A fellowship of Orthodox Bishops was hosted by His Grace Joseph, bishop of Los Angeles and all the West (Antiochian Orthodox Church) on May 16, 2006, in the presence of bishops Serapion, (Coptic Orthodox Church), C. Eugene, (Syrian Orthodox Church), Moushegh (Armenian apostolic Church), Hovnan (Armenian Church). 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’s 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.
