Orthodox Patriarch Taking a Step Toward Unity with Rome

Zenit.org ^ | 9 June A.D. 2002 | Zenit.org

[Siobhan]

Patriarch Celebrates Divine Liturgy in Ravenna; Plans to Sign Declaration with Pope

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 9, 2002 (ZENIT.org).- A step toward full unity between Catholics and Orthodox was taken when, for the first time in a millennium, a patriarch of Constantinople celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine basilica of Ravenna.

John Paul II, at the Vatican, applauded today´s event, which he said helps "encourage us to continue on the road toward full unity between the Christian East and West."

For the first time since the schism of 1054, an Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Basilica of Sant´Apollinare in Classe in the northern Italian city. The mosaics embellishing the walls of the sixth-century structure are considered some of the greatest expressions of Byzantine art.

In his homily, Patriarch Bartholomew I expressed his hope that the event would be a harbinger of better relations between Catholics and Orthodox.

He didn´t hide the difficulties felt in theological dialogue, but he urged confidence in God, who desires unity among all his children.

"Affirming the truth, we also dialogue in love, we pray and we hope for the magnificent day, blessed by God, in which spiritual communion between the Churches will be restored," said the Orthodox leader.

Ravenna has been a stopover for a cruiser that has been sailing the Adriatic Sea since Wednesday, as part of an environmental-protection initiative of the patriarch.

Aboard are religious leaders, including Cardinals Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and Roger Etchegaray, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, who are reflecting on how to protect the environment, particularly the Adriatic.

On Monday, the cruiser Festos Palace is due to arrive in Venice, where Bartholomew I will sign a declaration on protecting the environment. At the same time, John Paul II will sign at the Vatican. The events will be linked by a television connection.

In his Angelus address at the Vatican, the Pope explained that the signing "is another example of that sharing of intentions, which is the prelude to a renewed and full communion."

"Ravenna and Venice challenge us with their same history, and encourage us to continue on the road toward full unity between the Christian East and West," the Pope said.

[JMJ333]

I apologize to you if I offended you. I admit I have a short temper where OPH is concerned. I do not understand his hatred for us and his continuous unwarrented attacks especially when the thread was posted in generosity.

[JMJ333]

And I was doing so well. Back to the drawing board of kindness. =(

[Catholicguy]

An Orthodox ping to appreciate the humble and Christlike behavior of our Latin brothers who stoop to consider reunification with the pathetic likes of us.

Actually, it is the Vicar of Christ that seeks you out. And "stooping" to clear obstacles from a path so that reunification can proceed is an exemplary act. I suppose there are some "Latins" who are quite angry the Pope does not "stand-up" to the Orthodox and tell them where the bear shit in the woods..but, this Pope will do anything to make the reunion happen and, for some, on each side, that is unforgiveable.

For the record, The_Reader_David merely spelled out the differences that remain between the two Churches. These differences may not be ignored for any one person's benefit.

You know, this post was just TOO positive for some. I understand differences exist. Perhaps your arguement is with Patriarch Bartholomew for not slapping the Pope across the face with a rolled-up scroll of complaints and accusations

[Catholicguy]

Are you certain that you won't be the one in the extremist corner after a reunion?

Ubi Petrus, Ibi Ecclesia. Of course, I follow the Pope to whom Jesus promised "what you bind on Earth will be bound in Heaven..." I do admit that obedience does seem "extreme" in these times.

There is no danger I will repudiate an agreement. You, on the other hand...

[JMJ333]

I asked the moderator to remove the comment, and hope you accept my apology. I doubt I will see an apology though. For some reason he thinks its okay to be cruel to us.

[JMJ333]

Thanks.

[JMJ333]

If you take issue, you are supposed to do so with a modicum of decency, but you aren't capable of it. You show up and spew your animosity and hate toward us. Well, I have learned my lesson and will ignore it in the future. I ask that you do not flag me anymore.

[JMJ333]

I am not your "honey." And I meant in the future--on any thread. Thanks.

[No Truce With Kings]

I asked the moderator to remove the comment, and hope you accept my apology.

Words spoken in anger are often regretted.

There are deep divisions between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. In many ways, despite the superficial similarities between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, the substantive differences are greater than those between Catholicism and Protestantism.

Would I like to see the churches reunite?

Certainly.

Would I welcome it, if it meant that Orthodoxy made changes antithetical to its creed and traditions?

I am afraid not.

At the same time, I am not going to allow my passions to run away with themselves over this issue, and get involved with bitter debate. I will continue to pray for the leaders of the church, pray that they are granted the wisdom to do what is right, and in my private prayers -- as I am admonished to do as an Orthodox Christian -- pray for the good men and women I know, even those that are not Orthodox.

While some of my Orthodox bretheren may disagree (as is their right), I tend to fear those who are resolutely pursuing the tenets of their religion, with righteousness and humility -- regardless of religion -- much less than those who seek to use their religion as a weapon to gain temporal advantage over others. I think if everyone tried to sway the world to their cause by setting a good example, rather than by overawing the world through force of word or deeds, we would be closer to God's vision. (And, no, even I do not succeed in setting a good example all of the time -- but the world would be better if I did.)

[don-o]

You must be getting anxious. Your hateful rhetoric and unquenchable opposition has driven you so far into the extremist corner

Your charge of hatespeech against Reader David is just PC nonsense.

Reminds me of a story I heard when I was a Baptist. Details may be off, but I think it was Billy Sunday preaching in a big stadium, when from the bleachers, someone yelled,

"Give 'em hell, Billy."

To which the preacher replied,

"I just give them the truth and they think it's hell."

[JMJ333]

Thank you for accepting my apology. I have had this sinking feeling for quite sometime that Christians in general are in for a rocky road ahead--not just those in Sudan, China, Iraq, etc. I guess that is why I want to see differences put aside, and not have any bitterness between us, as we will all need to support each other in the ever increasing animosity toward Christ and his followers here and elsewhere. Thank you for the prayers. =)

[don-o]

but, this Pope will do anything to make the reunion happen and, for some, on each side, that is unforgiveable.

Anything?

Cool - let's make a list:

1. Renounce the title "Vicar of Christ" as a term that while perhaps, useful is previous days, (trying to be charitable here) does damage to the ancient collegiality of the bishops, which is the only hope for true reconciliation.

2. Immediately after that, recant the dogmas of the Immaculate Conception and the Bodily Assumption as previously defined, as an unecessary impediment to the Orthodox.

Then announce that The Bishop of Rome has not ever, nor can he ever make an infallible statement.

That's a start.

Can you get this to the Pope for me?

[Slyfox]

I was teaching my son about Greek history and I thought it would be good to see elements of early Byzantine art work by going to an Orthodox church. All the features I wanted to show him were there in the church. We walked up to the choir loft to take a look at the altar from a different view. I happened to look at a hymnal and showed it to my son. He took one look and said, "Gee, Mom, I don't know about that. It's all Greek to me."

[MarMema]

ping

[MarMema]

Quite the contrary, we pray for the conversion of the Pope of Rome and his concommitant abandonment of vain claims of infallibility, superiority to the Holy Ecumenical Councils, and the heretical triadology, ideas of created grace (including the purgatorial fires), and too-extreme notion of Original Sin which necessitated the invention of the "Immaculate Conception" of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which have long separated his communion from the Church.

Yes! Thank you. I pray for those things and also I pray for a pope who will not alienate us as much as this one has.

[FormerLib]

Actually, it is the Vicar of Christ that seeks you out.

Well first thing, the Bishop of Rome needs to drop all of those assumed, self-aggrandizing titles.

No, I'm not saying that just to anger you. That's the truth. The Orthodox will never accept the Pope as anything more than one of many equals.

You know, this post was just TOO positive for some.

We know a whitewash when we see one. Again, I'm not attempting to make you angry, but suggesting that we are just around the corner from a reconciliation when the theological differences are exactly as The Reader David stated is blatantly dishonest.

Who can be served by such dishonesty is beyond me!

[MarMema]

I think the problem is that Catholics in general tend to greatly overemphasize events such as this one, which have little meaning when it comes to an actual reunion.
And we feel frustrated because there is so much you don't see about us and about our view of your church.
The bottom line here is that our church teaches us to love and treat kindly every single person in the world. And while those of us here on FR fail this quite often, our spiritual leaders, although sinners themselves, are extremely aware of their responsibility toward all of the Orthodox faithful around the world to set a good example. So when the cameras are out, you can bet our leaders are going to be gracious with a capital G. They are keenly aware that we are learning under them, and they give their allegiance toward being role models of Christ-like behavior for the rest of us. In our faith our leaders are burdened with the souls of those of us beneath them.
And we know this. Then we come on here and you guys are all talking like we're going to reunite tomorrow or something and it tends to make us feel defensive. I am just trying to explain this for everyone here. And from that defensive place, a place where we love our church so much it hurts, we tend to want to post all the reasons this reunion is very far from happening. I know I do.
Because what we also know is that our leaders are as committed to the truths of our faith as we are, and these acts are simply acts of gracious behavior and friendliness toward your pope. Like being hospitable toward a stranger. Like offering your coat to someone without one. Like making a sacrifice which does not compromise your values but pleases another. These are acts of spiritual discipline among us, ways to practise and exhibit God-pleasing behaviors.
It's very simple. We don't change. We think change is a bad word. It is a critical element in our faith - stay the same. It is a central doctrine for us because we see it as keeping us pure and true, for lack of a better way to explain it. It cannot be compromised without compromising our entire faith. This may be hard for you to understand as your church has changed with the times. But this is something, in truth, that many many Orthodox snicker about it in private or among themselves, although it is not God-pleasing behavior to do so.

And this is not said to offend anyone here, but I am just tired of the confusion and misunderstandings, so I hope this helps to stave off a fight, of which I am a *primary* guilty party in many instances, as you noted.