Is the Armenian Church in Communion With Rome?

By Michael Ferguson

Is the Armenian Church in Communion With Rome?

The question of whether the Armenian Church is in communion with Rome is a complex and often debated topic. To understand this issue, it is important to delve into the historical and theological background of both churches.

Background

The Armenian Church, also known as the Armenian Apostolic Church, is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world. It traces its origins back to the early days of Christianity when Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD.

Rome, on the other hand, is synonymous with Catholicism. The Catholic Church, centered in Vatican City, considers itself to be the universal church founded by Jesus Christ and traces its lineage back to Saint Peter, whom Catholics believe was appointed by Jesus as the first Pope.

Theological Differences

Despite their shared Christian heritage, there are significant theological differences between the Armenian Church and Rome that have led to their current state of non-communion.

Papal Supremacy

One major point of contention is papal supremacy. The Catholic Church believes in the authority and infallibility of the Pope as the successor of Saint Peter.

In contrast, the Armenian Church maintains a decentralized structure with no single leader possessing supreme authority over all Armenians. The Catholic concept of papal supremacy has been a stumbling block in achieving full communion between these two churches.

Christological Dispute

Another theological difference revolves around a historical Christological dispute known as Monophysitism. The Armenian Church adheres to Miaphysitism – a belief that Jesus Christ has one nature that combines both human and divine elements.

This differs from Chalcedonian Christianity upheld by the Catholic Church, which affirms that Jesus Christ has two distinct natures, fully human and fully divine. This theological divergence has further complicated the path to reconciliation between these two churches.

Recent Ecumenical Efforts

In recent years, there have been significant efforts towards dialogue and understanding between the Armenian Church and Rome. These initiatives aim to bridge theological differences and promote unity among Christians.

Joint Declarations

In 1996, the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church issued a joint declaration acknowledging their common faith in Jesus Christ. They expressed a desire to overcome historical divisions and work towards greater unity based on shared beliefs and values.

Ecumenical Dialogues

Since then, numerous bilateral dialogues have taken place between representatives of both churches. These dialogues have focused on theological discussions, exploring areas of agreement, and seeking common ground for future collaboration.

The Current Status

While progress has been made in building bridges between the Armenian Church and Rome, full communion has not yet been achieved. The differences in theology and ecclesiology continue to pose challenges that require further dialogue and understanding.

However, it is important to note that despite their non-communion status with Rome, the Armenian Church maintains strong relationships with other Eastern Orthodox Churches as well as with Protestant denominations worldwide.

In Conclusion

The question of whether the Armenian Church is in communion with Rome remains a complex one. While there have been positive strides in recent years towards greater understanding and cooperation between these two churches, significant theological differences still exist. Continued dialogue and ecumenical efforts are essential for fostering unity among Christians while respecting diverse traditions and beliefs.

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