Orthodox relations reach 'crucial point'

As Pope Benedict XVI's meeting in Istanbul with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I draws closer, so hopes are increasing for a breakthrough in Catholic-Orthodox relations. A joint statement is expected at the end of November from Pope Benedict and Patriarch Bartholomew who, as head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. acts as the traditional CatholicOrthodox go-between. It will also come as dialogue — resumed last month through the Catholic-Orthodox Joint International Commission for Theologic.al Dialogue after a six year hiatus — reaches a "crucial point".
Much of the credit for the advance in relations goes to Pope. Benedict. The Holy Father is highly respected in Orthodox circles, which have embraced his commitment to work together to evangelise an increasingly secular society.
In a recent sign of openness to such collaboration, a senior Russian Orthodox prelate met with leaders of the Neocatechumenal Way to discuss the movement's methods of evangelisation.
All of which raises the question whether unity may now be more a reality than a pipe dream. "It depends on what we mean by the word," said Fr Vyzhanov, secretary of Inter-Christian Relations in the Orthodox Department for Foreign Affairs. "In the course of the past thousand years so many differences have appeared that it's still very hard to speak about complete unity. We must do our best to work together, to do what is possible."
The Orthodox consider relations with the Catholic Church as good internationally, but less so locally, especially after recent allegations of proselytism of Orthodox by Catholics in the Ukraine.
"The most crucial work must be done here in Russia," Pr Vyzhanov said, adding that enmity and prejudices exist on both sides. The Vatican, meanwhile, is working hard to allay entrenched Orthodox suspicions of the Catholic Church, and of the West in general.
But a growing rapprochement has increased speculation about an historic meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and the Russian Orthodox Patriarch , Alexei II (even though the Orthodox have often raised such expectations in the past).
"We haven't had any talks about that although, at the same time, the Patriarch has himself said many times that a visit is possible and has never denied the possibility, but it must be well prepared," said Pr Vyzhanov, stressing that "a thaw in relations" is first needed at the local level.
The spokesman said it was "hard to say" whether a meeting or a Moscow visit by Pope Benedict XVI could help precipitate such a thaw. "Journalists like to push these events," Fr Vyzhanov said, "but we bureaucrats must be cautious."
We are all missionaries by virtue of our baptism, Pope Benedict XVI reminded the faithful on Sunday, and we are all invited to follow Jesus "along the road of love".
As the month traditionally dedicated to mission drew to a close, the Holy Father pointed out how the ancient Church referred to baptism as "enlightenment" and reflected on the Gospel story of the healing of the blind man Bartimaeus.
Like him, every Christian is moving from blindness to illumination on their faith journey, the Pope told a large crowd basking in late summer sunshine in St Peter's Square.
"Faith," the Pope said, "is a path of illumination. It begins with the recognition of our need for salvation and arrives at the personal meeting with Christ, who calls us to follow Him on the road of love."
Singling out pastors and catechists for praise, the Holy Father added: "The rediscovery of values of-one's baptism is at the basis of the missionary commitment of each Christian, because we see in the Gospel that those who allow themselves to be fascinated by Christ cannot but testify to the joy of following his footsteps."
Due precisely to the strength of baptism, the Pope concluded: "We possess an innate missionary vocation."
On numerous occasions — most notably in his message for World Mission Sunday released earlier this year — the Pope has stressed the importance of faith in good works.
"Unless charity springs from a profound act of divine love," he wrote, "it risks being reduced to mere philanthropic and social activity." Only by welcoming in God's love, he said, can the baptised be effective witnesses to the Gospel.
Rome Correspondent: Edward Pentin E-mail: vaticannotebookqyahoo.com