Posted on 10/01/2006 5:09:44 AM PDT by Kolokotronis
Rodos, Greece, September 29, Interfax - The Moscow Patriarchate has voiced concern about differences between various churches and has called for the creation of a strategic alliance between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches to defend traditional Christianity, primarily in Europe.
"The fact that the Russian Orthodox Church has already severed dialogue with the Episcopal Church [The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America] and the Church of Sweden [due to its approval of same-sex marriages] show that Christian society has begun to disintegrate," the Moscow Patriarchate's representative at European and international organizations, Bishop Ilarion of Vienna and Austria said at the Dialogue of Civilizations forum being held at Rodos, Greece.
It is becoming more and more difficult to speak about Christianity as a unique system of values shared by all Christians of the world or, at least, by the majority of Christians. "The existing abysm divides traditionalists and liberals rather than Orthodox and Catholics, Catholics and Protestants," he said.
In this situation it is necessary to consolidate the efforts of all Churches that consider themselves to be "Churches of Tradition," that is Catholics and Orthodox including pre-Chalcedonian [ancient Eastern] Churches, he said.
"I am not speaking about the serious dogmatic differences that exist between these Churches and which should be discussed in terms of bilateral dialogue. I am speaking about the need to conclude a certain strategic alliance, a pact, a union for between these Churches defending traditional Christianity - a defense against the challenges of modern times, be it militant liberalism or militant atheism," he said.
As our resident psaltis, today is something of a feast day for you, A. (Got to be nice to him, livius!)
Kontakion - Tone 8
You were adorned from childhood with the godly virtues of the Spirit;
you were a precious adornment of the Church of Christ, all-wise Romanus,
for you made it lovely with beautiful hymnody.
Therefore, we entreat you, grant your divine gift to those who desire it,
that we may cry out to you: "Rejoice, all-blessed Father, beauty of the Church."
Troparion - Tone 4
You gladdened Christ's Church by your melodies
like an inspired heavenly trumpet.
You were enlightened by the Mother of God
and shone on the world as God's poet.
We lovingly honor you, righteous Romanus.
Heck, we have more in common with Southern Baptists.
I'm no fan of the WCC/NCC but its my understanding that originally the precursor organizations which led to it were more like this (and more in line with real Christian values); more an organization to promote the common things churches beleive.
Europe could really use this. Frankly it wouldn't hurt America either.
LOL!
I didn't know that. Many years!
Probably not.
The MP (Who's calling for this) is a WCC member, but has signlaed they may pull out [while at the same time insisting they are there more to call the heretics attention to true Christian values than to promote the WCC dictates].
ROCOR which is more less joing with the MP will probably not join the WCC or NCC activities the MP does. (In fact they haven't exactly signaled that they are going to join SCOBA which is a pan-orthodox group in North America).
Other jurisdictions are all getting preassure from their parishoners to leave; they probably will sooner than latter.
I agree, but I think it would also be a really great idea to get together a group that could at least assent to all the propositions of the Creed ...something the WCC has not been able to do for many a long year.
Of course, this would immediately disqualify all the liberal churches or liberal divisions of otherwise sane churches. But that's okay, since for some mysterious reason, liberals are all out there praising Islam these days. Go figure.
Actually, I've been very surprised by Cdl Kasper. He was definitely on the liberal side and was also one of Ratzinger's rivals for the Papacy. But he has emerged as quite orthodox in his dealings with - well, the Orthodox - and has also been quite firm on Islam. One never knows what the Holy Spirit is going to do, I guess...
But I agree, I think there are signs that something is in the works.
"I agree, but I think it would also be a really great idea to get together a group that could at least assent to all the propositions of the Creed ...something the WCC has not been able to do for many a long year."
You won't find any argument from me on that!
"Actually, I've been very surprised by Cdl Kasper. He was definitely on the liberal side and was also one of Ratzinger's rivals for the Papacy. But he has emerged as quite orthodox in his dealings with - well, the Orthodox - and has also been quite firm on Islam. One never knows what the Holy Spirit is going to do, I guess...
But I agree, I think there are signs that something is in the works."
I am advised that the recently concluded session of the renewed dialog at Belgrade went very, very well and further that the patristic influence of +BXVI contributed mightily to a different and better atmosphere at the meeting.
I think that is going to be an enormous benefit to all. I have been reading some of his writings, mostly compilations of lectures or addresses he delivered before he was Pope, and I have been amazed by his sources and where he is looking for the authentic spring of doctrine. He's also one of those people who can write a sentence that I have to think about all night, not because it's complicated (he writes very simply), but because it's so laden with meaning.
"Many years!"
Thanks much to you both. I have an icon of St. Romanos hanging above the kliros where I can always see him while directing the choir, and another in my study/lair/inner sanctum at home where I pray that he guides me into true psaltiness...
We Baptists have more in common with you Catholics and Orthodox Christians than we do with the Mohammedanism culture of death. Fear not. The gates of hell cannot prevail against the church as the Lord Jesus Christ sets it in place as it suits himself.
Interesting. Many believe that the end time beast power will be a unified Europe, a revived Roman empire, with a strong unified religion supporting it.
"Many believe that the end time beast power will be a unified Europe, a revived Roman empire, with a strong unified religion supporting it."
People believe many odd things. Personally, I think Revelations should have been left out of the canon of the NT considering the "interpretations" it has engendered.
"...true psaltiness..."
Booo! :)
Daniel too? Because that's actually a more detailed account of the beast power to come.
"We Baptists have more in common with you Catholics and Orthodox Christians than we do with the Mohammedanism culture of death."
No disagreements there. Any time y'all want to get together, come on down and see us.
As the good Dr. Stephen Maturin says in one of Patrick O'Brien's novels, "he who would make a pun would pick a pocket..."
Sorry, I couldn't resist that lowest form of humor when it started coming out of my fingertips. Just couldn't bring myself to hit the backspace key... :-)
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