Posted on 04/03/2005 11:18:53 AM PDT by lizol
Orthodox Church Patriarch Expresses Condolences at Pope's Death
By VOA News 03 April 2005
Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II From Moscow, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II has sent a condolence message to the Vatican, saying members of his church mourn the loss of Pope John Paul together with all Roman Catholics.
In a letter to the dean of the Vatican's college of cardinals Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, Patriarch Alexy said Pope John Paul himself, as well as his works and ideas, have made a strong impact on the world. "May his memory live forever," the Russian church leader wrote.
Patriarch Alexy said he hopes the Orthodox and Roman churches can renew their "relations of mutual respect and fraternal Christian love" in the future, after a new Catholic pope is chosen.
Pope John Paul spoke many times about his hopes for closer relations between the Vatican and the church in Moscow, and of his wish to visit Moscow. All attempts to arrange a papal trip failed, however, with most observers saying objections from the Moscow patriarchate blocked the pope's travel plans.
Patriarch Alexy has accused the Roman Catholic church of trying to recruit converts in predominantly Orthodox areas of the world. The Vatican has denied such charges.
Ping!
Maybe it means exactly what he said, and not all the bogus stuff you made up and falsely attributed to him, in a spirit of defamatory anger.
Our Archbishop Kyrill of the Orthodox Church in America was personal friends with the Pope since the days they attended college together in Switzerland. Archbishop Kyrill frequently serves at my church, he was there today. He said that Pope John Paul II did more to mend the rifts between the Orthodox and the Roman Catholic churches than any Pope in many centuries. Yes, we prayed for John Paul II. May his memory be eternal!
Consider what Castro would do for the church if the Pope would vigorously protest the US sanstions against Cuba. The same kind of pandering could be used in almost every marginal country on Earth. Think of the corrupt rulers of the UN and what they could continue to get away with if the next Pope sided with Kofi the Klepto against the US. It is unlikely that W will get a replacement Pope as good as John Paul!
from http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Church Archdioses of North and South America
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Statement of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on the Death of Pope John Paul II
April 2, 2005
We participate in the sorrow of the Roman Catholic Church during this difficult time of the departure of Pope John Paul II, and we join the world in offering prayers knowing that he is now in the world of eternal rest.
The Pope, who began his papacy in October 1978, has guided the Roman Catholic Church through transforming years, remaining firm on traditional values while offering love, compassion, and forgiveness. He touched many people with his gentle manner and his openness to people of other religions.
During the tenure of Pope John Paul II, the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church has improved significantly. In a most recent relevant event last November, Archbishop Demetrios, spiritual leader of 1.5 million Greek Orthodox Christians in America, had the opportunity to visit and be with the Pope in a special occasion at The Vatican. This was a ceremony during which the Pope, responding to the request of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, returned the Holy Relics of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Gregory the Theologian, two of the most prominent Fathers of the undivided Church. The Holy Relics now rest at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople.
We, as Orthodox Christians, will always remember, among other instances, this expression of a desire for reconciliation and unity as we pray for the repose of his soul.
Statement by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew upon the falling asleep in the Lord of Pope John Paul II
Back
His Holiness Pope John Paul II, having fulfilled the duty of life, which is common to all humans, has fallen asleep in the Lord. May God give rest to his soul in the place of the living, where there is no sorrow, grief nor mourning.
Pope John Paul II envisioned the restoration of the unity of the Christians and he worked for its realization. Thus, and in order to give the mark of his papacy, he visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate only a year after his election, and together with Patriarch Demetrios declared the formation of the Joint Committee for the inception of the Theological Dialogue between Orthodox and Roman Catholics. He did not hesitate before pains and sacrifices in order to bring the message of the Gospel to the entire world and to contribute to the establishment of peace. History will also recount his crucial contribution to the fall of atheistic communism. There are not many such brave men of vision, as the departed Pope. During his passage through the Hierarchy and especially through the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, he drew deep his traces on her and on the history of all humanity, and he has left behind the indelible imprint of his strong personality. Many of his initiatives have been inception of developments, which still advance today. He was a pioneer in many issues. For this reason, his death is a loss not only to his Church, but to all of Christianity as well, and to the international community in general, who desires peace and justice.
We express our deep personal sorrow and on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the resting of our beloved brother in Christ, and we share the mourning of the millions of our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters worldwide.
May his memory be eternal and may the Lord of life and death bring forth a most worthy successor, among the many personalities that adorn the hierarchy of the sister Church.
At the Patriarchate, 2 April 2005
Correction. Maybe a mistranslation. Fact is that the Orthodox does does have common Eucharistic communion with Rome. That is a different thing than dialogue.
But, w/o Eucharistic communion, no bishop of Rome may be prayed for at Divine Liturgy. That is just the way it is.
Also see www.oca.org where Metropolitan Herman expresses condolences on the death of Pope John Paul II.
Pope John Paul II has said that in situations where there is not a Roman Catholic church nearby, Roman Catholics are permitted to receive communion in an Orthodox church
“I greet you with brotherly love in Christ and extend the condolences of the Holy Synod of Bishops, Hierarchs, Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Orthodox Church in America,” Metropolitan Herman wrote. “Throughout the many years of his service as spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, he was a shining example of dedication to the episcopal ministry and to the high office to which he was called and a ‘good steward of the manifold grace of God’ [1 Peter 4:10].”
Metropolitan Herman also noted that, in word and deed, the late Pope “constantly reminded all humanity of our shared responsibility to defend the rights of the poor, the defenseless, and those who have no one to speak for them” and remained steadfast “in proclaiming the ‘Gospel of Life’ and in safeguarding the dignity and sanctity of life in all its stages.
“This, perhaps, will be his greatest legacy, not only to the faithful of the Roman Catholic Church, but also for all Christians and all people of good will,” the letter of condolence concluded.
Earlier in the week, upon learning of the Pope’s failing health, Metropolitan Herman sent a letter of concern to Cardinal Kasper.
During his lengthy pontificate, Pope John Paul II met with several hierarchs of the Orthodox Church in America in the Vatican and during his visits to North America.
www.oca.org Also posted here on FR
In English it's autocephalous.
Alot of history here. I hope the phrase "Time heals all wounds" aplies here. But after, what, 500 years I think it will be a very long time.
That photo of the Pope and President Reagan is great--thanks!
"by me, Russia is lost forever"... Lost to whom, exactly, and in what way?
I know that.
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