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The Annual Constantinople Lecture 2023


Constantinople Lecture 2023


On Thursday the 23rd of November 2023 the annual 'Constantinople Lecture' of the AECA (Anglican & Eastern Churches Association) took place at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom in Bayswater, London. This year's lecture was delivered by the esteemed theologian and chaplain of HM King Charles, Rev Dr Canon Jamie Hawkey. The Canon of Westminster spoke on the theme of His Majesty the King's recent coronation in terms of both the liturgical influences of the Orthodox Christian tradition (with holy oil consecrated and offered by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem) and the ecumenical significance of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas' active participation in the ceremony, alongside other faith leaders.


Prior to the lecture itself, the chairman of the AECA, Rev Canon William Taylor, offered welcoming remarks, whilst the Rt Rev Bishop Christopher Chessun of Southwark congratulated Canon Jamie following his insightful talk. The V. Rev. Archimandrite Nephon Tsimalis, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, represented His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas.


The lecture sparked glimmers of hope within the context of Anglican -Orthodox dialogue, placing emphasis on practical implementation of Christ's commandments of unity and of 'diakonia,' serving and ministering to others in His name.


The lecture and gracious reception hosted by the Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom was truly a joyous occasion for further fellowship amongst members of the AECA and other attendees, in a spirit of Christian solidarity, in prayer for a brighter future of unity, in faith and fraternal love.


Deacon Gregory Florides

 

Photos by Alexios Gennaris

 

 


 

The Annual Orthodox Reception at Westminster Abbey, 2023


The AECA held its annual Orthodox Reception at Westminster Abbey. The evening began with Choral Evensong, followed by a reception at the Jerusalem Chamber, by kind permission of the Dean of Westminster.


This year’s very successful Orthodox Reception attracted many Orthodox from a variety of jurisdictions from both Eastern and Oriental Orthodox. Speakers at this year’s event were the Dean of Westminster Abbey, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE, who welcomed us to this event. The Right Revd Jonathan Baker, Bishop of Fulham, greeted the reception and the guests, explaining how we are currently living in troubled times, where many parts of the world are in war, including the Holy Lands, where the ICAOTD was officially meeting. Thankfully everyone was safe. Finally, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Great Britain, was asked to speak about the current war in Nagorno Karabakh between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He expressed the importance of the relations and of prayer, so this conflict can end soon. The evening continued with great discussions, being a great opportunity to renew friendships between the members of the different churches.

 

Photos by Rose Collis and Alexios Gennaris

 

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The Annual Constantinople Lecture, 2022


On Thursday 24th November 2022 the AECA held its annual Constantinople lecture at St John the Evangelist, Notting Hill. This year’s speaker was His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, OBE, who is the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London. The evening began with Evensong, led by Fr Alan Trigle, the Treasurer of the AECA. Fr William Taylor, Chairman of the AECA, welcomed everyone to the event. His Eminence spoke about ‘The Church: The strength of its witness and brightness of its light.’ The speaker focused on the Coptic Church, expanding on the contribution of the Coptic Church to Christianity, namely: A. Faith to the Ecumenical Councils, up to the Third Council. B. The Tradition of monasticism C. Martyrdom, which is still evident to these days.


His Eminence Angaelos highlighted the importance of fellowship between the Christian denominations. Interestingly enough, the speaker also reported the fact that the Dialogue between Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox will commence again, with the blessings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.


After the talk, the Secretary of the AECA thanked His Eminence for his inspiring talk. Fr Alan Trigle presented a picture to His Eminence from the summer AECA AGM, taken in front of he Serbian Orthodox Church of St Sava, in London. This picture was a gift from the Photographer of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain Mr Alexios Gennaris.


The event concluded with a reception, where we had the opportunity to taste Syrian food.

Photos by Alexios Gennaris

 

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The Annual Orthodox Reception at Westminster Abbey, 2022


The AECA held its annual Orthodox Reception at Westminster Abbey. The evening began with Choral Evensong, followed by a reception at the Jerusalem Chamber, by kind permission of the Dean of Westminster.


This year’s very successful Orthodox Reception attracted many Orthodox from a variety of jurisdictions from both Eastern and Oriental Orthodox. Speakers at this year’s event were the Revd Dr Jamie Hawkey, the Chairman of the AECA, Revd Dr William Taylor, the AECA’s Anglican President, Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, His Eminence Archbishop Zenon of Dmanisi (Georgian Orthodox Church), His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukian (Armenian Church) and Fr Yohannes Sibahtu of the Eritrean Orthodox Church.


The speakers all pointed out the difficult times regarding Christian persecution, the assistance the Christians need abroad and in the UK and reiterated the importance of our friendships between Christians from East and West.


As a concrete manifestation of the solidarity of Christians from East and West, the recent successful pilgrimage to the Syriac Orthodox Church of the Tur Abdin, co-led by Mor Polycarpus of the Netherlands and Bishop Christopher of Southwark was highlighted.

Photos by Rose Collis.

 

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AECA AGM and Dinner 2022


On Thursday 23rd June 2022, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain attended the Annual Meeting and Dinner of the Anglican and Eastern Churches Association (AECA) accompanied by Revd Archdeacon Dr George Tsourous. The association is under the co-Patronage of His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch and His Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. Its Presidents are H.E The Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, and the Lord Bishop of Southwark.


The dinner was preceded by vespers at the Serbian Orthodox Church of St Sabba in Notting Hill, London. Several other leaders of Christian churches in the UK attended the gathering, including His Grace Christopher Anglican Bishop of Southwark, His Grace John Anglican Bishop of Bardwell and His Eminence Angaelos Coptic Archbishop of London.

Photos by Alexios Gennaris.

 

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The Annual Orthodox Reception at Westminster Abbey, 2021


After a year long break due to the global Covid-19 Pandemic, the AECA was able to organized its annual Orthodox Reception for the second time in its history at the Jerusalem Chamber, in Westminster Abbey. The evening began with Choral Evensong, attended by members of the Association, followed by the reception in the Jerusalem Chamber, where King Henry IV passed away in 1413.


Speakers at this year’s event were the Revd Dr Jamie Hawkey, Canon Theologian of Westminster Abbey, a Chaplain to Her Majesty The Queen, and Chair of the Westminster Abbey Institute, who greeted the AECA and the Orthodox and Anglican representatives. Revd Dr William Taylor, Chairman of the AECA, wished to explain the importance of the relations between East and West in the 21st century. The Bishop of Fulham, The Right Revd Jonathan Baker was presented as the new Lead Bishop for the Church of England in relations with the Eastern Orthodox. He also spoke about his enthusiasm about his new role. The Rt Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington greeted the event, speaking about his projects and his relations with Orthodoxy. Finally, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, who is also the AECA’s Orthodox President, spoke about the importance of the relations between the Orthodox and the Anglicans.

 

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Constantinople Lecture 2020


For the first time in our long history and due to the current restrictions due to the global pandemic, the AECA had its first online Constantinople Lecture. Speaker for this event was Fr Dragos Herescu (Principal of the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge), who spoke on 'Secularism, Orthodoxy and Europe.' This was a great experience for us all, which was well attended by people from all around the world, making this a global event!

Click here to see the video on Youtube

 

 


 

The Annual Orthodox Reception at Westminster Abbey, 2019


The AECA organized the annual Orthodox Reception for the first time in its history at the Jerusalem Chamber, in Westminster Abbey. The evening began with Choral Evensong, attended by members of the Association, followed by the reception in the Jerusalem Chamber, where King Henry IV passed away in 1413. Bishop Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark and Anglican President of the AECA, together with Fr William Taylor, Chairman of the Association, spoke first, introducing the guests. Importantly, they introduced the newly appointed Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, who was asked to become the new Orthodox President of the Association, which he accepted. Archbishop Nikitas spoke about the importance and the need for dialogue and communication between all Christians, explaining how there are more things that unite us rather than separate us. His Eminence also highlighted the fact that we need to study the theology and traditions of other Christians in order to bridge our differences. He stated that: ‘we have had 1000 years of a unified Church; 1000 years of separation; the third millennium is the time of hope.’

Photos by Fr Anastasios Salapatas

 

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The Annual Constantinople Lecture at St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2019


On Thursday 2ist November 2019 the annual Constantinople Lecture took place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St Sophia, Bayswater. The evening began with Orthodox Vespers and a memorial service to the late Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain. Fr William Taylor, Chairman of the AECA introduced the speaker. The lecture was given by the Rt Revd. Dr Gregory Cameron, Bishop of St Asaph and co-chair of the Anglican Oriental Orthodox International Commission. The topic of this year's lecture was: “Can Anglicanism learn from Orthodoxy?” It was an interesting talk, discussing among other things icons and martyrdom. The paper was also published in the AECA’s journal: Koinonia (No 72). After the lecture, the Rt Revd. Christopher Chessun, Anglican President of the AECA, thanked Bishop Gregory Cameron for his interesting paper. After, the General Secretary of the AECA, Dr D Salapatas, also thanked the key note speaker and also announced the programme for Archbishop Gregory’s funeral. The evening continued with a reception, organised by the Association. During the reception, Alexios Gennaris presented a number of pictures of the late Archbishop, who was also the Orthodox President of the AECA.

Photos by Alexios Gennaris.

 

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The Annual Constantinople Lecture AT St John's Notting Hill, 2018


On Thursday 22nd November 2018 the annual Constantinople Lecture took place at St John's Notting Hill. This year's lecture was given by Bishop Jovan Culibrk of Slavonia. The topic of this year's lecture was: 'New Martyrs and New Paradigm of Martyrdom: Jasenovac'. The evening began with an Evensong. Following, Fr William Taylor, the Chairman of the AECA, welcomed everyone and introduced the speaker. Bishop Jovan gave an interesting explanation of modern martyrdom by quoting a number of songs and modern artists, such as Patti Smith and Bob Dylan. However, the main focus was Jasenovac, which was in many ways more horrible than its Nazi counterparts, where many Serbs, Jews and gypsies were murdered, being one of the largest concentration camps on the continent. After the talk, many had the opportunity to visit the exhibition on the Jasenovac genocide, with the assistance of the Museum of Genocide (Belgrade), which was launched at the Constantinople Lecture 2018. This exhibition also included a newly commissioned icon of the martyrs of Jasenovac, which is hoped to travel to different locations in the UK during the course of 2019. As usual, refreshments followed, allowing for further discussions between Anglicans and Orthodox.

Photos by Alexios Gennaris.

 

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THE ANNUAL ORTHODOX RECEPTION AT FAITH HOYSE, WESTMINSTER 2018


The Anglican and Eastern Churches Association organized the annual Orthodox Reception at Faith House, Westminster. This year the event attracted Bishops, priests and laymen from a number of Orthodox Churches. The Anglican President, Bishop Christopher of Southwark, Archbishop Angaelos of London, of the Coptic Church, and the President of the AECA Fr William Taylor addressed the event. All the speakers promoted and expressed the deep friendship that exists between the churches and their representatives. Ecumenical Relations have never been as important as they are today. Promoting them is key for the future.

Photographer: Alexios Gennaris

 

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ANGLICAN-ORTHODOX CHURCH LEADERS RECEPTION, 2017

Fr Stephen Stavrou


The AECA held its annual reception for church leaders at Faith House, Westminster, Monday 16th October 2017. This is an occasion when bishops, clergy and leading laypeople gather to meet one another and further our ecumenical relationships. We were addressed by our Anglican President, Bishop Christopher of Southwark, by His Eminence Archbishop Elise's of the Russian Orthodox Church and Fr Jusuf Al Banna of the Syrian Orthodox Church.

 

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CONSTANTINOPLE LECTURE 2016
By Dimitris Salapatas

 

On Thursday 17th November 2016 the annual Constantinople Lecture, organised by the Anglican and Eastern Churches Association, took place at Southwark Cathedral. This year’s lecture was given by Professor Andrew Louth. The evening began with evensong in the Cathedral. Firstly Fr William Taylor, Chairman of the AECA welcomed everyone for coming to this event and also thanked Bishop Christopher for hosting this event in the Cathedral. After this introduction, Dimitris Salapatas introduced Fr Andrew Louth, who spoke on an interesting theme, entitled: 'Easter, Calendar and Cosmos: an Orthodox View.' The Professor examined his topic giving a great exegesis of the issue of Calendar, explaining its importance for Christianity, whilst also identifying how other religions understand the issue of calendar. He also gave his views on the current issue of Easter, and whether it could change or not, or whether East and West could celebrate Easter on the same day. For those who are members of the AECA, the next issue of Koinonia will have this year’s lecture published there.

 

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A.E.C.A. RECEPTION FOR ORTHODOX CLERGY, 2016
By Dimitris Salapatas

 

The Anglican and Eastern Churches Association held its annual reception for Orthodox clergy on Monday 10th October at Faith House Westminster. This was a special occasion, being the last A.E.C.A. event for the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, who is also the Anglican President of the Association, before his retirement in February 2017. The event began with Fr William Taylor (Chairman of the A.E.C.A.) welcoming everyone and speaking about the Bishop of London. Later, the bishop spoke about the A.E.C.A and his role within the Association, thanking all for their important work in promoting relations between the churches. In order to show their appreciation for his Presidency, the Association gave the Bishop of London a gift, an icon of St Seraphim of Sarov, who he respects and venerates greatly, which was given to him by the Orthodox President of the A.E.C.A, H.E. Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain. Bishop Richard gave a great explanation of how the relics of St Seraphim of Sarov were saved from the Museum of Atheism in Russia. At the end of this great event, the Association announced the new Anglican President, who is going to be the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark. The next Reception for Orthodox Clergy will take place in October 2017.

 

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CONSTANTINOPLE LECTURE 2015
By Dimitris Salapatas

 

The Anglican and Eastern Church Association (AECA) organised its annual Constantinople Lecture, which took place on Thursday 19th November 2015 at St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in London. The evening began with Orthodox Vespers, followed by a lecture given by the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, on ‘Patriarchy and Dispersion.’ Bishop Christopher has supported Anglican-Orthodox dialogue for a number of years, ‘and has enabled many western Christians to gain an understanding of eastern Christianity through pilgrimages to Tur Abdin and the Holy Land,’ as stated by the editor of Koinonia, Fr Stephen Stavrou, in the latest issue of the journal.


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A.E.C.A. RECEPTION FOR ORTHODOX CLERGY, 2015
By Fr William Taylor

 

The Anglican and Eastern Churches Association held its annual reception for Orthodox clergy on Monday 12th October at Faith House Westminster. This year saw a larger number of Orthodox clergy attending than ever before, with a large delegation from the Armenian Church. His Grace Bishop Hovakim, Primate of the Armenian Church in the U.K, addressed the assembly on the events to mark 100 years since the Armenian genocide in 1915. His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Church in the U.K, also addressed the assembly on the refugee situation for Christians from Syria and Iraq. The next reception will be in October 2016.

 

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COMMUNIQUÉ 2015

 

The Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission has held its fourth meeting from the 5th to 10th October 2015 at Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden, Wales.

 

The Commission greatly appreciates the welcome to his diocese given by the Right Reverend Gregory K Cameron, and the hospitality offered by the staff of the Library.

 

The Commission is also grateful to the members of St Dyfnog’s Church Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch, Canolfan Dewi Sant, Abergele, and St Abba Eskhairon Coptic Orthodox Church in Llandudno, and the Dean and Chapter of St Asaph Cathedral, for their warm welcome, as well as to Bishop Gregory and Mrs Cameron for inviting the members of the Commission to their home, and for their kind and generous hospitality.

 

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A new publication containing the Agreed Statement on Christology of the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission 2014 was launched during Vespers in St Asaph Cathedral by the Co-Chairs of the commission, the Rt Revd Gregory K Cameron Bishop of St Asaph, and His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta, in the presence of the Rt Revd Dr Geoffrey Rowell, former Co-Chair of the Commission and co-signatory to the Statement.

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AECA 150th ANNIVERSARY DINNER
By Dimitris Salapats

 

2014 is the 150th Anniversary of the Association. To mark the occasion, a Dinner was held at Lambeth Palace in the presence of Anglican and Orthodox guests and friends. ‘The Anglican and Eastern Churches Association (AECA) is the first group to be founded in Britain on Anglican-Orthodox relations. The number of Anglican-Orthodox groups which exist, primarily in the West, and more specifically in Britain, have contributed immensely towards the establishment of the current dialogue. The first group to be founded in Britain was “The Association for the Promotion of the Unity of Christendom” which was founded in 1857, whilst the Eastern Church Association came into being in 1864. The E.C.A.’s purpose was to inform Anglicans of the state and position of the Eastern Christians; to make the doctrines and principles of Anglicanism known in the East; to take advantage ‘of all opportunities which the providence of God shall afford us for intercommunion with the Orthodox Church, and also for friendly intercourse with the other ancient Churches of the East’; to give financial assistance to the Orthodox bishops to assist in their efforts to promote the spiritual welfare of their flocks. The E.C.A.’s importance is evident, since it was the first endeavour within the United Kingdom to find an organisation with a sole purpose the promotion of Anglican-Orthodox Relations. On the whole, discussions before this point were products of individuals, existing on the periphery of the church’s interest, in both East and West. Nevertheless, the E.C.A. altered this practice. It persisted that its members were representing a church; consequently giving it an official position within the relations of the two churches. This organisation is currently known as ‘The Anglican and Eastern Churches Association’ (A.E.C.A.). It eventually amalgamated with ‘The Anglican and Eastern Orthodox Churches Union’, in 1906, forming finally the existing A.E.C.A, based in London. It is significant to identify its goals; the Association has the following aim: “To advance the Christian religion, particularly by teaching members of the Anglican and Orthodox Churches about each other, in order to prepare the way for an ultimate union between them, in accordance with our Lord’s prayer that ‘all may be one’. All its members are urged to work and pray constantly to this end.”

 

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AECA at 150
By William Taylor

 

In the second half of the nineteenth century, The Tractarian (or “High Church”) party of the Church of England came into increasing prominence and positions of influence within that church. As it did so, it employed particular “narratives of identity” to present itself as a sister church to Orthodox Churches. As such, these narratives influenced the Church of England’s involvement with all Orthodox Churches. What was important to the Church of England during this time was to take the characteristics considered to be essential to an accurate description of the Church, and to present them as having been present from the Church’s origin. The sense of continuity and identity thereby invoked was used by the Church of England to describe its own history in ways that were designed to present itself as a church possessing historical and ecclesiological authenticity.

 

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THE AECA'S AGM AND DINNER 2015

 

The Anglican and Eastern Churches Association held its AGM and Dinner on Thursday 9th July 2015 at St Sava’s Serbian Orthodox Church, which for another year was a great venue for this occasion. Due to the tube strike not many attended the AGM; nevertheless, the AECA had a good number of participants.

 


 

CONSTANTINOPLE LECTURE 2014

 

The Anglican and Eastern Churches Association in association with The Fellowship of St Alban and St Sergius organised the annual Constantinople Lecture on Thursday 27th November 2014. The lecture was given by Fr John Behr, who is Dean of St Vladimir’s Seminary in New York. The title of the lecture was ‘Take Back Death! Christian Witness in the Twenty-First Century.’ The event took place in St Mellitus College. The evening began with Evening Prayer, led by the Chairman, Revd Dr William Taylor. Following, Fr William introduced Dr Catherine Reid, who had won the AECA Travel Award in commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan. She then gave a brief account of her time at St Elisabeth’s Convent in Belarus.

 


 

ORTHODOXY IN HARROW AND THE A.E.C.A.
By Fr Anastasios D. Salapatas

 

“How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven”
Gen. 28, 17

 

By the Grace of God and the prayers of our Patron Saints, Panteleimon & Paraskevi, with the blessing of His Eminence our Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira & Great Britain and with the very hard and dedicated work of the leaders and member of our Community, as well as with the generous contributions of all our donors and benefactors, we managed to build in Harrow, from scratch, a magnificent place of worship in Byzantine style. The construction had taken place between August 2009 and March 2011. In November 2012 it was blessed and consecrated and was offered to our faithful for worship, for the ultimate goal of the Glorification of our Holy God and for the deification of His people.

 


 

CONSTANTINOPLE LECTURE 2013

 

The Anglican and Eastern Churches Association (AECA) organised its annual Constantinople Lecture on Thursday 21st November 2013 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom, Moscow Road, London. The night began with Vespers, followed by the lecture, which was given by The Rt Revd Andrew Proud (Bishop of Reading). The title of the talk was “Fully alive: good news for our time”. Fr William Taylor, Chairman of the AECA introduced the speaker, giving some biographical facts. The speaker reflected on St Irenaeu’s most famous aphorism, which he believes offers the good news our time so desperately needs to hear. He pointed out that our society is more secular now. Despite being more atomised and fragmented it seems that we are currently also more connected, via this new movement of social media networks.

 


 

A.E.C.A. RECEPTION FOR ORTHODOX CLERGY, 2013

 

The Anglican and Eastern Churches Association organised its annual Reception for Orthodox Clergy at Faith House, near Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, in Central London, on Monday 14th October 2013. This event allows for the members of the Orthodox Church and the Anglican Communion to come together, to speak and exchange ideas on various current topics. As Fr. William Taylor, Chairman of the Association, claimed that it is not only a change for the Orthodox to meet the Anglicans, but it is also a chance for Orthodox to meet each other, i.e. Orthodox from numerous jurisdictions.

 


 

CONSTANTINOPLE LECTURE 2012

 

The Anglican and Eastern Churches Association in conjunction with The Nikean Club organised this year's Constantinople Lecture at Lambeth Palace, on the 22nd of November 2012. The evening began with Evensong in the Archbishop's Chapel, within Lambeth Palace. The Service was conducted by The Rev'd Dr. William Taylor, Chairman of the A.E.C.A. It was a fantastic experience giving the opportunity to everyone to join in a tradition of worship that has been offered by Archbishops of Canterbury and their households on this site since at least the 13th century.

 


 

EASTER 2006 WITH THE ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHEDO CHURCH: A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME
A pilgrimage led by the Rt. Revd. Michael Jackson, Bishop of Clogher and the Revd. William Taylor, Chairman of the AECA.

 

So this was Ethiopia 1998 - where the 13-month year commenced in September and the day at 6.00 am. (We stayed on GMT to avoid total confusion!) This was Ethiopia, where Semitic, Asian and African traditions blend together and where the people are proud to retain their own unique Amharic script. This was Ethiopia - the home of coffee, where the berries were originally chewed by the monks of old to ward off sleep during lengthy devotions and where, today, the aroma of pounded beans roasting over a charcoal brazier mingles with the heady scent of incense and spices. It was early on Maundy Thursday and excitement mounted as our plane hovered over Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's sprawling young capital city, surrounded by aromatic eucalyptus groves - a bustling and culturally diverse diplomatic centre, home to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

 

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ANGLICAN-ORTHODOX RELATIONS. A DEAD-END OR A WAY FORWARD?
By Dimitris Salapatas

 

Relations between the Orthodox Church and the Anglican Communion have been an ongoing phenomenon since the 17th century. However, the 20th century has taken the relations to a new level, resulting in the establishment of the Official Dialogue between the two churches. This century will be known as the Age of Ecumenism, “the age in which Christians of all denominations became aware of the scandal of disunion, and attempted to do something to bring it to an end.” We live in a globalised, digital world and epoch; it is inevitable that this would have affected the relations between the churches on a global level, taking us away from the past, isolated state within which the churches and the people existed. It is crucial to understand why this has happened now, i.e. the dialogue between Eastern and Western Christianity, whether it is a dead-end or a way forward for all of Christianity.

 

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AN OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE ANGLICAN & EASTERN CHURCHES ASSOCIATION
By the Reverend A. T. J. Salter

 

It was a cold and windy night, the rain pelted down stair-rod like, whilst two Anglican clergymen met under a railway bridge in Lewisham in 1906. They were the Reverend Henry Joy Fynes-Clinton, an Assistant Curate at St Stephen’s. Lewisham, an aristocrat; and Canon John A. Douglas, Vicar of St Luke’s, Camberwell, from a middle-class engineering family. Once cannot begin to understand the Anglican and Eastern Churches Association without taking into consideration these two characters, both of whom I knew in their latter years; and who were to fall out dramatically in 1933.

 

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