Wednesday, September 10, 2025. – MoscowHis Eminence Metropolitan Serapion and His Grace Bishop Kyrillos participated in the Fourth Round of Theological Consultations between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, held at the Pokroskaya Hotel of the Moscow Patriarchate. These consultations were initiated by the Joint Commission for Bilateral Dialogue between the two Churches, not as a replacement for the official theological dialogue, but rather as a means to support and strengthen it. The aim is to provide a forum for deeper study, mutual understanding, and preparation for the future work of the Official Dialogue.
The Russian Orthodox Church was represented by HG Bishop Mefodii, rector of St Tikon’s Orthodox Theological University in Moscow; Very Rev. Hegoumen Adrian (Pashin), Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov); Fr. Dimitri Artemkin; Fr. Paul Lizgunov of Moscow Theological Academy, Deacon Sergius Panteleev, Deacon Sergius Kozhuhov, and Vadim Elimanov. The Coptic Orthodox Church was represented by His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion; His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, Fr. Gregorios Ava Mina, and Fr. Dawoud al-Antony.
HE Metropolitan Serapion guided the opening discussions, focusing on the Two Agreed Statements on Christology and the need to address concerns that have arisen in their reception.
The consultation then heard a presentation from Fr. Gregorius Ava Mina on “St. Severus of Antioch in the Oriental Orthodox Tradition.” St. Severus, whose Christology stands in continuity with that of St. Cyril of Alexandria, has often been misunderstood in later centuries. Participants underscored the importance of carefully evaluating the post-Chalcedonian period, considering both the theological developments and the historical challenges that hindered earlier efforts toward reconciliation.
Looking ahead, and with God’s grace, the fifth round of theological consultations between the two Churches will be held on April 28–30, 2026, at the Logos Convention Center in Wadi El Natroun, Egypt. This next session will continue discussions on the Second Agreed Statement on Christology and further explore the Christological teaching of St. Severus of Antioch.
