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VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2006 (Zenit.org).- A first visit of an Orthodox archbishop of Athens and All Greece to a Pope at the Vatican marked an important step in overcoming the division between Orthodox and Catholics.

Today's historic meeting between Archbishop Christodoulos and Benedict XVI ended with the signing of a joint declaration by the two religious leaders to reaffirm the collaboration of Orthodox and Catholics, particularly in the defense of life and the recovery of Europe's Christian roots.

This was not the Greek archbishop's first visit to the Vatican, though it was his first to the Pope. Archbishop Christodoulos had met Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, then dean of the College of Cardinals, on the occasion of Pope John Paul II's funeral on April 8, 2005.

After their private meeting today, the members of the Orthodox archbishop's entourage entered the Pope's private library to hear both addresses.

Benedict XVI spoke first, attesting that "today, our relations resumed slowly but profoundly and with a concern of authenticity."

"It offers us the opportunity to discover a whole new range of spiritual expressions full of meaning and a mutual commitment. We thank God," the Pope said.

Toward the future

After recalling the important steps that have been taken in the relationship between Catholics and Greek Orthodox, as a result of John Paul II's visit to that country in May 2001, Benedict XVI invited his guest to turn "our gaze towards the future," to address "an enormous field in which our mutual and pastoral collaboration will be able to grow."

"Catholics and Orthodox are called to offer their cultural and, above all, their spiritual contribution," the Holy Father said. "They have the duty to defend the Christian roots of the Continent, which have forged it in the course of the centuries, and thus allow Christian tradition to continue manifesting itself and operating with all its forces to safeguard the dignity of the human person, respect of minorities, being careful to avoid a cultural uniformity that would run the risk of losing immense riches of civilization."

Benedict XVI went on to note: "It is necessary to work to safeguard the rights of man, which include the principle of individual liberty, in particular, religious liberty. These rights must be promoted and defended in the European Union and in every member country."

In his speech, Archbishop Christodoulos addressed virtually the same topics raised by the Pope.

"We come," the Orthodox leader said, "to visit the eminent theologian and university professor, the assiduous researcher of ancient Greek thought and of the Greek Fathers of the East; but also the visionary of Christian unity and cooperation of religions to ensure the peace of the whole world."

The archbishop said his visit offered the opportunity "to undertake a new stage on the common path of our Churches to address the problems of the present-day world."

Journey of unity

Archbishop Christodoulos spoke of his commitment to "overcome the dogmatic obstacles that hinder the journey of unity in faith" until Orthodox and Catholics attain "full unity," and can "commune in the precious Body and Blood of the Lord in the same Chalice of Life."

In this connection, the archbishop of Athens was confident about the work of the mixed international commission that is entrusted with the dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic Church. The commission met last September in Belgrade, putting an end to years of stagnation.

Prior to the audience with the Pope, Archbishop Christodoulos visited St. Peter's Basilica and prayed at the tomb of John Paul II and other Popes.

In the afternoon, he took part in a solemn celebration in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, in which he received as a gift from the Church of Rome two links of the chain with which, according to tradition, the Apostle Paul was made prisoner.

The gift was prepared at the request of John Paul II for this visit, which the Orthodox representative was unable to undertake because of the Polish Pontiff's deteriorating health.

[Seiblybiozy]

I have not yet learned how to quote other people in my posts. Please bear with me.

"Today's historic meeting between Archbishop Christodoulos and Benedict XVI ended with the signing of a joint declaration by the two religious leaders to reaffirm the collaboration of Orthodox and Catholics, particularly in the defense of life and the recovery of Europe's Christian roots."

I think it is wonderful we are talking. (again)

"Catholics and Orthodox are called to offer their cultural and, above all, their spiritual contribution," the Holy Father said. "They have the duty to defend the Christian roots of the Continent, which have forged it in the course of the centuries, and thus allow Christian tradition to continue manifesting itself and operating with all its forces to safeguard the dignity of the human person, respect of minorities, being careful to avoid a cultural uniformity that would run the risk of losing immense riches of civilization."

I "feel" very sarcastic and pessimistic towards this meeting and others that have been held. It sounds as if the 2 great faiths are talking about unity. But it is very evident there are 2 separate entities at work. RC and EO.


"Archbishop Christodoulos spoke of his commitment to "overcome the dogmatic obstacles that hinder the journey of unity in faith" until Orthodox and Catholics attain "full unity," and can "commune in the precious Body and Blood of the Lord in the same Chalice of Life."

I am just an uninformed convert from a heavily antiCatholic Protestant background. I understand more now than before about the Church, but still have a hard heart toward the RC Church. No fault of theirs, Fault is mine full of suspicions.

What I "hear" is the RC delegates reinitiating talks to overcome nonchristian groups within their areas of responsibility by bringing in the only other huge Christian faith the EO to build a type of antipagan insulation to protect the RC church. Yes, this is a very simplistic viewpoint but it is what I see.

I don't hear much about unifying the belief or at least not active aggression to do so except from the EO. It looks like alot of puffing up and attempts to save face are more important than just doing it.

My wife and I had a argument last night. I tried to side step my fault with it and blamed her for something similar but totally unrelated of what she accused me of. She was right I was wrong. I did do what she accused me of. As soon as I realized what I was doing and put away my pride, I said "honey, you are right! I did that. I was wrong. I am sorry." She hugged me and forgave me and we were reconciled. (I have a wonderful wife btw)

If the RC and EO are to be reunited, someone has to say "you are right! I did that. I was wrong. I am sorry." Then we can all hug each other and truly reunite the Church of Christ the way He intended it to be.

I don't understand the years and years of talks and envoys and gift exchanges and ceremonies. We are supposed to be One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Someone say I am sorry so we can move on to more important things.

I know this will upset alot of people reading it. Perhaps I should just read from this website and not post to it. I just do not understand the problem with reconciliation. If it truly is what both sides want, is it not getting done because neither side is willing to bend? Is it because each sees the other as the heretic? Is it because of religious politics? Is it because of religious pride? Or 1000 years of 'this is how we have always done it'?

Optimistically frustrated,
Paul

[bUqLfXRI]

I have not yet learned how to quote other people in my posts. Please bear with me.
Dear Paul,

To quote from others' posts first highlight with the left side of your mouse the text you wish to quote.

Then press the Quote button found at the top of the reply pane. (It's the fourth button from the right directly above the pane.)

Let us know if you have any further problems with this.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Seiblybiozy]

To quote from others' posts first highlight with the left side of your mouse the text you wish to quote.

Then press the Quote button found at the top of the reply pane. (It's the fourth button from the right directly above the pane.) Thank you Father Raphael. I was feeling quite the bumpkin.

Paul