chairmanship of the Commission by the Archbishop of Canterbury; his co–chair is Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia. On his appointment, Archbishop Richard Clarke said: ‘It is a privilege to accept the appointment of Co–Chair of the International Commission for Anglican–Orthodox Theological Dialogue by the Archbishop of Canterbury and it is a significant honour and moment for the Church of Ireland to have the Commission meet here in Armagh. I look forward very much to the role and to welcoming distinguished Orthodox and Anglican guests from across the world to our shores.’