Relations with the Eastern Orthodox Churches
Statement by the Oriental Orthodox Churches, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1965

Though in our concern for the reunion of Christendom we have in our minds the reunion of all churches, from the point of view of closer affinity in faith and spiritual kinship with us we need to develop different approaches in our relationship with them. This consideration leads us to take up the question of our relation with the Eastern Orthodox Churches as a first step. We shared the same faith and communion until the Council of Chalcedon in 451, and then the division took place.

Concerning the Christological controversy which caused the division, we hope that common studies in a spirit of mutual understanding of each other's positions. So we have decided that we should institute formally a fresh study of the Christological doctrine in its historical setting to be undertaken by our scholars, taking into account the earlier studies on this subject as well as the informal consultations held in connection with the meetings of the World Council of Churches. Meanwhile we express our agreement that our churches should seek a closer relationship and cooperate with the Eastern Orthodox Churches in practical affairs.

Extracts from the official statement of the Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 7-14 January 1965.

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