www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Oriental Orthodox-Catholic meeting concludes in Rome

Dear brother Bob,

There were many theologically open-minded persons on both sides in the second millennium, which resulted in temporary reunions between the CC and the OOC's. One I am most particularly fond of (as a Copt) was the official intercommunion that occurred between the Latin missionary church in Egypt and the COC for about 100 years in the 17th-18th centuries (unfortunately, the situation was officially ended by the Roman Pope).

Actually, the main reason reunions did not last was not Christological or theological (e.g., among other things, filioque was never an issue with the OOC's). Rather, it was mostly because of differences in discipline and praxis (i.e., the OO strongly opposed the Latinizations imposed upon them). A good example of an ideal reunion was the intercommunion between the Latin missionaries and the COC in Egypt already mentioned. Both camps respected each others' Traditions during that time and in that place, and PEACE ENSUED!

Blessings,
Marduk

Mardukm,

Do you know of any books or articles regarding the temporary reunions between the Catholic and Oriental Orthodox Churches? Thank you.

In Christ,
Anthony

The history of intercommunion between orthodox and catholic (as well as chalcedonian and non-chalcedonian) in general is quite messy and definitely never as clear-cut as the "great schism" narratives would have you think. In fact, up until the 18th century Melkite/ Antiochian Orthodox break, things seem pretty unclear with the See of Antioch's relations with Rome.

Yes, I have read some of the Patriarchs of Antioch in the 17th century would send professions of faith to Rome before the Antiochian Patriarchate split in two during the early 18th century.