[SaltyJoe]

"...not to bring about an 'intercommunion' which remains impossible until the visible bonds of ecclesial communion are fully re-established," he (JP II) affirmed."

I think this is so (when situations aren't grave) because it's the respect rendered from one Bishop (of Rome in this case) to any other Bishop. Brothers can bicker with each other, but our loyalty to the Father is unquestionably firm. Though a birth rite wasn't' "stolen", perhaps the example of Jacob and Esau may bring us to a better understanding of why we hold respectful loyalty for our own respective clergy. Until the brothers are at a position of mutual respect, full understanding, and unconditional forgiveness, the 2 houses cannot be at complete peace with each other. Nor, then, can the congregations be in complete community.

The presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist is our Mystical Head of the Church.

[JohnRoss]

Many Orthodox deny the validity of Catholic sacraments: baptisms, eucharists, ordinations, etc.

[Kolokotronis]

Agreed.