“Fellowship meeting of the Orthodox Leaders”
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Communiqué of the fellowship of Orthodox Bishops
concerning the "Da Vinci Code" and the "Gospel of Judas"
A fellowship of Orthodox Bishops was hosted by His Grace Joseph Zahlawi (bishop of Los Angeles and all the West for the Antiochian Orthodox Church) on May 16, 2006, in the presence of His grace Bishop Serapion (Coptic Orthodox Church), His Eminence Archbishop Mor C. Eugene Kaplan (Syriac Orthodox Church), His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian (Armenian apostolic Church), His Eminence Hovnan Derderian (Armenian Church of Atchmiazeen).
During the fellowship, the topics of "Da Vinci Code" and the "Gospel of Judas" were discussed. In conclusion to the discussion, it was decided that this fellowship communiqué be distributed among the Faithful.
"We as Orthodox bishops caution our faithful about the movie "Da Vinci Code" which falsifies the reality of our Lord Jesus Christ. Based on fiction and falsehood, this movie tries to discredit the fundamentals of our Christian Orthodox faith, and to attack the authenticity of the New Testament.
Also we caution our faithful about the "Gospel of Judas" This "gospel" better entitled the Judas Document, is neither "good news" (the meaning of "gospel") nor was it written by Judas Iscariot nor is it even particularly "new". This ancient manuscript was roundly condemned and refuted by the early Church Fathers.
In the midst of the media relentless avalanche of anti-Christian propaganda concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, we are confident that you are standing firm in your Orthodox faith. Battling for our Apostolic Faith, which bears the Truth of Who Jesus Christ is, we must remain undismayed by attacks that the media launches against the accuracy and veracity of the four Gospels."
In the midst of the media frenzy, let us not forget that The Da Vinci Code is a work of fiction that does not accurately depict the life and ministry of Jesus or the traditions of the Church. We pray that those who see this movie will want to know more about Jesus Christ. And, we call on our Christian brothers and sisters to uncover distortions of biblical truths not only in entertainment but in policies and actions perpetuated in our society every day. Neither The Da Vinci Code, nor any other work of fiction, will alter the beliefs, mission or work of individual churches or the Organizations of Churches. We will not be diverted from the gospel imperative to care for creation, do justice and work for peace regardless of what the distractions of current culture may offer.