Ecumenical Methodology: the Case of the Anaphora of Addai and Mari

Abstract

The inclusion of the anaphora of Addai and Man as a valid anaphore for the eucharistic celebration in the Assyrian churches, although it doesn´t cite the story of the institution of the sacrament, represents not only a pastoral attitude towards the Assyrian faithful but a proof of a genuine ecumenical method. This method shows, indeed, that the life of faith during the times when the Church was undivided is a norm for the actual Church; that the common heritage of the undivided Church is the heritage of an orthodox and righteous faith. Therefore, what was a common tradition before the division is valid today for Eastern and Latins churches alike. The ecumenical method presented here indicates that there are common points which are the heritage of all churches as it is the case for the faith when the church was united prior to the first divisions.