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Pope Benedict has called the Roman Catholic laity to make concrete gestures (genuine) to the Eastern Orthodox. What in particular can I do to accomplish this ?

I'd say a good start whould be to understand us...it is a wonderful thing that you care enough to do this...Honestly, the best way to understand the Orthodox would be to attend a Divine Liturgy, and also a Vespers service, if possible. (You will not be allowed to receive Communion in an Orthodox Church). Call the priest ahead of time, and tell him that you are Catholic, would like to understand the Orthodox better, but are not interested in converting...and will be attending a service, and would like to talk to him. Ask him about points of theology that concern you, or that you think the Orthodox and the Catholics differ on...Explain to him your take on those matters, and ask how the Orthodox feel on the same issues. His answers should give you an understanding of the Orthodox position, and that should enable you to be more understanding of any stray Orthodox you might trip over . Once THEY see that you have made an effort to learn something about Orthodoxy, they will feel more comfortable around you, and able to appreciate the similarities of doctrine over the externals of NO vs. DL. As a further commentary, stay away from "internet Orthodoxy"...very, very few fora are non-polemical, and can inflame the temper of a saint. Stick to ByzCath...it's much nicer here.

Gaudior, who, as an Orthodox Christian, very sincerly thanks you for being a good enough Catholic to follow the instructions of the Pope on this subject.

I think that is a good suggestion, but I would add one respectful comment.

Inviting someone to attend a worship service at a different church is a big step, often an intimidating step, and thus it might not be the best *first* step.

Perhaps reading a few books on Orthodoxy might be a better first step. I'm not Orthodox, but I wonder if reading something like Timothy / Kallistos Ware's books "The Orthodox Church" and "The Orthodox Way" might be a good first steps. Also, it would be useful to read a book or website (suggestions?) which outlines the Divine Liturgy step by step, so that the service will not be a total shock to someone who has never worshipped that way.

Also, I would interested in reading a book on Orthodoxy as it is in the lives of everyday people who practice it. These are like "man / woman in the street" type interviews or essay, in which people describe the feelings, sounds, smells, challenges (warts and all) and good points of a religion. So often, books on Orthodoxy seem to reach to the heights of religious experience or descend into the minutiae of ethnicity. Catholics and other religions have books on how it is to actually live those religions. Do the Orthodox?

Finally, are there books or websites that deal with the negative sides of Orthodoxy? Lord knows, Catholics and Protestants and Jews like to complain about the problems in their religions. Do the Orthodox?

I realize that nothing substitutes for first-hand experience, but it can be good to study first before delving into experience.

Just my two cents; I would welcome comments and responses by Orthodox readers.

--John

I think that this is going to be a looong sloooow process. First a better level of understanding (actually of both traditions), then perhaps something else will bubble up.

I really think Pope Benedict said what he did at Bari in preparation for something more he is going to want to send up the flagpole later. I suspect he wants people to be mentally receptive for that, because at the present he hasn't given much direction on this theme.

+T+
Michael

I have and plan to continue to reach out a hand of reconciliation and friendship to the local Greek Orthodox Church in my city.
The Last time I visited I was warmly received and they were genuinely pleased that I was taking an interest in them.
Stephanos I
(No daggar of agendas hidden up my jibbe)

John!
Christ is Risen!

Great questions! As an Orthodox Christian , I would always recommend Bishop +Kaliistos and also there are interviews with him on the Greek Archdiocese website that are simply excellent.
For the more "man or woman on the street" books, I would recommend Frederica Matthews-Greene. SHe has been called the "Erma Bombeck" of the Orthodox Church because she explains Orthodox liturgy, customs and faith with great humor and practicality. She is a priest's wife (her husband converted to Orthodoxy from the Episcopal Church) and has many books out including the excellent "Facing East". She has been especially active in bringing women who differ on abortion around the table together to reach common ground.
Your interest in reaching out to Orthodox people is SO important and commendable!

Dear Friends,

My contribution to this will be to try and understand particular Orthodox converts better . . .

And also Catholic converts too . . .

No more strident and snide remarks . . .

And if those converts can do this, then they have nothing to fear from me!

Alex