[Cronos]

As for the issues of imperial papacy, purgatory, Immaculate Conception and infallibility of the Pope (in matters ex-cathedra only), I am less optimistic.

I won't talk about the 2nd and third issues, but I do believe that the first issue is being resolved -- the present pope has emphasised the equality of the patriarchates with the patriarchate in rome -- though this needs to be reflected in the mindsets of all levels of the church! The last issue, I do think the infallibility of the Pope is purely related to dogmatic issues pronounced ex-cathedra and tradition would state that this would be only exercised after receiving wisdom from the Holy Spirit along with the other church elders

[Kolokotronis]

You know, at some point we should take on the purgatory thing, since it is filled with divergent theology. On the other hand, and this is just a minimally informed speculation on my part, could it be that the purgatory idea stems from the idea that God's love is like a stream of fire which enraptures those who have gained a degree of theosis while it burns into torment those who have not. There's a magnificent icon of the Final Judgment which shows this quite graphically but I can't seem to find one that's any good to post. Here's a try. I think if you look close you can see the River of Fire.

[kosta50]

I do believe that the first issue is being resolved -- the present pope has emphasised the equality of the patriarchates with the patriarchate in rome -- though this needs to be reflected in the mindsets of all levels of the church!

Cronos, yes all patriarchs are equal, just as all Apostles were equal, but one was singled out, +Peter, so the Church also singled one out -- the successor to Peter, to be the first among them, but not over them. Eastern Fathers recognized that, trusted in the Pope, ran to him (+Maximos the Confessor) and elevated him (+Chrysostom). When the Christian East was knee-deep in heresy, Rome stood firm to hold and defend Orthodoxy.

The Pope was made first among other patriarchs by an Ecumenical Council and confirmed by Emperor Justin' decree. We Orthodox must abide by those decisions of the EC, and have, and we do. Our non-communion with the Pope is deeply theological and not personal or out of ambition.

Right now, a millennium of separation has led to divergent theology and a vestige of pre-Schism disagreement over the Symbol of Faith. As such, and until that time when we can confidently say that we profess the same Faith as we have for the first 1,000 years and until we agree that our differences are those of language, perception and rite, but not of essence, we cannot commune with the Bishop of Rome, although his honor is that of being first among his brothers.