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CWN - An official of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity has surveyed developments over the past year in relations with the Oriental Orthodox churches.

These churches, which ceased to be in full communion with the Holy See following the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (451), include the Armenian Apostolic, Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Malankara Syrian Orthodox, and Eritrean Orthodox Churches.

“In recent months we have seen the images of Syrians fleeing from their country to seek refuge in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq,” Father Gabriel Quicke wrote in an article published in the latest English edition of L’Osservatore Romano.

Noting that many of the refugees are Oriental Orthodox Christians, he said that “this painful reality reminds us that Christ still today is suffering and poor. Christ is still hungry, thirsty and cold. Pope Francis has repeatedly expressed his concern over the plight of those Christians who are suffering the consequences of conflict and tension in many areas of the Middle East.”

In addition to recalling the suffering of the refugees, Father Quicke discussed meetings with various Oriental Orthodox church officials over the past year.

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Catholic World News

Forum 18 News

03 December 2022

Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)