The second Lausanne-Orthodox Consultation opened tonight with a dinner hosted by His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Albania and Pastor Ali Kurti, President of the Albanian Evangelical Brotherhood (VUSH) and attended by over 50 delegates from 20 countries.
His Beatitude spoke of the resurrection of the church in Albania and the challenges of witness in contemporary society which does not allow us the luxury of a breach in fellowship between Christians of all traditions. Picking up this theme Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Church and co-chair of the LOI suggested that we might need to separate our theological dialogues (where we continue to wrestle with major theological issues) from our solidarity and unity in witness and Christian living. Pastor Ali Kurti spoke of the presence of evangelicals in Albania for several centuries and their witness through times of persecution and isolation. He also voiced the high regard in which evangelicals hold Archbishop Anastasios.
Following the formal welcomes His Eminence Metropolitan Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North India gave a Biblical reflection based on the third letter of John verse 4 in which we are reminded that walking in the truth (the orthodox – but not necessarily Orthodox – way) brings joy to others and to God.
The consultation continues tomorrow with discussions on Spiritual Transformation, Conversion and Hope through Collaboration and, in the afternoon, a meeting with Orthodox and Evangelical youth.