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The rest, it seems, don't mind being treated as "junior partners."

Sheesh, get off your high-horse Kosta, by taking offense at grievances imagined, one does nothing but foment a wrong picture of the Orthodox in the Catholic minds. A Catholic mind would think "Oh, look, Eastern Orthodox Patriarchs come for the funeral. Look, they're placed along with the Catholic Church's High Clergy, this must mean something big." and when you say that this was somehow meant as an insult to them, the Catholic mind immediately thinks "Huh? We offered common courtesy and we seem to be getting reviled for this, why?" and, that's how stances get hardened on either side.

Cronos, when the Pope came to America, he was greeted first by the Greek Orthodox representative of the EP, because the EP is next in precedence. Pope John-Paul II honored that because he was just that type of a man.

That's protocol. The EP is the second in honor to the Pope. We recongize that. The Latins should recognize it too as long as they claim they recognize the first Seven Councils.

I didn't ask for the EP to conduct the service. No need for that. I expected the EP to be plainly visible, and recognized as the highest dignitary of the Church. After all, JPII celebrated the Mass with the EP on two occasions. I am sure he would not have minded if the EP performed this last Mass either. But, considering our division, it is understandable that it would not be appropriate. That does not change the fact that there was no other senior clergyman in honor in the Church. And he was nowehere to be seen -- except by those who know him. Not a word, not a moment of respect. Sad, very sad.

If you can't see that, I am sorry.