[Kolokotronis]

"According to my nephew and Orthodox convert, he thinks it would be "fun" to see the RCs accept the stricter Orthodox way of fasting, married priests with children and watching the Pope become JUST the Bishop of Rome, Italy, instead of the ENTIRE world. Oh, and changing the way they view just about everything about "original sin"

It would be fun, especially seeing the Roman Catholics go back to fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays and not just for the 50 days of Great Lent, but also for the Apostles Fast in June, the Dormition Fast in August and the Fast of Advent!

"He says the Orthodox will not change "one whit" of their beliefs to "blend" with the Pope since the Orthodox believe they are RIGHT."

As a general proposition I think he's right, but you should understand that on some theological issues, in theory a Great Council of the Whole Church might be able to resolve some dogmatic matters. The problem there won't come from the Orthodox side, it will be the Romans. How do they get around infallibly proclaimed Papal dogmas or those of their own none ecumenical councils (well, actually the latter might be doable)?

[Conservative til I die]

As a general proposition I think he's right, but you should understand that on some theological issues, in theory a Great Council of the Whole Church might be able to resolve some dogmatic matters. The problem there won't come from the Orthodox side, it will be the Romans. How do they get around infallibly proclaimed Papal dogmas or those of their own none ecumenical councils (well, actually the latter might be doable)?

That's why I think a true reunion cannot really happen. One side is going to have to bend to the breaking point in order for it to happen.

Will the Orthodox accept becoming essentially Eastern Rite Catholics? I hardly think so. And the Catholic Church is not going to all of a sudden go back on the docrtrine of Petrine supremacy or Papal Infallibility.

Both the Orthodox and the Catholic optimists are high if they think either's going to happen in this lifetime.

[redgolum]

Hate to wander in to this, but it is my nature to at times.

If a Grand Council would be called, with everything after the 7th Ecumenical on the table, a good number of Anglicans and Lutherans would be very interested as well.