Coming Together since 1700s Century

For the first time in history, the heads of three Oriental Orthodox Churches jointly preside over Holy Liturgy at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo, commemorating a legacy of unity and faith.

By:
Treasure Valley Orthodox Mission / TVOrthodox.org

Lede:
On May 18, in a moment both reverent and historic, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church, His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church, and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Orthodox Church of the Great House of Cilicia came together in shared liturgical prayer at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mark in Abbassia, Cairo. The occasion marked the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea—a milestone in Church history and a powerful symbol of continuity, communion, and the enduring unity of the Oriental Orthodox tradition.

Background & Significance:
The First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD) was convened to address theological division and to preserve the integrity of the faith amid heretical challenges. Its legacy includes the formulation of foundational doctrine and the demonstration that bishops and patriarchs could gather in unity for the good of the Church. This year’s celebration at St. Mark’s Cathedral intentionally echoed that ancient unity—“compressing time within the Church,” as Pope Tawadros II reflected—by bringing together the spiritual heads of three sister churches in a shared Holy Liturgy for the first time in the cathedral’s history.

The Celebration:
The morning began with a procession at 9 AM from the Papal Residence toward the main church, led by metropolitans and bishops. The cathedral was filled to capacity: clergy, monastics, and faithful welcomed the patriarchs with joyous hymns celebrating the Resurrection. Readings and parts of the Resurrection procession were shared among the metropolitans and bishops, and the Gospel was proclaimed in three languages—Arabic, Syriac, and Armenian—emphasizing both the diversity and unity of the Oriental Orthodox communion.

A commemorative photo captured the three patriarchs centrally flanked by their fellow hierarchs, a visual testimony to shared stewardship of the faith. The deacons’ choir chanted resurrectional hymns as the faithful received the procession with warmth and reverence.

Highlights from the Sermon:
In his sermon, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II extended a heartfelt welcome to the visiting patriarchs, clergy, monastics, and the congregation. He framed the day as not just celebratory but historical—drawing a direct line from the Council of Nicaea to the present gathering. “This day,” he said, “where we pray together in St. Mark’s Cathedral for the first time, should be recorded in the history of the Church… It is a continuation of what occurred 1,700 years ago.”

Reflecting on the origins of that first council, Pope Tawadros II reminded the assembly of the unity of heart and mind displayed by the fathers at Nicaea, particularly highlighting figures like St. Athanasius the Apostolic—who began as a deacon defending orthodoxy and later became a pillar of the faith.

Why This Matters to Us in the Treasure Valley:
For Orthodox Christians in Meridian, Idaho, and across the Treasure Valley, this celebration is more than a distant event—it’s a living affirmation of the same faith we confess, the same historical roots we inherit, and the same unity we seek to model in our local mission. It reminds us that despite geographic distance, language differences, and cultural diversity, we are tied to a global and historic communion that treasures truth, reconciliation, and shared witness.

Call to Action:

• Share this story with friends and family to spread awareness of the deep unity and heritage of the Oriental Orthodox Churches.

• Join us at Treasure Valley Orthodox Mission to learn more about the faith that spans centuries and continents.

• Subscribe to updates at TVOrthodox.org for upcoming local events, liturgies, and educational gatherings celebrating our shared tradition.