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Photo: Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I embrace.
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CWNews.com - Abandoning the diplomatic language typical of ecumenical pronouncements, the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation, chaired by Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh, has issued a candid critique of the 2007 “Ravenna document,” a modest milestone in Catholic-Orthodox ecumenical relations.
The Ravenna document, while not purporting to be the Church’s official teaching, was issued by the Joint International Commission for the Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, chaired by Cardinal Walter Kasper and Metropolitan Ioannis of Pergamon. A month after the document was issued, Cardinal Kasper told other cardinals that “for the first time the Orthodox representatives recognized a universal level of the Church and admitted that at this level there also exists a Protos, a Primate, who can only be the Bishop of Rome according to the taxis [order] of the ancient Church. All the participants are aware that this is only a first step and that the journey toward full ecclesial communion will be long and difficult; yet, with this document we have set a base for future dialogue.”
After praising aspects of the Ravenna document, the North American Catholic and Orthodox participants in ecumenical dialogue issued their candid critique:
[O]ur Consultation also judges that some issues mentioned in the text are in need of further dialogue and clarification. Like any analogy between the eternal God and created beings, the analogy between the order (taxis) which exists among the three persons of the Holy Trinity and the order (taxis) which exists among local Churches requires further explanation and development. The Ravenna text does not make sufficiently clear the ecclesiological status of regional expressions of primacy and synodality. Even at regional levels, and not only at the universal level, the limits and exercise of authority by the “first” are also not made clear. The document’s historical treatment of apostolic succession and of ecumenical councils lacks precision and may occasion oversimplification and misunderstanding. The understanding of the local parish within the context of the modern diocese or local Church is in need of study.
Finally, we take exception to the contents of the Ravenna document’s sole footnote: “Orthodox participants felt it important to emphasize that the use of the terms ‘the Church’, ‘the universal Church’ and ‘the Body of Christ’ in this document and in similar documents produced by the Joint Commission in no way undermines the self-understanding of the Orthodox Church as the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, of which the Nicene Creed speaks. From the Catholic point of view, the same self-awareness applies: the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church ‘subsists in the Catholic Church’ (Lumen Gentium, 8); this does not exclude acknowledgement that elements of the true Church are present outside the Catholic communion.”
We find this footnote inaccurate. First, we think that its two assertions do not adequately represent the ecclesiology of either the Orthodox or the Catholic Church. The Orthodox Church’s self-understanding as the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church is not understood by all Orthodox in exclusivist terms. Throughout the centuries, significant currents within Orthodox ecclesiology have recognized the presence of the Church’s reality outside the canonical, visible boundaries of the Orthodox Church. Also, to assert that “from the Catholic point of view the same self-awareness applies” misrepresents Catholic ecclesiology at and since the Second Vatican Council, in spite of the Ravenna document’s reference to Lumen Gentium 8. Because of apostolic succession and the Eucharist, Vatican II did not hesitate to recognize that the Orthodox constitute “Churches,” (Unitatis Redintegratio, 14) that they are “sister Churches,” and to assert that in their celebration of the Eucharist, the Church of God is being built up and growing.
The Ravenna document’s footnote, which the new North American Catholic-Orthodox statement criticized as “inaccurate,” appears to find ample grounding in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s definitive interpretation of the meaning of the words “subsists in.”
Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.
- Orthodox-Catholic Consultation Responds To Ravenna Document (USCCB)
- Full text of common response (USCCB)
- The Ravenna document (Holy See)
- Meeting of the Holy Father with the College of Cardinals at the vigil of the public ordinary consistory: Information and reflection by Card. Walter Kasper (2007)
- Responses To Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects Of The Doctrine On The Church (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)
- Ecumenical talks reach partial accord on papal primacy (CWN, 11/14/2007)
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WASHINGTON – His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was received today at the White House in the Oval Office by President Barack Obama. This reciprocal visit to the one paid by President Obama earlier this year (April 7, when he made his first overseas visit to a Muslim country, Turkey) followed up on their conversations at that time on the subjects of the recently concluded environmental symposium on the Mississippi River and the re-opening of the Theological School of Halki.
“The President with his kindness and openness received me and my delegation with love and honor,” said His All Holiness to the Press as he was exiting the White House.
During the more than half an hour meeting, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew raised the subjects of climate change and commended the President for his initiatives, urging him for an even more intensive campaign on behalf of ecological responsibility. For his part, President Obama thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for his moral and ethical leadership for all the world’s faith communities in responding to environmental concerns. In particular, the President thanked His All Holiness for his recent environmental symposium on the Mississippi River and his opening address. They both shared their experiences of the Lower Ninth Ward and their concern for the redevelopment of this hard hit neighborhood of New Orleans.
President Obama stressed his appreciation for the unique role of the Ecumenical Patriarch as the leader of the Orthodox Christian world, and the unique character of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as an institution. He expressed to His All Holiness his commitment to the re-opening of the Theological School of Halki, citing the advantage to Turkey itself that the full operation of Halki would bring.
At the close of their very substantive meeting, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew assured the President of his prayers for his healthcare initiatives for the sake of the poor and needy.
Present at the meeting of the President with His All Holiness were, from the White House: Tom Donilon, Assistant to the President, Deputy National Security Advisor; Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of European Affairs; Joshua DuBois, Director of Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships; Bridget Brink, Director for Aegean and South Caucasus; and accompanying the Ecumenical patriarch were: Archbishop Demetrios of America, Geron Metropolitan Athanasios of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea and Protopresbyter Alexander Karloutsos. Watch kitty porn videos
Lecture at Georgetown and other events
Immediately after their meeting, His All Holiness, returning to the campus of Georgetown University, gave a major address entitled “A Changeless Faith for a Changing World.” The Center for American Progress, together with Georgetown University, sponsored the event. (for the full text see http://www.patriarchate.org/documents/georgetown_2009)
Tomorrow, His All Holiness will give another major address at the Brookings Institution entitled, “Saving the Soul of the Planet,” on environmental responsibility.
In the afternoon, the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader will co-host His All Holiness at a luncheon in the Capitol. A private meeting with the Speaker Pelosi will follow the luncheon. In the evening, Vice President and Dr. Biden will host him at the Vice Presidential Residence for a private meeting and formal dinner.
On Thursday, Nov. 5, His All Holiness will meet with Secretary of State Clinton and that evening, she will host a dinner in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarch in the Ben Franklin Room at the State Department.
The Ecumenical Patriarch has just concluded his Eighth Religion, Science and Environment Symposium in New Orleans, focusing on the Mississippi River. His Apostolic Visit to the United States has just concluded stops in New York and Atlanta, and continues in Washington D.C. until November 6.
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Moscow - (mospat.ru) - Archbishop Hilarion’s book entitled Patriarch Kirill. His Life and World Outlook in the series “Patriarchs of the Russian Church’ has come out. It has been written in response to numerous requests from both church people and those who are far from the Church but who are interested in the personality of the new Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
His Holiness Kirill is a public figure. The scale of his work is unprecedented. His judgments on basic issues of today are well known to those who follow closely the life of the Church. At the same time, it has occurred to no one so far to systematize his thoughts expressed at various times, in various audiences and on various occasions. Until now there has been no detailed biography of Patriarch Kirill except for an official list of services he rendered and responsibilities he shouldered in the Church.
The book is called to fill these gaps. It has been published by the Exmo Publishing House, Moscow, in 8 thousand copies.
The first people to see and buy this unique edition will be visitors to the Orthodox Russia exhibition forum ‘Towards the Day of People’s Unity’ to be held from November 4 to 8, 2009, at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall. The book will be available at the stand of the Department for External Church Relations.
DECR Communication Service
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02.11.2009, [22:06] // Inter-Christian relations //
On 28 October, 2009, the web site of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church posted a communiqué on the latest meeting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, which was held on 16-23 October, 2009 in Cyprus. Please see the text below.
Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church
11™ PLENARY SESSION
Paphos, Cyprus, 16-23 October 2009
COMMUNIQUE
The eleventh meeting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church took place in Paphos, Cyprus, a city with a rich history, having received three Apostles, Paul, Barnabas and Mark. The meeting took place from 16-23 October 2009, generously and fraternally hosted by the Orthodox Church of Cyprus.
Twenty Catholic members were present; several more were unable to attend. All the Orthodox Churches, with the exception of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria, were represented, namely the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Patriarchate of Antioch, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Patriarchate of Moscow, the Patriarchate of Serbia, the Patriarchate of Romania, the Patriarchate of Georgia, the Church of Cyprus, the Church of Greece, the Church of Poland, the Church of Albania and the Church of Czech Lands and Slovakia.
The Commission worked under the direction of its two co-presidents, Cardinal Walter Kasper and Metropolitan John of Pergamon, helped by the two co-secretaries, Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima (Ecumenical Patriarchate) and Monsignor Eleuterio F. Fortino (Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity).
At the opening session on Saturday, 17 October, the Commission was welcomed very warmly by the host, Metropolitan Georgios.of Paphos, who emphasized the importance of holding the meeting in this apostolic city, famous in the history not only of this island but" of the whole of Christianity.
On Saturday, 17 October, the Catholic members celebrated the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Cross, Nicosia, presided over by Cardinal Walter Kasper, in the presence of the Orthodox members. In his homily he expressed the gratitude of the Catholic Delegation to the Church of Cyprus and especially to Metropolitan Georgios of Paphos for his warm hospitality, and stressed that the spirit of humility and love should prevail in the work of our Joint Commission, emphasizing the words of the Lord: "Wlioever would be first among you shall make himself slave of all" (Mark 10:44). On Sunday, 18 October, the Orthodox members celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Church of Phaneromeni, Nicosia, presided over by the Archbishop of Cyprus, Chrysostomos, in the presence of the Catholic members. In addressing those present, Archbishop Chrysostomos stated: "Together with all the other Orthodox Churches, we underline our firm insistence on the established basic poles of the ecclesiastical conscience of the first thousand years of the historical life of the Church. The Ecumenical Councils and the great Fathers of the first millennium are a guarantee of the authentic theological interpretation of the sacrament of the divine economy in Christ, and of its genuine experience by the faithful in the sacrament of the Church, which, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, extends the continuous and living presence of Jesus Christ in the world, until the end of time."
Afterwards, the co-presidents, Cardinal Walter Kasper and Metropolitan John of Pergamon, together with Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia-Famagusta and Archbishop Roland Minnerath, were welcomed at the Presidential Palace by the President of Cyprus, His Excellency Dimitris Christofias, who expressed his hope for the continuation of this important dialogue in a world still divided, like Cyprus itself, and expressed his good wishes for progress towards communion between the two Churches in the future.
The members of the Commission visited the Byzantine Museum, and had an official lunch at the Archbishopric, offered by H. B. Archbishop Chrysostomos.
During the afternoon, the members paid a visit to the Metochion of Kykkos Monastery and were welcomed very warmly by the Abbot, Metropolitan Nikiphoros of Kykkos and Tylliria, and by Metropolitan Isaias of Tamassos and Orini. Later in the evening, Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia-Famagusta hosted an official dinner at his Metropolitanate in Paralimni. During the course of the week, the members also visited the Monastery of St. Neophytos and the archaeological sites of St. Paul in Paphos.
On the first day of the meeting, as is customary, the Roman Catholic and Orthodox members met separately to coordinate their work. The Orthodox meeting discussed among other things the negative reactions to the Dialogue by certain Orthodox circles, and unanimously considered them as totally unfounded and unacceptable, providing false and misleading information. All Orthodox members of the Commission reaffirmed that the Dialogue continues with the decision of all the Orthodox Churches and is pursued with faithfulness to the Truth and the Tradition of the Church. The Catholic meeting considered the draft text as a good basis for our work and confirmed the intention to continue the Dialogue with confidence and reciprocal trust, in obedience to the will of the Lord.
As was decided at the last plenary session in Ravenna, 2007, the Commission studied the theme "The Role of the Bishop of Rome in the Communion of the Church in the First Millennium", on the basis of a draft text prepared by the Joint Coordinating Committee, which met in Elounda, Crete, Greece last year. During this plenary meeting, the Commission carefully considered and amended the draft text of the Joint Coordinating Committee, and decided to complete its work on the text next year, by convening a further meeting of the Joint Commission. No final text has been decided upon, and any text that may be circulated is not valid.
It was decided that the 12th plenary meeting will be hosted by Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, in Vienna, Austria, from 20-27 September 2010.
The eleventh plenary session ended with Orthodox Vespers at St. Theodoros' Cathedral in Paphos, followed by a reception offered by Metropolitan Georgios.
The meeting of the Joint Commission was marked by a spirit of friendship and trustful collaboration. The members of the Commission greatly appreciated the generous hospitality of the Church of Cyprus, and they strongly commend the continuing work of the dialogue to the prayers of the faithful.
Paphos, Cyprus, 22 October 2009.
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02.11.2009, [12:46] // UGCC // RISU.ORG.UA
Kiev - This week Patriarch Lubomyr (Husar) gave an interview to "Dzerkalo Tyzhnya," which was published on October 31, 2009. One of the central themes of the talk was the question of the patriarchal order of the UGCC.
"We are on our way, though the process is difficult and slow due to both external and internal reasons," stated the head of the UGCC. According to Patriarch Lubomyr, in particular the internal situation complicates the situation because the UGCC is not exclusively on the territory of Ukraine, but functions all over the world. Its structures are in North and South America, Western Europe, and Australia. "Presently there is a task before us to provide internal unity of those different parts in Ukraine and beyond the borders... To be a patriarchate is to carry a general responsibility for all, wherever they may be. We get accustomed to, consider, what it means to be a patriarchate," said the head of the UGCC.
Talking about the external difficulties, the head of the UGCC noted that according to the law of the Catholic Church patriarchates are established by the Universal Council, or if it does not, by the name of the Church, the Pope of Rome. "Unfortunately, the discussion of the status of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church at the Second Vatican Council did not produce the proper procedures. The question was never resolved. New legislation - approximately 20 years since the church's new code of rights appeared - also does not resolve this question. It confirms the source of decision - the Universal Council or the Pope - but the question about when, how, and why this status is given, remains unclear," Patriarch Lubomyr explained.
The head of the UGCC did not avoid the question of "external influences" in relation to the question of the patriarchate: the position of the Moscow Patriarchate and other Orthodox churches which, according to the head of the UGCC, "would not gladly see the patriarchal status for the Greek Catholics." "They do not know what to do with us, how to behave toward us. Because we are a paradox for them. A miracle. By something unnatural... I had small meetings with Russians, and I came to the conclusion: they are sure that if you are Russian, you have to be Orthodox. And vice versa - if you Orthodox, then you are indeed Russian, or in our case, Ukrainian. And if you are Orthodox, you are not Catholic. All is simple enough. For them a Catholic is Latin, of the Latin rite. Thus, "not ours." It is not correct. And we with our existence deny these simple postulates. We, see, are both Orthodox according to tradition, and Catholic, incorporated with the Apostolic capital in Rome."
Completing the theme of the patriarchal status in the interview, Patriarch Lubomyr said: "When we talk about the patriarchal status for Greek Catholics, we do not want it to become a separation from Orthodox brothers. For us the patriarchate is not the completion. For us it is the means to achieve a more serious purpose - the unity of the Kyivan church, as it was at the beginning. The patriarchate is the way, but not the crown of dreams."
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November 8, 2009
Feast of the Synaxis of the
Holy Archangels
To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On this blessed feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels we commemorate the beautiful presence and purpose of the myriads of angels that have been created by God for serving His divine will and plan for salvation. In the observance of this feast, in the pages of Holy Scripture, and through the iconography of our parishes we are reminded that the angels, led by the Holy Archangels, are an essential part of the order and ministry of God's kingdom. As messengers, protectors, and beings of divine praise, angels direct our attention to the glory and holiness of God, and it is in this way that they aid us in gathering people into God's home.
Over the past year following our 39th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Washington, DC, we have emphasized the theme "Gather My People to My Home," exploring the significance of this calling in our lives, our parishes, and our world. We have affirmed that one aspect of the theme is our benevolent response to those in need at any stage in life. Knowing that life is a gift from God, seeing the divine image imprinted upon every person, and having hearts filled with compassion, we give willingly and sacrificially for the well-being of others. This is the mission of the Church, and it is the nature of our life in God's family.
This is why the ministry of Saint Michael's Home is necessary and valued. For over fifty years this institution has met physical and spiritual needs as an adult care facility and has done this in a way which is true to its name. In the example of the Holy Archangels, the staff, directors and donors of St. Michael's have focused on order, quality, and ministry in providing the best environment of care. This has been accomplished by protecting and sustaining life and through nurturing the faith of residents so that their life at Saint Michael's affirms the loving presence of God and their place in His home, the Church. This wholeness of care and service offers a beautiful witness to all adult care institutions. It also proclaims the truth of life in God's kingdom: physical abilities are not the measure of a person's value; love and faith are needed throughout life; and we each have a responsibility to care for those who are in need.
Being mindful of this and the ministry of Saint Michael's Home, this feast has been designated each year as a time to offer our gifts for the service and growth of this holy work. On this day parishes are asked to have a special collection for this ministry, and the offerings should be designated for Saint Michael's Home and sent to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This act of giving generously should also be accompanied by our care and generosity offered in our communities. In the spirit and witness of Saint Michael's, we should strive to help those in need of care to know that they are loved, that they are a part of our spiritual family, and that they have a present and eternal home with God. May we offer our prayers for the residents, staff, and directors of Saint Michael's Home, and may we also commit ourselves to offer quality and faithful ministry to all.
With paternal love in Christ,
† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106
Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0237
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- Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate department for external church relations meets with officials of the UN Mission in Kosovo
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- Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Addresses the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council
- Joint Internatonal Commision for Orthodox / Catholic Theological Dialogue Meets in Cyprus