LIGHT FROM THE EAST

’Light from the East’ shone on the clergy of Chichester Diocese on September 18, when a unique training event on the Oriental Orthodox Churches, with that title, took place at the Coptic Church of St Mary & St Abraam, Hove.

The initiative arose from discussions within the Anglican- Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum which explores practical ways the churches can help and support one another. Two members of the Forum led the planning: His Grace Bishop Angaelos, Coptic General Bishop for the UK, and Canon Dr Andrew Mayes, director of ongoing clergy training for the Anglican diocese of Chichester. The aim of the day was to introduce Anglican clergy to the riches of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and this was a multi-media learning event in a special way: it engaged all the senses of the 65 deacons and priests who attended, through intellectual reflection, enjoyment of art – and food! - and shared worship.

It began with heart and mind: His Grace Bishop Angaelos gave an introductory address on the Christology and theology of the Oriental Churches, referring to the 2002 joint Anglican-Oriental Orthodox Agreed Statement on Christology, of which participants had copies. This helped to set the scene and clarify key theological concepts.

Next, Fr Abraham Thomas, from the Indian Orthodox Church, Secretary of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches for the UK and Ireland, gave an historical over-view of the 6 churches in the Oriental Orthodox family. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he painted a vivid picture of the geographical location and apostolic origins of the churches, and touched on present challenges they face.

Members of the Coptic Community worshipping in Hove provided a generous Middle Eastern lunch, which gave rich opportunity for Christian fellowship and informal encounter. Then their Parish Priest, Fr Youhanna Habib, led a presentation on ‘Art & Saints’, leading the participants around the church to understand its stunning icons and to tell some of the stories of the Coptic saints depicted. This used the church building as a marvellous teaching resource in itself.

Two Anglicans led a response to the day. Fr Andrew Mayes gave a personal account of how Oriental Orthodox spirituality has enriched his 25 years in ministry, since he lived, as a student at the Armenian Seminary in Jerusalem. Five themes in the Oriental tradition which can inspire Anglican ministry were identified. He shared how the Oriental Orthodox reveal in their history, ancient and recent, the Easter Mystery, not only sharing in Christ’s passion through their experience of persecution, but also rejoicing in the Resurrection by their faith and courage and ability to move through suffering to new beginnings. He spoke of how the joyous and mysterious worship of the Oriental churches can lead us to reflect again on what we are doing at the Eucharist. The spiritual writers of the traditions can inspire and feed into spirituality. Among the writers mentioned which are now available in English translation were Gregory of Narek and Nerses Shnorhali from the Armenian Tradition, with Ephrem of Edessa and Isaac of Nineveh representing Syriac writers. A fourth theme was the models of priesthood offered by the Oriental Orthodox. Fr Andrew mentioned in particular one powerful image that has stayed with him from a visit. An Ethiopian priest, standing on the threshold of his circular church, opening wide the great angel-bearing doors to order to welcome pilgrims into the breathtaking sanctuary: a vivid image of the vocation of the priest - and indeed of all Christians – to lead enquirers and seekers into the treasures of faith and into the arena of grace and salvation: the priest/ Christian is called to be a revealer of the Holy in our very midst. A fifth theme is how we can learn from the unity of the Oriental Orthodox Churches: despite their differing cultures, customs and languages, they work hard to nurture and advance their spiritual unity, though shared celebrations, joint meetings and Christian fellowship.

A final contribution for the day came from Canon Andrew Robinson on how the Diocese of Chichester, through recent visits, is developing a friendship with the Syriac monasteries of the Tur Abdin. Thus the participants were challenged to reflect ion practical ways Anglican friendships with the Oriental Orthodox can grow.

Significantly, the day ended with a joyous celebration of Vespers, giving the participants the opportunity not only to witness the beauty and majesty of Oriental Orthodox worship but also, importantly, the chance to pray together and to confess a common faith in the words of the Creed.

This day was described as an unique event, but we hope it will not stay that way. We hope it will inspire other such opportunities for Anglicans to learn from the Oriental Orthodox. It is hoped that theological educators from both communions can see the potential in these days, and that they will be repeated: for example, by Anglicans with access to the Coptic Centre in Stevenage, or those living nearby other Oriental Orthodox Churches across the UK. In this sense the day was a pilot event: we have developed a format for an inspiring day that uses the resources of the local Oriental Orthodox Church, and we hope that it is the first of many. For advice on setting up such a day, please contact His Grace Bishop Angaelos at the Coptic Centre or Canon Mayes at Chichester Diocese (andrew.mayes@diochi.org.uk) , who are available to assist.