Posted on 02/12/2016 5:53:16 PM PST by marshmallow
This week's Havana summit is a historic opportunity
Although the Patriarchate of Constantinople holds a place of honor among the fourteen canonical Orthodox Churches, it is the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), the world's largest, that has emerged as the leading spokesman for Orthodox Christians. Its influence was clearly on display during preparations for this summer's first-ever Pan-Orthodox Council, when it convinced the heads of fellow churches to abruptly shift the venue from Turkey to Crete by suggesting that difficulties might arise in Turkey because of that countryâs current tensions with Russia.
It was then able to ensure that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) remains the only one recognized as canonical, and that the rival Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Kyiv Patriarchate) received no invitation. Finally, in a significant blow to Ukrainian ambitions to establish their own national church, it obtained a pledge from Patriarch of Constantinople that he would not encourage a self-governing Church in Ukraine, or undertake any actions that might legitimate the self-proclaimed Kyiv Patriarchate, "not at the Council; not ever."
Finally, this month it agreed to another historic first, a meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, which both sides are describing as an opportunity to promote collaboration on the key international issues of the day. Such collaboration is already commonplace in European venues, where Catholics and Orthodox frequently combine forces to defend Christian values. Now they hope to formalize their partnership, expanding it to the Middle East and elsewhere.
Each side brings notable strengths to this alliance. Catholicism brings its global reach, a deep Western intellectual pedigree and considerable financial resources. The Russian Orthodox Church bring its considerable political influence, not just in Russia but throughout the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe, as well as centuries of experience living in harmony with the Muslim communities......
(Excerpt) Read more at russia-insider.com ...
Both need to agree to stop making excuses for islam. Then destroy the evil of islam.
Whatever they want, I'm sure Francis will give it to them, with lagniappe.
A better hat.
“A better hat.”
Come on! The Patriarch’s hat is much more fun than the Pope’s...
Agreed!
The Pope picked up that hat by accident, it belonged to a visitor from the Jewish interfaith group. Somewhere out there, a rabbi is missing his yarmulke.
I’d settle for a Pope who followed the teachings of the Bible.
The Russian Orthodox Church is heavily infiltrated by the KGB. They have become a political appendage of Putin and apparently it pays with million dollar wrist watches that have to be airbrushed when they show up in publicity shots.
The dude standing next to him with the white starburst and the black hoodie ain't no slouch.
.
I think he also wins by a bedspread. ;-)
What? You didn't hear Biblical teaching during Jorge's address to the UN and Congress last September?
'climate change......social justice......climate change.........economic equality........the mystery of happiness.......climate change.......must welcome refugees......Muslims and Christians worship the same God.......climate change'
Since when has patriarch Kiril made excuses for Islam?
Accepting islam as a validity is accepting it.
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