The 1300th Anniversary of the Council of Manazkert

The Eastern Prelacy Diary has been published annually since 1974 without interruption and contains a listing of the following under its jurisdiction:  parishes, outreaches, retired clergy, Sunday Schools, One Day Schools, Day Schools, Youth Ministry, and a few other information relevant to the Armenian community.

Last year the Diary had the 1700^th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea on its cover. This year it has the Council of Manzakert on its cover. I reproduced Arch. Anoushavan Tanielian’s, the Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, reflection on the Councial of Manazkert. Vaհe H Apelian

The 1300^th Anniversary of the Council of Manazkert

The Armenian Church, an ancient part of the Universal Church, after celebrating last year with the Christian World, the 1700^th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, this year is commemorating the 1300^th anniversary of the council convened with the Syriac Orthodox Church, which took place in Manazkert in 726 AD, under the presidency of Catholicos of All Armenians Hovhannes Ordzetsi (John of Otsun) and Syriac Patriarch Athanasius III, with the participation of 23 Armenian bishops and eight archimandrites (vartabeds), and eight Syriac bishops.

The council is noteworthy for the enduring relevance of its content. Indeed, it addressed significant matters of theology, liturgy, and the Holy Scriptures which even today, in various forms still concern the wider ecumenical Christian family.

We may draw the following practical lesson from the Council of Manazkert.

1.   As it is beyond human understanding, in every age, the mystery of the Incarnation has unfortunately been a cause of conflict for, when viewed solely through a human perspective, it is stripped of its sublimity and divine character. In such circumstances, the essential role belongs to enlightened leaders – such as the Catholicos of the Armenians and the Patriarch of the Syriacs – who by confronting false doctrines, have prevented polarization and paved the way for peace.

2.   While both are members of the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Armenian and the Syriac Churches nevertheless retain significant differences, which is the most persuasive testimony to the spirit of mutual understanding and tolerance.

3.   As in the case of individuals, dialogue is ever more imperative for both ecclesiastical and secular institutions, for it transforms the very stones of dividing walls into the building blocks of connecting bridges.

May the spirit of the Council of Manaskert ever renew Armenian life.

Archbishop Anoushavan

Prelate

Eastern Prelacy.