No cheap shot was intended, but looking back, it certainly was one, and I should have refrained from that comment.
I actually first heard about Zizoulas from a pious and philosophically-minded Russian emigre who was a real fan of his writing. I didn't care for what I saw when I looked up things Zizoulas had written, but neither was my Russian emigre friend a fan of those I read assiduously, such as Metr. Hierotheos (Vlachos). To each his own.
Zizoulas's writings are often (and probably selectively) used by those who wish to portray Orthodoxy and Catholicism as being on the brink of theological unity -- which can make the more high-profile opponents of such union who believe that such a union is very, very far off, look like unthinking knuckle-dragging obstructionists.
As our detailed discussions on many threads regarding original sin, pneumatology and its practical implications, clericalism and centralization, papal claims, the theology of the filioque, etc... have made pretty clear, opposition to such union is hardly unthinking and knuckle-dragging by definition -- rather only by choice and ignorance.
I agree with the statement that there should neither be a glossing over of real barriers nor a throwing up of false barriers.
Zizoulas's cautionary comments about glossing over real differences don't seem to be the ones that get the press, though.
"Zizoulas's cautionary comments about glossing over real differences don't seem to be the ones that get the press, though."
The warnings were from Met. John's boss, the EP. Here is what he said:
"As far as the second goal of our gathering is concerned, the substance of the meetings that will be held during the new phase of the Dialogue, the problem of ecclesiology, with special reference to the issue of Primacy in the Church, in which the issue of Uniatism, which detained the Dialogue in the last decade, will be added, will be the theme of discussion. All the Orthodox Churches have agreed on this after the visits to them by the Metropolitans of Pergamon and Sassima, and, therefore, this gathering cannot review or reconsider this Inter-Orthodox decision. However, you are called to exchange thoughts on the best way for us to contribute to the future discussion of the timely issue of the unification of the Church. We are confident that this gathering will prove useful and beneficial towards this goal as well.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate always wishes that the rapprochement of these two most ancient Churches and traditions will be realized and that all the obstacles of the unity of Christians will be overcome. Nevertheless, the Ecumenical Patriarchate does not accept the opinion that this unity, for which we are all working, will be realized by the common acceptance of a minimum of common faith, thus leaving all differences and difficulties aside, as a kind of acceptable variety. In this dialogue there are also issues that neither touch upon the faith, or on issues that the Ecumenical Synods have decided upon. These issues are allowed to be dealt with differently by the various local Christian communities. However, regarding the issues of faith, unity is necessary, and it must be pursued within the framework of the undivided, before the schism, Church. Furthermore, even if there are amongst our interlocutors some who pursue purposes other than the revelation of the truth, our attitude and position must, unfalteringly and without any passion, be towards the immovable goal, namely, the witnessing of the truth. For, although we seem to be discussing only with a certain group of people, the reality is that we are discussing with the entire Roman Catholic world. And within it there are certainly many honest people who are searching for the truth. These people are our real discussants, even though we do not know them, nor do we have direct contact with them. Let us not forget that through this Dialogue we are responsible towards God and History."