SEIA NEWSLETTER On the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism

______Number 185: February 28, 2011 Washington, DC

The Resignations of the Heads of the John Paul II, whom I shall have ers who come on history’s stage, make a Maronite and Ukrainian Greek the joy of beatifying on 1 May, called you to difference, and then fade away without Churches become a member of the College of Car- much fanfare. On March 5, 2011 the dinals on 26 November 1994, in order to Church will honor him for his service as integrate you into deeper communion with and , but, in fact, there are LETTER FROM POPE BENEDICT the universal Church. My venerable Prede- no words to express the gratitude that is due XVI TO HIS BEATITUDE CARDINAL cessor’s arrival in Beirut in 1997, to sign to him. ANASRALLAH PIERRE SFEIR ON THE the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation A Patriarch Sfeir has stood before world OCCASION OF HIS RESIGNATION FROM THE New Hope for , once again empha- leaders and powerful interests and proc- OFFICE OF OF THE sized the bond your country has always had laimed the truth with a disarming love and a MARONITES was made public on February with the Successor of Peter. peaceful spirit that is truly beautiful to be- 26. The full text follows. When I convoked the Extraordinary hold. He is deep down a , a simple The year dedicated to the 1,600th an- for the in September son of . He has spent almost his niversary of St Maron’s death is drawing to 2009, I appointed you President Delegate entire life in the monastery of Bkerke. He a close; a time of has been granted to ad honorem in order to stress the value of lives soberly, eats sparingly, maintains a the during this exception- the ecclesial service you have carried out in balance of prayer and work, and attends al Jubilee. It is also the crowning point of Christ’s name. attentively to all that his burden of office your service for the greater glory of God A few days ago, at the end of the Jubi- asks of him. I have seen him get off a plane and for the good of all his faithful. lee, I blessed the statue of St Maron at St from South Africa to New York and after a In his immense love God fashioned Peter’s Basilica and I was able to greet you, 17 hour flight endure a full day of meetings you and impressed upon you an indelible together with the President of the Lebanese with United Nations officials, Lebanese trace of himself, choosing you in particular Republic and numerous and faith- embassy officials and guests, and then lead to serve him. Your free and enthusiastic ful. an evening Lenten prayer service at our response, after the example of the Mother You have chosen to resign from your Cathedral. of God: “let it be to me according to your office as Patriarch of Antioch of the Maro- The Patriarch is a free man who wants word” (Lk 1:38) corresponded to this mys- nites on this very special occasion. I now others to live in freedom. In this way he terious choice. accept your free and magnanimous deci- imitates the free man, Saint Maron, who by Last year you were able to celebrate sion, which is the expression of a great living in the truth of Christ, became the the 60th anniversary of your to humility and deep detachment. I am sure inspiration for a Church as well as a nation. the priesthood: proof of your fidelity and that you will always accompany the Maro- Our Patriarch’s recent pastoral letter on love for Jesus Christ, the Sovereign Priest. nite Church with your prayers, your wise Saint Maron is a treasure chest of inspira- Next July you will have another opportunity advice and your sacrifices. tion for anyone who loves the Maronites, to raise your thanksgiving to the Blessed I ask Almighty God, through the inter- loves Lebanon, and loves that true spiritual for having served in the episcopate cession of St Maron and of Our Lady of freedom that enables us to love God and for 50 years. Lebanon, to fill you with his blessings. I our fellow man. For almost 25 years you collaborated warmly impart the Apostolic Blessing to With the Maronite Bishops at his side with your two predecessors in the See of you, as well as to the bishops, priests, con- in 2000, Patriarch Sfeir asked the govern- Antioch before being selected by the Synod secrated people and all the faithful of the ment to the east of Lebanon to withdraw on 19 April 1986 to succeed them: an im- Maronite Church and to the beloved Leba- their troops and military personnel from portant event which today places you on the nese Nation. Lebanon and to do so as a friend. He had threshold of your silver jubilee in this of- From the Vatican, 26 February 2011. also called upon the government to the fice. BENEDICTUS P P. XVI south of Lebanon to leave southern Leba- You began your noble ministry as Pa- -- Vatican website non, to honor the dignity and territorial triarch of Antioch of the Maronites during sovereignty of Lebanon. He stood before the nightmare of the war that bathed Leba- ISHOP GREGORY JOHN MANSOUR American Presidents (Bishop Shaheen and non in blood for too long. You have led this OF THE OF SAINT MARON I had the joy to witness this twice) and Church with an ardent desire for peace in BOF BROOKLYN OFFERED THIS urged them to do all they could to resolve your country and have travelled the world PERSONAL REFLECTION ON THE MINISTRY the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which con- in order to comfort your people who were OF PATRIARCH NASRALLAH SFEIR : tinues to cause tragic consequences to the obliged to emigrate. Peace has returned at Maronite Patriarch, Nasrallah Peter entire region. We are still waiting, hoping. last, fragile as always but ever timely. Cardinal Sfeir, is one of those unique lead- He has stood before his own beloved Leba- nese citizens - Sunni, Shiite, Druze and second audio trilogy titled "Society" which has been convoked on the basis of the Christians - and asked that all parties dis- will include audio books: "Society and norms of canon 128, paragraph 3 of the arm and respect Lebanon’s special mission Government," "Society and Business,” "So- Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches . as a refuge for minorities and a pluralistic ciety and Law.” Members of the Synod of Bishops are to society. Some ignore him and some ridicule "According to canon law, the new remain in the place of the Synod until the him. This is his present lot of suffering, for Administrator of the UGCC will be Archbi- elections are confirmed on behalf of the the sake of a Lebanon he believes in and shop of , Most Rev. Ihor (Voznyak), Holy Father and until a new Head of the loves. Nonetheless, by the grace of God, he until a new Head of the Church is elected. UGCC is officially .proclaimed. suffers well, as throughout history Maronite Within the next two months the Synod of "Today the Synod of Bishops is made Patriarchs before him have suffered well Bishops will meet to elect a new Head of up of 50 bishops from as well as and triumphed. the Church. His Beatitude will maintain all from abroad, says Secretary of the Synod of Patriarch Sfeir has two life passions: titles and honors due to his office ,” said the Bishops Most Rev. Bohdan (Dziurakh). the Maronite Church and Lebanon. Each Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, Bishop The Synod is the legislative body of the has become for him a treasure worth living of the Curia, Most Rev. Bohdan (Dzi- Church, consisting exclusively of bishops. and dying for. History will look kindly upon urakh). It determines the internal and external poli- him, as it did other historical figures such His Beatitude became the Head of the cy of the Church, takes care of building up as Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gand- Ukrainian Greek ten years church structures, and makes decisions on hi who both espoused a non-violent, strong ago after the death of his predecessor My- pastoral, ecumenical and educational is- yet loving, militancy, like that of our roslav Ivan (Lubachivskyi). He was the first sues. The Synod of Bishops of the Ukrai- Lord’s, that has confounded the powerful head of the Church to be elected by a spe- nian Greek Catholic Church is usually held with an innate logic of love and a simple cial Synod of Bishops following the emer- once a year," the curial bishop explained. – goodness that has produced amazing spiri- gence of the Church from the underground Press Release, Ukrainian Greek Catholic tual fruits without measure. and the independence of Ukraine. During Church, Feb. 18. Your Eminence and Beatitude, Father the time of his leadership of the Church, and Head of the Maronite Church through- the seat of the Head of the UGCC was re- The Eastern Orthodox Churches out the world, Patriarch and Cardinal Na- turned to , the capital of Ukraine, from srallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir, thank you for St. George’s Cathedral in Lviv. The Pa- CUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOL - your visionary leadership and your love for triarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of OMEW ON FEBRUARY 17 RECEIVED the Church you serve and the country you Christ and the Patriarchal Center of the ETHE NEW US AMBASSADOR TO love. UGCC are currently completing construc- TURKEY , FRANCIS RICCIARDONE at the tion in Kyiv. – Press Release, Ukrainian Patriarchate seat in the Phanar district of N FEBRUARY 10 TH AT A PRESS Greek Catholic Church, Feb. 10. Istanbul. CONFERENCE IN KYIV HIS BEATI - "It was a very great honor to come here OTUDE LUBOMYR (H USAR ) N THURSDAY , FEBRUARY 17, on my first day back in Istanbul after being ANNOUNCED THAT TODAY POPE BENEDICT THERE WAS HELD A PRESS CON - away from Turkey for many years. It was XVI ACCEPTED HIS RESIGNATION FROM OFERENCE IN KYIV ON THE OCCA - very moving, of course, to meet His All THE OFFICE OF MAJOR OF THE SION OF THE CONVOCATION OF THE ELEC - Holiness (Bartholomew). The last time I UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH TIVE SYNOD OF THE BISHOPS OF THE had yet him had been with Mrs. Clinton in (UGCC). A request regarding this matter UGCC WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THE 1996. We discussed issues of concern to had been sent to the Holy Father by the ADMINISTRATOR OF THE UGCC MOST the Church and also to the United States, Head of the UGCC when he turned 75 REV . , Secretary of the Syn- the concern to support religious freedom years of age. od of Bishops of the UGCC Most Rev. everywhere in the world," Ricciardone said, "Today, when I do not have as much Bohdan Dzyurakh and chief of the Legal adding: strength, I would like to hand over the of- department of the Patriarchal Curia Rev. "We both discussed with great plea- fice to my successor, who will continue to Dr. Vitalij Tokar. sure modern Turkey's ambition to serve as work in a very efficient way. For it is not The Synod of the Bishops of the an example of freedom and democracy. As my work and I am not the key. The key is Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to elect always I conveyed the greetings of Secre- the Church, the goal of our work is service the will begin on Mar. tary Clinton, the good-wishes of the United to the Church, and we try to do it as long as 21st in Patriarch Retreat center States, the people and government of the we can do it effectively, "declared His Bea- in Lviv-Briuchovychi. The corresponding United States and my respect for the Ecu- titude Lubomyr, explaining his decision. decree was signed by Administrator of the menical Patriarchate and for its communi- After relinquishing the guidance of the UGCC Archbishop Ihor Vozniak on Feb. ty." – ANA , Feb. 18. Church, His Beatitude does not intend to 11th in Kyiv at the Patriarchal Cathedral of completely remove himself from the life of the Resurrection. CUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOL - the Church and society. "I will be doing "To participate in the Synod are con- OMEW EXTENDED WISHES FOR A what I am still able to do. I will pray for the vened all the bishops of the Ukrainian ESUCCESSFUL TENURE IN THE MUNI - Church, contemplate the past, and ensure Greek Catholic Church, members of the CIPALITY OF THESSALONIKI TO THE NEW that nothing of our Church’s past is lost. I Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, especially MAYOR Yiannis Boutaris who visited him would also like to meet with youth and with those who have a hard duty to participate in at the Phanar. different professional groups, "says His it" - announced Reverend Archbishop Igor "We wish a good tenure for the benefit Beatitude Lubomyr. Later this month His (Voznyak). of the people of Thessaloniki," the Patriarch Beatitude will meet with students of Kyiv- According to the Administrator of the said, while Boutaris termed the meeting Mohyla Academy and will start work on his UGCC, the Elective Synod of the UGCC "yet another small stone in the very close

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 2. relations that the municipality wants to de- have preferred to rebuild the Church with- birthday at Christ the Savior Cathedral in velop with the Ecumenical Patriarcate." – out litigation. However, they have been Johnstown, Pennsylvania. A. Kourkoulas for ANA , Feb. 18. unable to do so since the Port Authority "He has a passion for church unity," renounced a long-standing agreement with said the Rev. John Petro, rector of SS. Cyril IS HOLINESS PATRIARCH BAR - the Church to rebuild at Ground Zero, & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary, THOLOMEW OF CONSTANTINOPLE seized the Church’s land, barred the North Side. "It's not about giving academic HRECEIVED THE RUSSIAN DELE - Church from access to it, and has refused to lectures on ecumenism, but a living expe- GATION TO THE RUSSIAN -TURKISH CIVIL talk or meet with the Church or the Archdi- rience of coming together to pray and work FORUM ON FEBRUARY 19, 2011, AT THE ocese. This legal action has been taken not on common projects." PHANAR . The delegation was headed by only as a last resort to restore the property Metropolitan Nicholas has worked for Mr. K. Kosachev, chairman of the State and rebuilding rights of St. Nicholas reconciliation while supporting missionary Duma committee for international affairs Church, but also to fulfill the common vi- outreach to a secular world. He is battling Welcoming the guests, His Holiness sion of civil and church authorities that the cancer and was unable to give an interview spoke about the fraternal cooperation be- Church be rebuilt as a place of prayer and but will be at Tuesday's service. tween the of Constanti- meditation at Ground Zero for all people. He was born in New Jersey, to Eastern nople and Russia in dealing with various While the Port Authority has claimed Catholic immigrants from Carpathian issues important for both pan-Orthodox publicly that it is currently in discussions mountain villages of Europe. Eastern Cath- unity and solution of topical problems fac- with the Archdiocese in order to foster the olics are loyal to the Pope, but follow the ing all humanity. The of the Church rebuilding effort, in fact, in March of 2009 practices of Orthodoxy, which always in- of Constantinople also introduced his Rus- it summarily disavowed its agreement with cluded a married priesthood. sian guests to the present situation of Or- the Archdiocese to rebuild St. Nicholas at In 1929, the Pope banned married thodox Christians in Turkey, emphasizing 130 Liberty Street, a site chosen by the Port Eastern Catholic priests from America. that in recent years a constructive dialogue Authority, which is adjacent to the original Eastern Catholics here felt betrayed. Thou- was developing between the Turkish au- location. Since that time, the Port Authority sands left the Byzantine Catholic Arche- thorities and the Islamic community in the has rebuffed all efforts by the Church to parchy of Pittsburgh and in 1938 formed country. work with it regarding the rebuilding. the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Mr. Kosachev thanked His Holiness Contrary to working cooperatively . for the warm welcome on behalf of the with the Archdiocese and the , a "It was a very bitter and painful expe- Russian participants in the meeting and posture which had prevailed between 9/11 rience in those days," said the Rev. Michael informed His Holiness about the Russian- and the Port Authority’s abrupt turnabout in Rosco, who edits the Carpatho-Russian Turkish Civil Forum. Father Philip Ria- March 2009, the Port Authority—without news. "It caused splits in families and cer- bykh informed the Patriarch about the work permission, notice, or any legal justification tainly splits in churches. It took a long time of the working group for interreligious di- whatsoever—has sent its bulldozers onto for that to begin to heal, and it took a per- alogue, noting that the Russian delegation both the land still owned by the Church at son like Bishop Nicholas to get the process asked the Turkish side to invite representa- its original site at 155 Cedar Street, and the of healing going." tives of the Patriarchate of Constantinople land provided to the Church at 130 Liberty As a student at Christ the Savior Semi- to the bilateral dialogue since among its Street pursuant to its agreement with the nary in Johnstown, the future bishop helped participants there will be representatives of Port Authority. The Port Authority has con- out at the East Pittsburgh parish of the fu- the Muslim communities in Russia. ducted extensive excavation and other con- ture Father Rosco, who was 5 years old. The delegation presented His Holiness struction work that has kept the Church off "Even then I remember his very warm with an icon of Sts. Basil the Great, Gre- of its own property, and has rendered both personality," Father Rosco said. "He was a gory the Theologian and John Chrysostom sites unbuildable by the Church without wonderful role model, and probably one of painted by Russian masters. substantial remedial work. the reasons that I became interested in the After the audience, the Russian delega- The Parish and the Archdiocese hope priesthood." tion was taken on a tour of St. George’s and that through this lawsuit, just and fair rul- Ordained in 1959, he served for three visited the church of St. Sophia and the ings will be made allowing for the prompt years at SS. Peter & Paul in Windber, building of the Russian general consulate, re-construction of St. Nicholas at Ground Somerset County. which used to accommodate the embassy of Zero, not only as a church serving its flock, In 1962 he went to study at the presti- the Russian Empire. – Press Release, but also as a greater ministry bringing gious Halki Orthodox seminary -- since Moscow Patriarchate, Feb. 21. peace, reconciliation and a sacred space of closed by the Turkish government -- at the recollection and remembrance for all Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. N FEBRUARY 14, 2011, ST. NICH - people visiting Ground Zero. – Press Re- He spent time on Mount Athos, the monas- OLAS CHURCH AND THE GREEK lease, Greek Archdiocese, Feb. 14. tic center on a remote peninsula in Greece. OORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF He returned to Johnstown as prefect of AMERICA FILED A LAWSUIT IN FEDERAL N A RELIGIOUS CULTURE PLAGUED BY Christ the Savior Seminary, where Father DISTRICT COURT IN MANHATTAN AGAINST IN -FIGHTING AND SCHISM , METROPOLI - Rosco became a student. THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND ITAN NICHOLAS OF THE AMERICAN "He emphasized that first and foremost NEW JERSEY as well as other agencies and CARPATHO -RUSSIAN ORTHODOX DIOCESE we should be men of prayer," he said. "He individuals, in order to foster the rebuilding OF THE U.S.A. HAS WORKED TO HEAL RIFTS said we must remember that it is our duty, at Ground Zero of the only house of wor- BETWEEN ORTHODOX AND CATHOLIC above all others, to preach the gospel, to ship destroyed by the terrorist attacks of CHRISTIANS . administer the sacraments and to be the September 11, 2001. On Tuesday, some Byzantine Catholics example of Christ that a priest is supposed The Parish and the Archdiocese would will join a 5 p.m. celebration of his 75th to be."

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 3. A parish assignment took him to New "Let us ask a question about unity that uments for dialogue. York, where in 1979 he became of a needs to be asked, especially now. Why Fr. Jaroslav offered his reflection “To- new monastery. In 1983 he was elected an have we tolerated its absence? Why has the wards the Future Dialogue of the in the Ukrainian Orthodox perversion of unity -- why has disunity Churches” suggesting that the participants Church. But the next year Bishop John of achieved so much acceptance and respecta- in any such dialogue must be prepared to the Carpatho-Russian diocese died unex- bility?" he asked. answer in depth questions about themselves pectedly. Bishop Nicholas was chosen to "It is time to stop going alone in dis- and their own ecclesiology to the init- succeed him. unity. Let us go together once again ... iation of a serious dialogue and must be He immediately embarked on renewal. joined together in the unity of the mountain prepared to abandon any prejudice held That included of services into of Zion, under the headship of Jesus Chr- toward theologians from the “other” side. English while preserving the unique Carpa- ist." – Ann Rodgers for Pittsburgh Post- Further, Ukrainian theologians must be thian tunes to which the lyrics were Gazette , Feb. 21. included in the broader dialogues rather chanted. than permit others to speak in their behalf. "He has a great love for Carpatho- HE ANNUAL ENCOUNTER OF The present “Encounters” and other discus- Russian plain chant," said Father Frank UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC AND ORTHO - sions between the Ukrainian Catholic and Miloro, the chancellor. "He understands TDOX HIERARCHS OF NORTH AMERI - Orthodox Churches could become “the that unless we preserved it in the English CA MET IN CLEARWATER , FLORIDA , ON catalyst for the resurgence of our own reli- language, the chant would disappear." JANUARY 27 AND 28, 2011. The hierarchs gious identity, imperative at the present Today the diocese has 10,000 mem- have been gathering since 2001 to discuss time.” The participants “must be consistent bers in about 80 parishes. He championed the issues relevant to their respective dio- and theologically mature in their quest for mission parishes in the south and west, ceses and and to consider the unity…must listen to one another…be pa- which have drawn new converts. steps that might be taken to draw the tient about what has taken place in histo- His work to heal relationships with Churches closer together, setting an exam- ry…and not afraid to look into each other’s Byzantine Catholics began with an invita- ple for ecclesiastical life in Ukraine. eyes with love, where they will see each tion from the late Byzantine Catholic Met- The theme for this year’s encounter other as brothers…in Christ.” ropolitan Judson Procyk to participate in a was: “Possibilities on the Path to Unity – In their discussion on the theme, the 1999 celebration of the Catholic jurisdic- What We Hold in Common and Where We hierarchs at the Encounter pointed to the tion's 75th anniversary. Metropolitan Ni- Differ.” To broaden discussion on this top- development of their relationship, which cholas, along with Greek Orthodox Metro- ic, the hierarchs invited one priest from has not gone unnoticed by the various ec- politan Maximos, was given a place of each Church to make presentations reflect- clesiastical bodies throughout the world. honor. During the service Metropolitan ing on this theme. Rev. Fr. Stephen Wojci- When the Encounters began a decade ago, Procyk offered them the kiss of peace. It chowsky, Director of the Metropolitan the intent was to create an opportunity for was a gesture, Metropolitan Nicholas said Institute of Eastern the bishops to become more familiar with later, that would have been unimaginable Christian Studies at the University of St. one another and to counter the incompre- 50 years earlier. Paul in Ottowa, Ontario, Canada presented hensible conflicts that were deeply damag- "Christ is in our midst. Do not let this from the Ukrainian Catholic perspective. V. ing Christ’s Church in newly independent moment pass away," he reported telling his Rev. Dr. Jaroslav Buciora, Pastor of the Ukraine. The bishops, in 2011, have seen Catholic counterpart. Protection of the Mother of God Cathedral the need to move toward the creation of a He soon wrote an editorial for his dio- (Sobor) and Professor of Theology at St. permanent Ukrainian Orthodox – Catholic cesan newspaper, saying that the expe- Andrew College/Seminary, Winnipeg, Ma- Theological Consultation, which will con- rience was "like two brothers who had been nitoba, Canada presented from the Ukrai- sist of both hierarchs and theologians from estranged coming together and embracing nian Orthodox perspective. both Churches to prepare in-depth analyses again," said the Rev. John Petro, rector of Fr. Stephen summarized some of the for consideration at future Encounters. Each SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary on the existing dialogues that have taken place of the four jurisdictions – two in the USA North Side. between the Catholic and Orthodox and two in Canada – will soon make their Subsequent exchanges have included Churches on a broader horizon – The North appointments to this Consultation. Father Petro preaching in the Orthodox American Orthodox-Catholic Consultation, The hierarchs decided to continue this cathedral and a Carpatho-Russian priest founded in 1965 and the Joint Committee of year with their effort to speak with a com- joining the Catholic seminary's faculty. Orthodox and Catholic Bishops, founded in mon voice to the faithful of the Churches While sacramental unity is far off and 1981 – both of which have issued numer- through Epistles on the occasion of the 25th beyond local control, "he has been able to ous “agreed statements” concerning the Anniversary of the Chornobyl Nuclear Dis- put aside the church politics and recognize many elements of faith that the two sides aster, Ukrainian Independence and the Ho- the fact that we are one people," Father have in common, concerning the Sacra- lodomor. They will also address in the very Rosco said. ments, Theology, Dogma, etc. They have near future a common letter to the Canadian In October, during what has become also discussed the most vexing problems and USA Ambassadors to Ukraine and to an annual address to students of both semi- about which agreement is difficult to estab- the State Departments of the two nations naries, he made several proposals: joining lish and Fr. Stephen presented the thoughts expressing their concerns about the ex- for prayer, pilgrimage and works of charity; of various modern Eastern Catholic theolo- treme danger the nation of Ukraine faces if a common studies program for their semi- gians about these problems. Fr. Stephen the actions of the present government con- naries; and supporting an international pro- expressed his joy at being asked to partici- tinue to align the nation with Russia and posal for calculating the date of Easter by a pate in the Encounter and proposed a Theo- turn away from the Western orientation of strictly astronomical formula so that all logical Consultation, which would be able previous governments. Great concern will Christian churches celebrate together. to produce more in-depth and specific doc- also be expressed about the interference of

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 4. the present government in ecclesiastical life CAIRO in order to in every way support the assure you that what applies to the other – in particular the unmasked favoritism Greek and Arab Orthodox brothers and countries does not apply to given shown for the Moscow Patriarchal Church sisters who live in the Egyptian capital. that the situation there is completely differ- of Ukraine. Despite the difficulties and the dangers ent. This apprehension does not exist in Plans are now being developed for a of travelling, the strict controls and the re- Jordan, nevertheless this upheaval is being Symposium to be sponsored by the En- striction of movement after sunset, His Bea- fueled by different situations and that is counter in 2013 at the 1025th Anniversary titude, accompanied by His Grace Nikodi- something that preoccupies everyone.” of the of Ukraine. Decisions about mos of Nitria, Patriarchal Vicar of Cairo Responding to another question with the location and extent of the Symposium and Very Reverend Pante- regard to whether these political uprisings and events surrounding it, will be con- leimon Arathymos, Director of his private can assume another character His Beatitude cluded by the next Encounter. In prepara- office, visited the Holy Monastery of St Patriarch of Jerusalem replied: “To be tion for this Symposium there is a desire on George, thereby supporting His Grace the frank, it was an unforeseeable situation the part of the bishops to travel to both Hegumen, Bishop Niphon of Babylonos upon which you hear a variety of opinions Constantinople and to visit with both and the fathers, the Holy Churches, institu- and views from various analysts, but the Pope Benedict XVI and Patriarch Bartho- tions and the suffering faithful who chose to essence is the same, that the situation is lomew I to inform them about the Encoun- remain in the country. We must confess unpredictable.” ters and to express the deep desire to re- that, despite the tense atmosphere, His Bea- Finally, following a question regarding solve the issues that divide the Body of titude was treated with respect and was the meeting of the Leaders of the Council of Christ, as well as to seek their support for facilitated by the Egyptian army and the the Churches of the Middle East, His Beati- united ecclesiastical life in Ukraine. civil defence during his travels. tude pointed out that: “At this moment in The next Encounter is tentatively sche- On 4th February 2011 His Beatitude time, the Council of Churches of the Middle duled to be held in Colona, British Colum- returned to Alexandria where he repeated East, the Orthodox Church with its Patriar- bia, Canada in the Spring of 2012. – Press the visits to the holy churches and institu- chates, and the Church of Cyprus, all play a Release, Feb. 9. tions of the Great City, strengthening the leading role since they have assumed the faithful there too; he showed particular Presidency and, moreover, myself as the HE PATRIARCHATE OF ALEXAN - concern for those at the Kaniskerion Old representative of the Orthodox Church, on DRIA IS ON THE SIDE OF ALL THE Age Home of the Hellenic Community. behalf of the Orthodox Family, as the cur- "T PEOPLE THAT ARE IN PAIN It is to be noted that during this diffi- rent President. This Council went through REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE cult period concern and support was ex- a major crisis for a variety of reasons in- GREEK , EGYPTIAN , ARAB OR ANY OTHER pressed by the Venerable Primates of Or- cluding the fact that financial support did ETHNICITY ," PATRIARCH THEODOROS II OF thodox Churches by telephone to His Beati- not exist anymore and also that the Ortho- ALEXANDRIA AND ALL AFRICA stressed on tude the Patriarch of Alexandria. Also, the dox Patriarchates, for different reasons, February 1. concern of the Hellenic State and Diplo- ceased to show substantial interest. How- Speaking to the ANA-MPA, the Pa- matic officials was ceaseless, and similar ever, the political situation that has been triarch made the statement in response to concern was expressed by influential fig- forming in the region, and all these recent the dramatic situation in the Mideast coun- ures of the political and business world, events have required us to become proac- try and hours before a scheduled demon- hierarchs and priests who were worried tive and, thus, we have taken the initiative stration in the center of Cairo. about the safety of the Patriarchate. Ex- in re–establishing the Middle East Council "The latest incidents, with more than pressly noted was the concern of the Minis- of Churches since it is an institution that 100 people dead and thousands injured, ter of Foreign Affairs, Mr Dimitris Drout- possesses many capabilities and can convey have caused immense sorrow, because we sas, who spoke with His Beatitude. the problems and the voice of the Christian share brotherly relations with the Egyptians The Media addressed His Beatitude world in the Middle East.” – Press Re- going back thousands of years," the Pa- constantly, who through them heard of the lease, Jerusalem Patriarchate, Feb. 22. triarch said. anxiety of all regarding the goings on. – "We hope that will find its way Press Release, Patriarchate of Alexandria, HE and continue to be the most important ga- Feb. 7. HAS RULED THAT HIERARCHS teway to Africa. We are aware of the prob- T(CHURCH LEADERS ) AND CLERGY lems faced by its people, a beautiful and URING THE MORNING PROGRAM CAN RUN FOR OFFICE IN EXCEPTIONAL tormented people. We are aware of the “EVERY DAY A NEW DAY ” BROAD - CASES when their presence is needed to historic significance of the country we live DCAST TODAY ON THE RADIO fight "forces striving to use electoral power in and the Patriarchate of Alexandria, STATION OF THE CHURCH OF GREECE , THE to fight the Orthodox Church." which has existed in the land of the Nile for REPORTERS KATERINA HOUZOURI AND A document passed on 2 February by 2,000 years will continue to be part of the KOSTAS PAPPAS SPOKE WITH HIS BEATI - the Bishops' Council, which was meeting in history of Egypt ... I pray that there will be TUDE PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM Moscow, describes potential opponents of no more victims amongst our innocent fel- THEOPHILOS III both about the recent con- the church as forces "including schismatics low human beings," the Patriarch con- vocation of the Council of Churches of the and those of other religions," without nam- cluded. – N. Katsikas for ANA , Feb. 2. Middle East and about the current events ing any specifically, and says the church has concerning the uprisings in the Arab world. the right to pass moral judgment on politi- URING THE RECENT PERIOD OF His Beatitude, questioned about the latest cal programs and statements when they POLITICAL AND COMMUNITY events in the Arab world and on the possi- touch on issues including moral relativism, DUNREST IN EGYPT , HIS BEATITUDE bility of a chain reaction of uprisings rep- family values, historical monuments and the THEODOROS II, POPE AND PATRIARCH OF lied “The domino effect of uprisings wor- environment. ALEXANDRIA AND ALL AFRICA , WAS IN ries us all; however, regarding Jordan I can The document stresses that each case

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 5. would be considered individually, that can- Q: How important is Christian unity to tions. He knows Orthodox theology, and as didates must be chosen by church hie- the Orthodox Church? he indicated in his latest book, Orthodox rarchs, and that even if they are running for A: The notion of Christian unity is concerns are very close to his heart. He office, candidates cannot violate the Rus- essentially linked to the last words of Jesus speaks very highly about the Ecumenical sian Orthodox Church's rule against clergy Christ, which he pronounced at the Last Patriarch (Bartholomew I). He speaks very joining political parties. Supper and, notably, those which were highly and also very personally about his It also makes clear that it is referring addressed to his father, when he preached encounters with the current Patriarch of not just to clergy within Russia’s borders. about the unity of his disciples. It is a trage- Moscow, Kirill. And it is clear that, for him, The jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox dy that Christ’s disciples throughout the the relationship with the Orthodox Church Church extends across the former Soviet world were unable to preserve this unity is one of the primary tasks on his agenda. Union. Ukraine, which has seen a volatile and that many schisms and divisions arose Q: Do you think complete union be- political situation, also accounts for a sig- in the Church, and the call to Christian uni- tween the Orthodox and Catholic Churches nificant part of the Russian Orthodox ty is the ultimate goal of our exposure to is a possibility in our lifetime? What do you Church. inter-Christian activities and to various think would have to happen before it could In another document, passed on 4 Feb- dialogues which we lead with the Roman come about? ruary, the Bishops' Council, led by Pa- Catholic Church and with other Christian A: I would respond by quoting the triarch Kirill I, said clergy and lay people traditions. Pope: it depends on how long we will live. must use all legal means to fight "blasphe- So I think for an Orthodox Christian, it But I believe that the Eucharistic unity be- my and slander" against the church in mod- is essential to participate in inter-Christian tween the Orthodox and the Catholics is not ern society. exchanges in order to bring different Chris- something easily achievable within a few The Russian Orthodox Church is play- tian traditions closer to mutual understand- years because even if we look at our theo- ing an increasingly prominent role in Rus- ing in order to overcome centuries of preju- logical dialogue, it goes very slowly, and sian society, but is also facing growing crit- dices with the ultimate goal of the restora- we sometimes are unable to solve even icism. According to the document, "slander tion of the full Eucharistic communion be- rather insignificant problems which existed should be differentiated from criticism of tween various Christian denominations. in the past for many years. negative phenomena in the life of the Of course, the Orthodox and the Cath- So we should not anticipate that there earthly church that need to be corrected and olic are the closest ones. We have certain will be major breakthroughs in just a few overcome from the point of view of Chris- differences in dogma, certain differences in years time. But we should be hopeful, and, tian teaching." ecclesiology, but we have the same teach- what is most important, we should work. Some Russian Orthodox clergy were ing on the of the hie- We should be honest towards each other. involved in politics in the late 1980s and rarchy, on the sacraments and on the We should not hide our differences. We 1990s, as the Soviet Union disintegrated, Church in general. should discuss them openly. and there were priests in Parliament under Therefore, though there are obstacles But I also believe that, without aspir- the tsar and in politics after the February to unity, they are, I believe, in no way in- ing to solve all the theological problems Revolution of 1917 that brought down the surmountable. that exist between the Orthodox and the tsar. Q: What in the Orthodox view consti- Catholics, we can learn how to work to- President Dmitri Medvedev, whose tutes full Christian unity? What does it look gether, how to act together. And without wife, Svetlana, is a prominent patron of the like? being one Church administratively we can Russian Orthodox Church, received the A: Full Christian unity is Eucharistic act as members of one Christian body. Archishops' Council in the Kremlin on 3 communion. We do not need to reshape our This is what I call a strategic alliance February. Medvedev told the bishops that Church administration, our local traditions. between the Orthodox and the Catholic the church is essential to overcoming the We can live with our differences within one Church. This alliance is necessary in order ethnic strife that has shaken Russia recent- Church, participating in one bread and one for us to learn how to work together, be- ly, pitting young Russians against Muslim cup. We need, however, to rediscover what cause the challenges we are facing are the migrants from the Northern Caucasus. "To- united us and what brought us to disunity, same. One of the challenges is how to re- day, a great deal depends on your views, particularly in the 11th century. Christianize a de-Christianized world. This your sermons, your teaching, the pastor's So the basis for the restoration of the is what Pope Benedict XVI speaks about word directly addressed to young people," would be, I believe, the very often. In particular he speaks about the said Medvedev. faith of the Church east and west in the first New Evangelization of Europe. I believe Some Muslim leaders in Russia have millennium. that this is a huge missionary task and even said Muslim clergy might follow the exam- Q: And you are quite involved in these such a grand Church as the Catholic ple of the Russian Orthodox Church and talks personally. Church cannot accomplish this task alone. run for office as well. – Sophia Kishkovsky A: Yes. And the closest allies for it would be the for ENI , Feb. 8. Q: Has Catholic-Orthodox unity be- Orthodox Church. I believe we can do come more of a possibility in recent years? many things together; we can face modern N INTERVIEW OF METROPOLITAN If so, since when, or because of what? changes together, even without being one HILARION OF VOLOKOLAMSK , A: I think certain feasible positive Church, even without having full Eucharis- AHEAD OF THE MOSCOW PATRIAR - changes came with the beginning of the tic communion. CHATE ’S DEPARTMENT FOR EXTERNAL pontificate of Benedict XVI. He is a man of Q: How would you describe recent CHURCH RELATIONS , APPEARED IN THE the Church. He is very traditional in his dialogue on the issue of primacy? What is NATIONAL CATHOLIC REGISTER IN EARLY understanding of dogma and of morality each side saying? Has either side shown any FEBRUARY . This is a transcript of the con- and he is very close to the Orthodox sign of possibly changing? versation with John Burger: Church. He highly respects Orthodox tradi- A: Well, Pope John Paul II called on

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 6. everybody, particularly on the Orthodox to dox bishop. And when Metropolitan Kirill The metropolitan called Christianity express their understanding of primacy. became Patriarch Kirill, I inherited his for- "inclusive," saying, "it does not set strict Q: In his encyclical Ut Unum Sint . mer chair as president of the Department of canonical limits to art. Christianity can even A: Yes. I believe we the Orthodox are Foreign Relations. inspire a secular artist who, using the ourselves not altogether clear about what This is to make a long story short. means available and known to him and his we mean by primacy and how this primacy Q: How did you discover that you had milieu, will be able to convey certain sacred should be exercised. We have, for example, a vocation to the priesthood? messages equally in the language of modern certain differences between the primacy as A: I cannot quite tell you how I dis- musical culture." it is understood by the Patriarchate of Con- covered it but I can tell you when I discov- By way of example, Metropolitan Hila- stantinople and the primacy as it is unders- ered it. It was approximately at the age of rion cited "Jesus Christ Superstar." tood by the Patriarchate of Moscow. 15 when I realized that I really wanted to "No doubt," he said, "this composition In any case, we do not believe that serve the Church and serve as a priest. For is not in keeping with church criteria, but there could be a bishop above all other some preceding years, as I was studying the author did not purport to present the bishops whose decisions would be binding music, the choice which I had to make for canonical image of Christ. He achieved his for the entire Church. We believe that the myself was whether to become a profes- objective outstandingly well by telling the bishop of Rome in the first Millennium was sional musician or to serve the Church. I story of Christ’s passion in a language un- obviously first in honor but he was first was even thinking about combining the two derstandable to the youth and through the among equals. He did not have direct juris- by, for example, becoming the choir mas- medium of contemporary music." diction, for example, over the East. There- ter. "I appreciate this music more emphati- fore, when we come to the discussion of the At the end I decided that I wanted to cally than I do the works of many avant- primacy we would argue that the universal serve the Church in the full sense, to serve garde composers, since the latter some- jurisdiction of the Pope is something that at the altar, i.e., to become a priest. And times eschew melody, harmony, and inner didn’t exist in the first Millennium and that this was the inner voice that was repeatedly content," the metropolitan reflected. if we restore, for example, Eucharistic telling me this, and this is what we call a "The image of Christ can inspire not communion, we would accept his role as vocation. only church people, but also those who are first among equals but not as the universal Q: How do you find time to write mu- still far from her," he added. "One should bishop sic? not forbid them to think, speak and write Q: So what has some of the dialogue A: I no longer have time to write mu- about Christ, unless they are moved by a been like in recent months? There’s been a sic. I didn’t even have it before, but when I desire deliberately to distort Christianity lot of talk about breakthroughs and being was a bishop in Austria, I could somehow and to insult the Church and the faithful. on the verge of unity. organize my agenda in order to have some "If a composition is bright, impressive A: I believe that when some people minutes to write music, but very often I did and grips the listeners, if it makes them talk about breakthroughs, it is wishful it on a plane or in the waiting area of an empathize emotionally with the Gospel thinking rather than anything close to reali- airport. For example, some of the pieces events and even weep, if it arouses pro- ty. We are still at a rather early stage of the from St. Matthew Passion were composed found feelings in them, then it deserves discussions. We still discuss the role of the literally on a plane. – John Burger for Na- high praise." bishop of Rome in the first millennium, and tional Catholic Register , Feb. 7. Metropolitan Hilarion observed that even on this issue we see clear differences the path to Christianity "often begins with a between the Orthodox and the Catholics. If USIC CAN LEAD PEOPLE TO DIS - discovery of the living Christ, rather than we come to the discussion of the second COVER THE ASTONISHING APPEAL recognition of the church’s dogmatic millennium, the differences will become MOF THE MAN BEHIND CHRISTI - truths." much more obvious. Therefore we should ANITY -- THAT IS , OF JESUS CHRIST HIM - "Christianity is a religion focused on not pretend that we are close to solving this SELF , ACCORDING TO RUSSIAN ORTHODOX the living Man, a historic person," he said. problem. METROPOLITAN HILARION ALFEYEV . "The person of this Man appeals astoni- I think, however, that we should dis- The chairman of the Department of shingly. It may well be the case that a com- cuss it honestly; we should describe the External Church Relations of the Moscow position on a Gospel subject, though writ- differences in our positions, and we should Patriarchate affirmed this Wednesday when ten by a non-Churchman, is imbued by a see what would be the way out. For us, as I he spoke at the Catholic University of veneration of Christ. Many may begin their said, the way out would be the return to America in Washington, D.C.. way to Christ and to the Church through what we had in the first millennium. Metropolitan Hilarion is himself an such a composition, even if it were not al- Q: Would you tell me about your accomplished composer and he spoke on together 'canonical.'" – Zenit , Feb. 11. background: where you are from originally, "Music and Faith in My Life and Vision." what was your family like when you were The acknowledged that he is N 10 FEBRUARY 2011, METRO - growing up, what kind of family you come "well aware of the insignificant number of POLITAN HILARION OF VOLOKO - from. young people who listen to classical music, OLAMSK , CHAIRMAN OF THE A: It would be a long story. I wonder whereas almost everyone listens to popular MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE ’S DEPARTMENT whether I should start telling you this story. music." FOR EXTERNAL CHURCH RELATIONS , I was born in Moscow. I studied music "This," he said, "I consider to be a real VISITED THE US LIBRARY OF CONGRESS for many years. Then I became a monk in a tragedy." and met with the Librarian of Congress, small monastery in Lithuania. I spent five But, he affirmed that "secular musical James H. Billington and representatives of years there. I did my doctorate at Oxford. art is possible within Christianity, including intellectual and religious circles of Wash- And then I became a bishop and served in that which exceeds the limits of classical ington, including Archbishop emeritus of Austria and Hungary as a Russian Ortho- music which I love so much." Washington, Cardinal Theodore Edgar

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 7. McCarrick; President of the Russian Amer- seminary and its extension campuses in Philippines.” ican Christian Institute John Bernbaum; Washington, Atlanta, Houston, and other Ambassador Victor G. Garcia thanked President of Georgetown University John J. cities. the Primate of the Russian Orthodox DeGioia; Rector of St. John the Baptist President of the Seminary, Dr. Mark Church for receiving him and congratulated church in Washington, the Very Rev. Vic- Bailey, received Metropolitan Hilarion in the Patriarch on the second anniversary of tor Potapov (ROCOR); Rector of Washing- his study. The DECR chairman spoke about his enthronement. He reminded His Holi- ton National Cathedral, the Very Rev. Sa- the revival of theological education in the ness Kirill of his visit to the Philippines in muel T. Lloyd; head of the Department of Russian Orthodox Church and presented 2002 as Metropolitan of Smolensk and Slavonic Studies Harold M. Leich; and Dr. Bailey with the first volume of his book Kaliningrad and head of the Moscow Pa- director of the European Reading Room Orthodoxy in the English language. triarchate’s Department for External Grant Harris. Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk Church Relations and his meeting with the Metropolitan Hilarion delivered an delivered a lecture, “Have Salt among Minister of Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople address on the Orthodox understanding of Yourselves,” to the faculty and students and and other representatives of state authority, beauty and harmony followed by a long answered many questions. He believes that Christian confessions and traditional reli- discussion of a wide range of questions Christians should feel free to express their gions. about church life in Russia at present. Spe- opinions on various social issues, also His Holiness Kirill mentioned the di- cial attention was paid to the role played by through the mass media. Christians of dif- alogue that Russia and the Philippines the Russian Orthodox Church in social ferent confession should uphold traditional maintain, saying that it is a very good dialo- processes both in Russia and other coun- moral values together. gue as both countries have strong Christian tries included in its canonical territory. He said further that the Church, while traditions that exert a real influence on Metropolitan Hilarion underscored that fulfilling its mission, should be open to all people’s lives. the Russian Orthodox Church in these who are not indifferent to its preaching, but Patriarch Kirill noted a complicated countries enjoyed a great moral authority it should not adapt the Gospel message to situation with religion on the southern isl- and exerted positive influence on the life of current notions of political correctness to ands of the Philippine Archipelago, for people in all strata of society. The influence the detriment of faithfulness to the tradition. instance, the cases of violence against of the Church and, first and foremost, of His – Press Release, Moscow Patriarchate, Feb. Christians, and expressed his solidarity Holiness Patriarch Kirill, is more extended 13. with the Philippine authorities in their seek- than the boundaries of the Church. Accord- ing peaceful and good-neighborly relations ing to the DECR chairman, His Holiness ISHOP NESTOR OF KORSUN MET ON between people of different religious tradi- the Patriarch is a spiritual leader capable of FEBRUARY 15, 2011, WITH tions. His Holiness spoke about interreli- uniting representatives of traditional reli- BCARDINAL ANDRE VINGT -TROIS , gious dialogue in Russia and about the gious communities and healthy forces in ARCHBISHOP OF PARIS , PRESIDENT OF THE work of the Interreligious Council of Rus- society. FRENCH . It was sia. The participants in the meeting unders- After the talk, Dr. Billington showed the first meeting of the new head of the tood the necessity of developing interreli- Metropolitan Hilarion and his suite copies Moscow Patriarchate’s diocese of Korsun gious and intercultural dialogue, also on the of Russian theological literature and church with the Catholic archbishop of Paris. international level. periodicals kept in the Library, for instance, They discussed prospects for the de- His Holiness reminded Ambassador works by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and velopment of contacts and cooperation be- Victor G. Garcia of the historical presence Metropolitan Hilarion, as well as copies of tween Orthodox and Catholic Christians in of the Russian Orthodox Church in the “The Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate,” France as well as a project for bringing the Philippines and told him about the first “The Church and the World,” “Foma,” and relics of the Holy Empress Helena over to migrants from China who settled in the other publications issued with the blessing Russia, the Korsun diocesan press service Philippines in the late 1940s. His Holiness of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. has reported. An agreement for an ex- Patriarch Kirill added: “We are grateful to The DECR chairman and Dr. Billing- change of relics was made by Cardinal An- the people of the Philippines for giving ton exchanged presents. Metropolitan Hila- dre Vingt-Trois and the late Patriarch shelter to our brothers and sisters under rion gave the Librarian of Congress the first Alexy II during their meeting in 2008. – difficult circumstances.” volume of his new book, Orthodoxy, in the Press Release, Moscow Patriarchate, Feb. Towards the end of the meeting, His English language, and received Dr. Billing- 18. Holiness and Ambassador Victor G. Garcia ton’s books in Russian and in English. – exchanged presents. – Press Release, Mos- Press Release, Moscow Patriarchate, Feb. N 18 FEBRUARY 2011, THE PRI - cow Patriarchate, Feb. 18. 11. MATE OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX OCHURCH MET WITH H. E. VICTOR G N 23 FEBRUARY 2011, IN GENEVA , N 11 FEBRUARY 2011, METROPOLI - GARCIA III, AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDI - METROPOLITAN HILARION OF TAN HILARION OF VOLOKOLAMSK , NARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE OVOLOKOLAMSK , HEAD OF THE OCHAIRMAN OF THE MOSCOW REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TO THE MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE ’S DEPARTMENT PATRIARCHATE ’S DEPARTMENT FOR RUSSIAN FEDERATION . FOR EXTERNAL CHURCH RELATIONS , MET EXTERNAL CHURCH RELATIONS , VISITED His Holiness the Patriarch greeted the WITH REV . DR. OLAV FYKSE TVEIT , THE DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY . guest, saying: “I would like to express my GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE WORLD The Seminary was founded as Evan- high appreciation with your mission in COUNCIL OF CHURCHES (WCC). gelical Theological College in 1924 to de- Moscow. You are an outstanding repre- In the beginning of the talk, Metropoli- velop research in Bible studies. At present sentative of the diplomatic community and tan Hilarion shared his assessment of the it is a major theological school in the USA bring a great contribution to the develop- WCC Central Committee session ended the with over 2,000 students studying at the ment of relations between Russia and the day before. He expressed his concern over

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 8. the representation of the Protestant to a unanimous decision, the necessity of unity in North America, a goal that should Churches by extremely liberal delegates further study of the issue of be pursued by all Serbian Orthodox Chris- thus not reflecting the true situation in the was recognized. tians. Protestant world. The Commission discussed the issue of After the Parastos, the Patriarch served Rev. Dr. Tveit thanked Metropolitan diptychs, considered canonical and ecclesi- a Pomen (Short Memorial Service) at the Hilarion for hospitality accorded to him by ological aspects, described the current graves of Metropolitan Christopher, Bishop the Russian Orthodox Church during his practice of the Orthodox Churches and the Firmilian and Bishop Dionisije. A memori- visit last June. He highly appreciated the criteria of including the Churches into dip- al luncheon was prepared in the Monastery activities and social ministry of the ROC. tychs and the order of the Primates’ names Hall for all present by the Women's Auxil- He added that he would remember forever in them and also noted the necessity of liary Organization of St. Sava Monastery. the feelings he experienced at the Butovo compiling the uniform diptychs of the Or- In the evening hours, His Holiness shooting range and the Church of the New thodox Church. visited New Gracanica Monastery, where Martyrs and Confessors of Russia built near Also considered was a wish of the he attended a folklore festival with several the Russian Golgotha. He underscored that Polish and Albanian Orthodox Churches to hundred dancers plus parents and visitors in the Russian Orthodox Church had an inva- reach uniformity in regard to the place of attendance. The Patriarch was overjoyed at luable experience of survival in the state their Primates in the diptychs of the Auto- the number of youth and people present at with militant atheism as its prevailing ide- cephalous Orthodox Churches. The Com- the event. He greeted all present with kind ology. Dr. Tveit noted the importance of mission suggested to take these requests words of support and encouragement, reite- sharing this experience with other Christian into account and to consider proper rating the importance of preserving our Churches. changes in the diptychs. Serbian cultural and language, so that fu- Plans of possible cooperation were The requests of the Georgian Orthodox ture generations in North America and in discussed; particular attention was paid to Church concerning its sixth place in the all other countries of the Diaspora never the support of Christian Churches in the diptychs of all Orthodox Churches and of forget their heritage. – Press Release, Ser- Middle East and the minority communities the Orthodox Church of Cyprus concerning bian Patriarchate, Feb. 21. in the zones of conflict. Metropolitan Hila- a higher place of its Primate in holy dip- rion and the WCC General Secretary em- tychs were presented at the meeting. Con- N SUNDAY , HIS HOLINESS SERBIAN phasized that common efforts made in this sent has not been reached either on this PATRIARCH IRINEJ SERVED PATRI - regard and active participation in the work issue, or on the differences in holy diptychs OARCHAL AT ST. for the sake of peace and justice could bring of some Churches due to the lack of Pan- SIMEON MIROTOCIVI CHURCH IN SOUTH representatives of various traditions of Orthodox agreement on the number of the CHICAGO IN HONOR OF THE UPCOMING Christianity close together. recognized autocephalous Churches. CHURCH SLAVA ON FEBRUARY 26. Archpriest Mikhail Gundyaev, repre- Under Art. 16 of the Rules of the Pan- His Holiness was greeted at the en- sentatives of the Moscow Patriarchate at Orthodox Pre-Conciliar Conferences, doc- trance of the church property with the tradi- the WCC and international organization in uments on all issues on the agenda shall be tional bread and salt, brought to the Pa- Geneva, took part in the meeting. – Press approved unanimously. – Press Release, triarch by the youth of the parish, who were Release, Moscow Patriarchate, Feb. 24. Moscow Patriarchate, Feb. 26. dressed in traditional Serbian clothing. A Parastos (Memorial Service) was also held N 26 FEBRUARY 2011, THE INTER - N SATURDAY , FEBRUARY 19, 2011, for all the departed members of the parish ORTHODOX PREPARATORY HIS HOLINESS SERBIAN PATRIARCH before the Dismissal of the Liturgy. In his OCOMMISSION FOR THE HOLY AND OIRINEJ SERVED A MEMORIAL sermon, the Patriarch spoke of the impor- GREAT COUNCIL OF THE ORTHODOX LITURGY FOR THE REPOSE OF METROPOLI - tance of St. Simeon Mirotocivi to the Ser- CHURCH COMPLETED ITS WORK at the Or- TAN CHRISTOPHER OF BLESSED MEMORY bian people, in that he was the founder of thodox Center of the Patriarchate of Con- AT ST. SAVA MONASTERY IN LIBERTY - the Serbian nation and glorified God by his stantinople near Geneva. VILLE , ILLINOIS . good works and holy life, and became even Representatives of the fourteen Auto- Following the Divine Liturgy, a Me- more diligent after he left the throne, was cephalous Orthodox Churches took part in morial Service (Parastos) was served for tonsured, and fully dedicated his life to the the meeting chaired by Metropolitan John Metropolitan Christopher of blessed memo- service of God. of Pergamon, Patriarchate of Constanti- ry. His Holiness addressed the faithful The Patriarch said that for the sake of nople. The delegation of the Russian Or- present with warm words. The Patriarch St. Simeon, the Serbian Orthodox Chris- thodox Church, led by Metropolitan Hila- stated that it was his intention to be present tians on the North American continent and rion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Mos- at the funeral of Metropolitan Christopher, everywhere in the Diaspora cannot forget cow Patriarchate’s Department for External but since he could not get a visa in time, he their Serbian Orthodox faith, their Serbian Church Relations (DECR), included arch- was not able to attend. Therefore, he made language or their Serbian culture and must bishop Mark of Berlin, Germany and Great a promise to come for the Six-Month Paras- keep a strong unity, just as St. Simeon en- Britain (Russian Orthodox Church Outside tos for Metropolitan Christopher. couraged in the forming of the State of Ser- of Russia); archpriest Nikolai Balashov, His Holiness spoke of the good deeds bia. His Holiness also mentioned the im- DECR deputy chairman; and interpreter and efforts of Metropolitan Christopher portance of holding on to the true Orthodox Anatoly Churiakov. during his tenure as a hierarch of the Ser- Faith as the One, Holy, Ecumenical and The Commission, whose task was to bian Orthodox Church on the North Ameri- Apostolic Church. After the sermon, His elaborate questions for the agenda of the can continent, stating that Metropolitan Holiness awarded Mr. Petar Samardzija, a Pan-Orthodox Council, continued to con- Christopher sincerely strove to maintain the member of St. Simeon Mirotocivi Church, sider the issue of signing the Tomos of au- connection between the Fatherland and with the Order of St. Sava (III Degree). tocephaly. As a long discussion did not lead America, and always worked for church His Grace Bishop Longin had nominated

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 9. Mr. Samardzija for the Order to the Holy Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj, the in the pre-academic educational system and Synod for his efforts in striving for church clergy and faithful present. During the pro- in the theological academic system; unity, his material donations over the years cession the funeral chant “Holy God” was The hierarchs of the Holy Synod eva- to the Church, and his model Orthodox sung. luated the results of the effort to raise funds family. A festive Slava banquet followed in Military honors were given before and material goods in Romanian Orthodox the church hall after the cutting of the Slava entering the crypt below the Cathedral. His parishes and monasteries in the country and Kolach, which was served by His Holiness. Beatitude made a cross of wine and oil over abroad resulting from the Appeal of the – Press Release, Serbian Patriarchate, Feb. the body of the metropolitan. Romanian Patriarchate to prayer and Chris- 21. After the coffin was laid in the crypt, tian solidarity with the families affected by the Patriarch of Romania took a handful of the floods in the North-West of the country ODAY , 3 FEBRUARY 2011, THE earth and threw it cross-like over the coffin in the summer of 2010. So, the Romanian FUNERAL SERVICE OF saying: “The earth and its fulfillment are the Orthodox Church helped the victims of the TARCHBISHOP AND METROPOLITAN Lord’s, the world and all those who live in floods in the areas affected with about BARTOLOMEU ANANIA WAS CELEBRATED it.” 6.000.000 lei, as well as with food, cereals, IN THE METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF When the funeral stone was laid and clothes, construction materials, medicines CLUJ . The religious service was officiated the grave sealed, they said: “This grave is and other material goods amounting to by His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the sealed till the second coming of Jesus about 5.400.000 lei. – Press Release, Ro- Romanian Orthodox Church and Metro- Christ, our Lord. It was with the sign of manian Patriarchate, Feb. 17. politan locum tenens of Cluj, Alba, Cri ana your cross, lover of people, that death was and Maramure , together with a group of killed, hell was looted and the dead raised ULGARIA 'S HOLY SYNOD APPEALS hierarchs, members of the Holy Synod of up to praise you. This is why we say, give TO ALL CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX TO the Romanian Orthodox Church. rest, Christ, our Lord, to the one who has BANSWER TWO OF THE NON - At the end of the service, the Primate left us and gone to the place of all those MANDATORY QUESTIONS IN THE ONGOING of the Romanian Orthodox Church deli- who are happy in you so that we may glori- CENSUS IN ORDER TO DECLARE THEIR vered a homily entitled “Light of man’s life fy your divinity.” – Press Release, Roma- ADHERENCE TO THE ORTHODOX CHURCH . – a never-dying legacy,” in which he nian Patriarchate, Feb. 3 In a statement sent to the media on evoked the personality of the late hierarch, Tuesday, the Holy Synod asks Bulgarians to His Eminence Metropolitan Bartolomeu ROM 16 – 17 FEBRUARY 2011, THE answer question 12 - Are You Religious? Anania. There followed the speech of His FIRST WORKING SESSION OF THE with “Yes” and question 13 – What is Your Grace Irineu Bistri Ńeanul, Assistant Bishop FHOLY SYNOD OF THE ROMANIAN Religion? with “Eastern Orthodox,” saying to the Archdiocese of Cluj on behalf of the ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THIS YEAR WAS even though not mandatory, these questions Eparchial Council of the Archdiocese of HELD IN THE SYNODAL ROOM OF THE are of prime importance for the "national, Vad, Feleac and Cluj and of the faithful of PATRIARCHAL RESIDENCE , UNDER THE religious and cultural identity of the Bulga- this Eparchy. CHAIRMANSHIP OF HIS BEATITUDE PATRI - rian nation." Bishop Florentin Crih ălmeanu of the ARCH DANIEL . We mention some of the This is the first direct intervention of Greek Catholic Diocese of Cluj-Gherla was decisions taken: an official institution in the Census. Politi- present on behalf of the Greek Catholic - Following the proposal of the Roma- cal parties based on ethnic and religious Church. Many government officials were nian Patriarchate, the Holy Synod declared principles and nationalists have restrained also present. the year 2012 as Homage Year of Extreme from such advice. Thousands of faithful attended the fu- Unction and care for sick people; Currently, Bulgaria is conducting the neral service of Metropolitan Bartolomeu, - The procedure of national fund rais- online Census. It would end at midnight on which began at 12.00 o’clock, both in the ing for continuing the construction of the Wednesday, while on the next day (Febru- Cathedral and on the esplanade in front of Cathedral for the Nation’s in the ary 9) counters will start visiting people's the Metropolitan Cathedral. parishes and monasteries within the epar- homes. The procession of the coffin around the chies of the Romanian Patriarchate was According to data of the National Sta- Metropolitan Cathedral took place accord- approved; tistics Institute (NSI), 2 million Bulgarians ing to the church tradition. Only the priests - The hierarchs who will be members have taken part in the online Census so far. who participated in the religious service of the Preparatory Commission for estab- Sophia News Agency , Feb. 8. took part in the procession, while all the lishing the principles, themes, and metho- other faithful accompanied them at a certain dology of the Joint Commission for Dialo- IS HOLINESS AND BEATITUDE distance in the street. The order was the gue between the Romanian Orthodox PATRIARCH ILIA II OF following: the wooden plate first, then the Church and the Romanian Church United HGEORGIA VISITED LONDON TO cross, the flags, ripides and the cross, the with Rome (Greek-Catholic) were ap- CONSECRATE A NEW CATHEDRAL FOR THE miter and omophorion, the pillows with the pointed as a result of the positive answer of 30,000 STRONG COMMUNITY OF GEORGIAN decorations carried by the counselors of the the Greek-Catholic hierarchs to the Appeal ORTHODOX LIVING IN THE UNITED Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj, the of the Holy Synod for resuming the bilateral KINGDOM . Having established a Diocese of hierarchs and servant clergy. dialogue of 7 July 2010; Great Britain and Ireland with Bishop Ze- The coffin was carried by the assigned - The delegation of the Romanian Or- non of Dmanisi as its first hierarch, the priests, surrounded by six carrying thodox Church to the dialogue with the Catholicos – assisted by several bishops of censers. There followed the members of Serbian Orthodox Church was established; the Georgian Orthodox Church and His Metropolitan Bartolomeu’s family, the rep- - A course on the pastoral care of alco- Eminence Archbishop Gregorios of Thya- resentatives of the state institutions, the hol addicts will be introduced into the cur- teira - consecrated the Cathedral of the Na- employees of the administration of the ricula of Pastoral Theology, which is taught tivity of our Lord at Rookwood Road, Clap-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 10. ton, London, N16 on Sunday, 6 February. serious problems that exist in our region, whole Middle East including our country," The newly designated Cathedral was for- and above all so that peace can prevail in said Younan. merly known as The Ark of the Covenant our countries and among our peoples, far Christians are an integral part of Mid- and was built in 1892-5 to a design by Jo- from religious fanaticism and bigotry," the dle Eastern societies, he added, and so far seph Morris & Sons of Reading for the long archbishop told the gathering. the demonstrations in the region have not extinct millenarian sect, the Apapemonites. However, he noted, in order to be ef- been against any religious groups but have Neglected after the war it was rented out to fective the MECC must overcome its own remained protests against authoritarian other church groups and at one time in the internal disagreements and he reiterated his political regimes. "We are still monitoring 1960s the British Orthodox Church used it proposal that the Church of Cyprus under- and watching what is happening," he said. on a monthly basis. take the secretariat support of the council's In his address, Chrysostomos also The same evening the Georgian Or- offices. noted that the executive committee meeting thodox community held a reception at the "As can be easily understood, in order was taking place during "critical times for Dorchester Hotel in London for the Catho- for us, the Middle East Council of the region." In particular, he noted "the licos, to which a number of ecumenical Churches, to be able to exercise our role regrettable phenomena of the rise of reli- guests were invited. The Oriental Orthodox and make an active and fruitful contribution gious fanaticism and the serious violation of Churches were represented by Archbishop to the desired objective of establishing a religious freedoms." He said that in the Athanasius of the Syriac Church, Abba better and happier world in our region, northern part of Turkish-occupied Cyprus, Seraphim of the British Orthodox Church without wars and bloodshed, we must focus Turkish security officials are preventing within the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate with Christian love and in a spirit of good priests from carrying out their religious and Father Snork Bagdassarion of the Ar- will and mutual understanding, on the task duties. – Judity Sudilovsky for ENI , Feb. menian Apostolic Church. Representing the of examining the problems we are facing, in 22. hierarchs of the Eastern Orthodox Churches order to give answers and achieve solu- were Archbishop Gregorios and Metropoli- tions," he said. ROM FEBRUARY 22-24, 2011, THE tan Kallistos whilst the Right Rev’d. Geoff- All four church groups -- including the HOLY SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE rey Rowell represented the Archbishop of Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, FORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA Canterbury. In his short address Catholicos Catholic and Evangelical churches -- were PARTICIPATED IN A RETREAT IN SANTA FE, Ilia spoke movingly of the hospitality of the represented by their presidents and five NEW MEXICO . His Beatitude, Metropolitan British people and expressed his respect additional representatives from each Jonah, led the hierarchs in a review of mat- and admiration for H.M. Queen Elizabeth church. One of the objectives of the meet- ters affecting the life of the Orthodox II. He also touched on the difficulties of ing was to prepare for the general assembly Church in America, including the OCA living next to a powerful nation and the scheduled to take place in Cyprus in Au- strategic plan, preparations for the upcom- pain of having Georgia’s territorial integrity gust. ing Assembly of Bishops and plans for the compromised. Some representatives from churches in 16th All American Council in Seattle. Abba Seraphim presented Bishop Ze- Egypt were unable to attend because of the During their retreat, His Beatitude non, who had been raised to archiepiscopal political situation in their country, said the presented a request to the Holy Synod for a rank that morning, with a copy of a rare Rev. Munib A. Younan, Bishop of the time of personal retreat and spiritual re- booklet from the library of the British Or- Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and newal. The Holy Synod granted His Beati- thodox Church, which marked the opening the Holy Land, and president of the Evan- tude’s request for a period of 60 days and of the Ark of the Covenant in 1894 and gelical family of churches. appointed the senior Hierarch, His Emi- described the symbolism of the building. The current situation in the Middle nence, Archbishop Nathaniel, of Detroit Abba Seraphim spoke of the beauty of the East was discussed at the executive com- and the Romanian Episcopate to assist in church and its personal significance to him mittee meeting, said Younan in a telephone the temporary administration of the OCA as he had himself been ordained there as a interview on 21 February. during His Beatitude’s retreat. reader in 1965 and a subdeacon and "We are all for political and economic As an additional means of assistance to in 1967. He expressed his delight to know reforms but at the same time our message is His Beatitude, the Holy Synod relieved him that this fine building was now consecrated very clear that we have to let the grassroots from his responsibilities as Locum Tenens as an Orthodox cathedral. – British Ortho- (movements) that are supporting (the pro- for the of the South and of the dox Church , Feb. 7. tests) know they should always be mod- Midwest. The Holy Synod appointed Bi- erate, promote human rights, freedom of shop Nikon as Locum Tenens of the Dio- HURCHES IN THE MIDDLE EAST religion and speech," he said. "We hear the cese of the South, with Bishop Mark of MUST WORK TOGETHER TO cries of the people and we tell the people to Baltimore continuing as Administrator. The COVERCOME THE PROBLEMS FACING use their good sense and not only their fru- Holy Synod also appointed Bishop Tikhon THE REGION IN ORDER THAT "PEACE CAN strations, (in order to build) a moderate Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the Mid- PREVAIL ," ARCHBISHOP CHRYSOSTOMOS civil society." west with Bishop-elect Archimandrite Mat- OF CYPRUS SAID IN AN ADDRESS ON 18 He added that the Cyprus meeting had thias continuing as Administrator. FEBRUARY AT AN EXTRAORDINARY served to "strengthen and re-invigorate" the In other matters, the Holy Synod ac- MEETING IN CYPRUS of the Executive unity amongst the MECC member churches cepted the resignation of Archpriest Alex- Committee of the Middle East Council of despite any "moments of disagreements." ander Garklavs as Chancellor of the Ortho- Churches. "Ecumenism is always in our discus- dox Church in America and appointed His "We believe strongly that the time has sions, seeing how we can improve our unity Grace, Bishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh come for all of us -- all the churches of the in a situation we are living in with such and Western Pennsylvania as interim Chan- Middle East -- to join forces and work con- political upheaval, in a situation where ex- cellor. sciously towards a solution of the many tremism and fanaticism is growing in the At the conclusion of their retreat, the

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 11. members of the Holy Synod of Bishops towards the Catholic Church. A memorial Christian community is so large and is the expressed their joy at the upcoming Bright gift was then presented to His Grace Mar strongest in the Middle East," said Paul Week consecration of Archimandrite Mat- Aprem to commemorate his visit, and His Marshall, a global religious freedom expert thias as Bishop of Chicago and the Mid- Grace Mar Aprem in turn also gifted books and a fellow at the conservative Hudson west. The consecration will take place over of the liturgy of the Holy Offering in the Institute. "What happens to Christians in the weekend of April 29 to May 1 and will original language, Aramaic, to His Grace Egypt is very significant. Everyone is be concelebrated by His Beatitude, Metro- Bishop Brown. watching." politan Jonah, the hierarchs of the OCA and At the conclusion of the prayer meet- But not all American faith leaders are other guests. ing, a ceremonial dinner was offered for all bracing for the worst. Joel Hunter, an evan- The Holy Synod also bestowed its pas- clergy present where there was an opportu- gelical pastor of a Florida megachurch and toral blessing on the clergy and faithful of nity for fellowship in the love and joy of a frequent adviser to President Obama, said the OCA and wished them a profitable sea- Christ. – Assyrian Church News , Feb. 9. he's hearing a lot of optimism from Egyp- son of prayer and repentance during the tian Christians who believe the uprising season of Great Lent. – OCA Press Re- will lead to more freedom and religious lease, Feb. 25. The Oriental Orthodox Churches liberty. Many younger Christians in the United The Assyrian ITH ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS States also see the protests as something to ALREADY INCREASING IN THE celebrate, Hunter said, and older, more T CECILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN WMIDDLE EAST , THE POPULIST politically conservative Christians tend to ORANGE COUNTY , CALIFORNIA , HAS UPRISING IN EGYPT HAS TRIGGERED FEARS be more skeptical of Islam generally and SINVITED THE HOLY APOSTOLIC AMONG SOME THAT THE REGION 'S LARGEST are worried about how a new Egyptian CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE NON -MUSLIM POPULATION - EGYPT 'S 7 government will treat Israel. EAST DIOCESE OF WESTERN USA TO MILLION COPTIC CHRISTIANS - COULD BE So far, the protests have focused on GATHER IN PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY AT RISK . jobs, free speech and democratic elections, ON A GLOBAL SCALE . Copt leaders in the United States said not religion, so it's unclear what the end of His Grace Mar Aprim Khamis, Bishop they are terrified that a new Egyptian gov- Mubarak's rule would mean for religious of Western USA attended the prayer meet- ernment with a strong Islamic fundamental- minorities. But in recent years, Iraq has lost ing on 24 January, accompanied by Reve- ist bent would persecute Christians. They about half its historical Christian population rend Ashur, parish priest of St Paul’s are quietly lobbying the Obama administra- because of persecution, and Christians have Church in Anaheim, Los Angeles and Re- tion to do more to protect Christians in been leaving Iran and Lebanon in lesser verend Youkhana Ajabu, parish priest of St Muslim countries and are holding prayer numbers. Hurmizd’s Church in San Diego. vigils and fasts, such as one that ended Some U.S. Christian leaders said the Hymns, prayers and poems were of- Wednesday evening at Copt churches situation in Egypt might put the issue of fered by all attendees present, striving for across the country, including four in the religious persecution abroad back on the peace and unity between all sister churches. Washington area. radar of American Christians. A decade His Grace Mar Aprem impressed the "The current situation for the Copts ago, the freedom of Christians to worship in audience with his knowledge of historical stinks, but [longtime Egyptian President such places as Sudan was a top agenda item events in the Assyrian Church of the East, Hosni] Mubarak is the best of the worst for for American Christians, particularly evan- which he explained had been established by us," said the Rev. Paul Girguis of St. Mark gelicals. But this week, experts said that the St Thomas, St Addai and St Mari them- Coptic Orthodox Church in Fairfax County, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have ab- selves. From there the Church spread to all which has about 3,000 members. "If Mus- sorbed people's attention. corners of the globe including and lim extremists take over, the focus will be At a congressional hearing last month China, which until today offer worship and extreme persecution against Copts. Some about the persecution of Christians in the honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. people even predict genocide." Middle East, Christian leaders urged the Highlighting unity, His Grace Mar Some major U.S. Christian figures, administration to lean harder on Egypt's Aprem mentioned previous relations with including well-known evangelical leaders leaders to investigate violence against reli- the Catholic Church and the Vatican where and representatives of the U.S. Conference gious minorities and to lay out a clear strat- His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Catholicos of Catholic Bishops, declined to publicly egy in Iraq for their protection. Patriarch of the Assyrian Church met with discuss the situation in Egypt, saying they A 2009 survey by the nonprofit Pew the Pope His Holiness John Paul II. wanted to avoid bringing dangerous atten- Forum that measured governmental and His Grace Mar Aprem then thanked tion to the country's Christians by appearing societal restrictions on religion found that a the Bishop of the Diocese of Orange, His to complain or to advocate for a particular number of the world's least tolerant coun- Grace Bishop Brown, and all other priests, political outcome. tries are Muslim-majority. The list included and attendees for the invitation and Their trepidation stems from repeated Iran, Egypt, Indonesia and Pakistan as well their warm welcome at this memorable attacks on churches in Iraq, where hundreds as India, which is majority Hindu. Concerns meeting. His Grace Mar Aprem stressed of thousands of Christians have fled in re- include bans on public preaching and con- that all Christian Churches are one spiri- cent years, and from the New Year's Day version and the lack of prosecution for reli- tually, requiring peace, love and unity in bombing of a Coptic church in Egypt that gion-based violence. order to properly and genuinely preach and killed almost two dozen worshipers and Some advocates for religious freedom serve the Lord. wounded nearly 100. The Coptic Church is note that moderate Muslims and non- His Grace Bishop Brown of the Catho- one of the oldest Christian institutions in majority Muslims also suffer attacks and lic Church warmly thanked His Grace Mar the world and is based in Egypt. that the problem is extremism, not Islam. – Aprem for his peaceful and loving speech "Egypt is the bellwether because its Michelle Boorstein for The Washington

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 12. Post , Feb. 2. Nader Shoukry of Freecopts the armed property and that it has no intention of de- forces stormed the main entrance gate to molishing the monastery itself. N THE MORNING OF TUESDAY , the monastery in the morning using five Father Hedra Ava Bishoy said they are FEBRUARY 15, 2011, HIS HOLINESS tanks, armored vehicles and a bulldozer to in possession of whole carton of empty OPOPE SHENOUDA III MET WITH A demolish the fence built by the monastery bullet shells besides the people who are SMALLER COMMITTEE OF MEMBERS OF THE last month to protect themselves and the presently in hospital to prove otherwise. HOLY SYNOD AND ISSUED THE FOLLOWING monastery from the lawlessness which pre- The army attack came after the monks COMMUNIQUÉ : vailed in Egypt during the January 25 built a fence to protect themselves after the “The Coptic Church salutes the honor- Uprising. police guards left their posts and fled dur- able youth of Egypt, the Youth of January "When we tried to address them, the ing the January 25th uprising, and after they 25, who led Egypt in a strong, white revo- army fired live bullets, wounding Father had been attacked by prisoners who had lution, and sacrificed for this cause, pre- Feltaows in the leg and Father Barnabas in escaped during that period. cious blood, the blood of the nation’s mar- the abdomen," said Monk Ava Bishoy. "Six "We contacted state security and they tyrs, who have been glorified by the Egyp- Coptic workers in the monastery were also said that no police were available to protect tian leadership and Armed Forces, as well injured, some with serious injuries to the us," said Father Bemwa," So we called the as the entire population. We offer our con- chest." Egyptian TV dozens of times to appeal for dolences to their parents and members of The injured were rushed to the nearby help and then we were put in touch with the their families. Sadat Hospital, the ones in serious condi- military personnel who told us to protect Also, the Coptic Church salutes the tion were transferred to the Anglo-Egyptian ourselves until they reach us." He added brave Egyptian Army, and the Supreme Hospital in Cairo. that the monks have built a low fence on the Council of the Armed Forces in its commu- Father Hemanot Ava Bishoy said the borders of one side of the monastery which niqués, for securing Egypt, internally and army fired live ammunition and RPGs con- is vulnerable to attacks, on land which be- externally. The Church supports its position tinuously for 30 minutes, which hit part of longs to the monastery, with the monks and in the dissolution of the People’s Assembly the ancient fence inside the monastery. "The monastery laborers keeping watch over it and the Consultative Council, and in its call army was shocked to see the monks stand- 24 hours a day. for the return of security. ing there praying 'Lord have mercy' without The monks of St. Bishoy are now hold- We believe that Egypt should be a running away. This is what really upset ing a sit-in in front of monastery to protest civilian democratic state, that the members them," he said. "As the soldiers were demo- the army abuse and the use of live bullets of parliament should be chosen by free and lishing the gate and the fence they were against civilians fair elections and represent all the sectors of chanting 'Allahu Akbar' and 'Victory, Vic- Nearly 7,000 Copts staged a peaceful the population. tory'." rally in front of the Coptic Cathedral in We endorse the call of all Egyptians to He also added that the army prevented Cairo, where Pope Shenouda III was giving combat poverty, corruption and unemploy- the monastery's car from taking the injured his weekly lecture, after which they ment, to resist chaos and vandalism, and to to hospital. marched towards Tahrir Square to protest reinforce safety and security, and the prin- The army also attacked the Monastery the armed forces’ attacks on Coptic monas- ciples of social justice and national unity. of St. Makarios of Alexandria in Wady el- teries. -- Mary Abdelmassih for AINA, We also call for the eradication of the cor- Rayan, Fayoum, 100 km from Cairo. It Feb. 23. rupt and breakers of the law. stormed the monastery and fired live am- The Coptic Church prays for great munition on the monks. Father Mina said OT EVEN THE MONGOLS OF THE Egypt, the country of the glorious history that one monk was shot and more than ten 14 TH CENTURY , WHEN THEY and the ancient civilization, and hopes that have injuries caused by being beaten with NKILLED 40 MONKS AND SOME 400 God keeps her in peace and that calmness batons. The army demolished the newly FAITHFUL , SUCCEEDED IN MAKING ONE OF and stability, security and prosperity spread erected fence and one room from the actual THE MOST ANCIENT CHRISTIAN CONVENTS throughout the nation.” monastery and confiscated building mate- IN THE WORLD DISAPPEAR , but perhaps [signed] Pope Shenouda III, Pope of rials. The monastery had also built a fence Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo ğan of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. to protect itself after January 25 and after Turkey can. Mark, and President of the Holy Synod of being attacked by armed Arabs and robbers This appears to be the case of the Sy- the Coptic Orthodox Church. -- Press Re- leading to the injury of six monks, including ro-Orthodox monastery of Mor Gabriel or lease, Feb. 16. one monk in critical condition who is still "Dayro d-Mor Gabriel," called "Deyrulu- hospitalized. mur" in Turkish. It is located in the region OR THE SECOND TIME IN AS MANY The army had given on February 21 an of Turabdin in the southeast of Anatolia. DAYS , EGYPTIAN ARMED FORCES ultimatum to this monastery that if the fence The convent bears the name of Mor Gabriel FSTORMED THE 5TH CENTURY ST. was not demolished within 48 hours by the (634-668), bishop of Turabdin, known for BISHOY MONASTERY IN WADI EL - monks, the army would remove it them- his witness of holiness and miracles. NATROUN , 110 KILOMETERS FROM CAIRO . selves. The foundation of the monastery, Live ammunition was fired, wounding two The Egyptian Armed Forces issued a which is situated southeast of the city of monks and six Coptic monastery workers. statement on their Facebook page denying Midyat, in the province of Mardin, near the Several sources confirmed the army's use of that any attack took place on St. Bishoy border with Syria, dates back to the year RPG ammunition. Four people have been Monastery in Wady el-Natroun, "Reflecting 397 A.D. and was the initiative of two arrested including three monks and a Cop- our belief in the freedom and chastity of monks, Mor Samuel and Mor Simon, who tic lawyer who was at the monastery inves- places of worship of all Egyptians." The died in 409 and 433, respectively. The tigating yesterday's army attack. statement went on to say that the army just complex, which boasts elements built with Monk Aksios Ava Bishoy told activist demolished some fences built on State the help of Byzantine emperors such as

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 13. Arcadius (395-408) and Theodosius II and expel it from Turkey, as if it were a the then head of the "Diyanet" (Directorate (408-450), today houses a small community foreign object," the head of the Aramaic for Religious Affairs), professor Ali Barda- of three monks and 14 sisters. Federation, David Gelen, told AsiaNews koglu. "The solution is to allow a religious Mor Gabriel, known also as the back in 2009. "Turkey must decide whether institution to be autonomous. Turkey is "second Jerusalem," is not only a monas- it wants to preserve a 1,600-year-old cul- ready for this," he said, according to the tery. Mor Gabriel is in fact the See of the ture, or annihilate the last remains of a non- daily Radikal. The following month, Barda- Metropolitan Mor Timotheus Samuel Aktas Muslim tradition. What is at stake is the koglu lost his post. and the cultural and spiritual center of the multiculturalism that has always characte- For the monks of Mor Gabriel, the only dwindling Syro-Orthodox community of rized this nation, since the time of the Ot- way not to lose their land is, therefore, to Turkey and of numerous Syriacs who've toman Empire." follow the example of the ecumenical Pa- emigrated to the West. Just 50 years ago, The decision caused little upheaval in triarchate of Constantinople and turn to the some 130,000 Syriacs lived in the region of European environments, with the exception European Court of Human Rights in Stras- Turabdin -- the name means "mountain of of Germany, where several parties, includ- bourg. Metropolitan Samuel Aktas told the the servants of God" -- but today their ing the Social Democratic fraction in the Economist that is just what he's going to do: number has decreased to just a few thou- Bundestag (Lower Chamber) and even Die “I have remained silent in the face of these sand. Linke (the Left), denounced it. injustices; but no longer so." – Zenit , Feb. The monastery is at the center of a "The fraction of the SPD expressly 18. harsh battle initiated in 2008 by the leaders condemns the expropriation because the of three Kurdish villages dominated by a surrounding land is fundamental for the life T IS WITH PROFOUND SORROW THAT tribe supported in Parliament by one of of the monastery. The Mor Gabriel monas- THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMI - their leaders, Suleyman Celebi, who is a tery deserves our protection," stated a Feb. IADZIN INFORMS OUR FAITHFUL THAT Parliamentarian with the pro-Islamic ruling 1 communiqué signed by Christoph Strass- ON FEBRUARY 1, HIS EMINENCE ARCH - party of Erdogan (the AKP or Party of Jus- er and Angelika Graf. Strong words were BISHOP HUSIK SANTURIAN , ENTERED HIS tice and Development). also used by Erika Steinbach, spokeswom- ETERNAL REST . He was the senior member Several accusations have been leveled an of the German parliamentary group for of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin. against the monastic community, including Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid, who He was 91. His Eminence Archbishop has proselytism, which is based on the fact that called it a decision that symbolizes "the been under the compassionate care of doc- young men study Eastern or Syrian Ara- repression of Christianity in Turkey." tors and the nuns from the Monastery of St. maic at the monastery. There are also "The negative trend in religious free- Gayane until the time of his death. claims that the monastery was built on a dom in Turkey is incompatible with human Archbishop Husik Santourian (baptis- place where a mosque once stood -- an rights," said Steinbach, according to the mal name Azat) was born in 1920 in the unfounded and even absurd accusation, Assyrian International News Agency. city of Sebastia (Turkey). He lost his par- given that Mor Gabriel well precedes the In an article published Feb. 7 by the ents when he was 5 years old and grew up birth of Islam. The accusation that sticks -- Norwegian Forum 18 agency, Otmar Oehr- in Jebale (Lebanon) under the care of the at least in the eyes of Turkish officials -- is ing, director of the Human Rights Office of "Trtchnots Buyn" children’s home of Miss the one upheld by the Treasury Ministry: the German Catholic organization Missio, Yagobson. He completed his education and undue appropriation of land. Even this ac- analyzed the situation of various religious stayed at the Jebale’s children’s home in cusation is not very comprehensible, given communities in Turkey, including the Mor 1935 and moved to the German Children’s that the community of Mor Gabriel regular- Gabriel affair. According to Oehring, the home in Jerusalem to take courses in me- ly pays the taxes on the land in question. basic problem is simple: no religious com- chanical arts. He graduated from there in The affair has recently met with, per- munity exists or has ever existed for Tur- 1938. haps, its definitive conclusion. With a deci- kish law. He worked as a teacher and a clerk in sion made public on Jan. 27 (but that ac- "They don't have a legal personality, Jerusalem from 1939 until 1945. tually dates to Dec. 7), the "Yargitay" or but they exist," admitted Turkish Vice In 1947 he immigrated to and Ankara Court of Appeals -- Turkey's high- Premier Bulent Arinc on Jan. 17, comment- in 1953 he entered the Gevorkian Theolog- est appeals court -- overturned a verdict ing on a legal battle over the Buyukada ical Seminary of the Mother See of Holy issued on June 24, 2009, by the court of orphanage. (In 2008 the European Court of Etchmiadzin. He graduated from the Semi- Midyat. According to the Yargitay decision Human Rights ruled that Turkey had to nary in 1955 and was ordained to the di- reported by Forum 18 News Agency, 12 return to the ecumenical Patriarchate the aconate. plots of monastery land with a total area of Buyukada orphanage it had confiscated.) He was ordained as a celibate priest in 99 hectares (244 acres) are to be consi- For now, representatives of many reli- February of 1956 and given the priestly dered "forests" and hence belong "ipso fac- gions prefer to stay silent. They fear -- as name of Husik. After his ordination, he was to" to the Turkish state. the case of Mor Gabriel demonstrates -- appointed to serve as the director of the art For Mor Gabriel, the decision is a hard attracting the hostility of the authorities and collections of the Mother See. blow. To lose the lands means to lose the having to face long and above all costly In 1959 he received the rank of Arc- means of sustenance necessary for survival. legal battles, only to lose their "de facto" himandrite (Vardapet). While sources close to the Forum 18 agen- liberty, Oehring surmised. For the author, In 1961 he left Armenia to serve as the cy described the decision as "highly politi- the only solution to undo this knot that is Armenian Primate of the Diocese of Baku, cal and ideological," the whole affair was "completely incompatible" with the Euro- Azerbaijan. described from the beginning as "a spec- pean Convention on Human Rights and In October, 1962 he was consecrated tacle trial" or "farce." Fundamental Freedoms, is a change in the as a Bishop by His Holiness Vasken I. He "The purpose of the threats and the Constitution and criminal code of Turkey. was elevated to the rank of Archbishop by lawsuit seems to be to repress this minority This was also admitted last October by the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 14. Vasken I. N 23 FEBRUARY 2011, HIS HOLI - METROPOLITAN OF NORTH -EAST AMERI - In 1965 he was appointed to serve as NESS ARAM I MET WITH THE EMIR CAN DIOCESE . the assistant of the Grand Sacristan of the OOF THE STATE OF QATAR , HAMAD The Holy Episcopal Synod that meets Mother Cathedral. BIN KHALIFA AL THANI . The Catholicos on February 25 will take a final decision Since 1972, he served at the Mother thanked the Emir for the invitation and upon this issue and thereafter the Malanka- See of Holy Etchmiadzin as the Grand Sa- conveyed the greetings of the President of ra Metropolitan will issue necessary orders cristan of the Mother Cathedral until 2000. Lebanon, General Michel Suleiman. He to this effect. The meeting accepted the For his devoted service, His Holiness then described Qatar as a country of mod- proposal that Pulikkottil Dr. Geevarghese Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholi- eration, dialogue and development, and Mar Yulios, Metropolitan of Ahmedabad cos of All Armenians granted him the Or- said, “We appreciate the role of Qatar in Diocese, has put forth. der of St. of the the Arab and Muslim Worlds and its impact and Catholi- Armenian Church. on the international community.” cos of the East Mar Baselios Marthoma His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Pa- Referring to the Doha Agreement of Paulose II presided over the meeting. The triarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, May 21, 2008, between rival Lebanese Malankara Metropolitan thankfully ac- and the members of the Brotherhood deeply factions, the Emir said that he appreciated knowledged and appreciated the efforts of mourn the loss of the merited Archbishop. the role played by the Armenian community Metropolitan Mathews Mar Barnabas, who Blessed be the memory of the righ- in Lebanon. In response, MP Hagop Pakra- had recently retired from all administration- teous. – Press Release, Holy Etchmiadzin, douni thanked the Sheikh for his support of al duties of the Diocese of North-East Feb. 1. the Armenians at that meeting. The Emir America. “Metropolitan Mar Barnabas led also spoke highly of the Armenian commu- the diocese for more than 18 years com- N EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF nity in Qatar. At the end of the meeting, the mendably,” observed the Pontiff. – Indian THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF Emir stated that he was donating a plot of Orthodox Herald , Feb. 24. ATHE MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF land to the Armenian community in Qatar CHURCHES (MECC) TOOK PLACE 17-20 to build a Church and a Center. – Press HE INDIAN ORTHODOX HERALD HAS FEBRUARY 2011 IN CYPRUS . Participants Release, Great House of Cilicia, Feb. 25. COME TO KNOW THAT THE HOLY discussed the current situation in the Mid- TEPISCOPAL SYNOD OF MALANKARA dle East and the forthcoming General As- N WEDNESDAY 23 FEBRUARY , CHURCH HAS DECIDED TO GRANT 33% sembly. CATHOLICOS ARAM I LECTURED AT PARTICIPATION FOR WOMEN IN CHURCH The Opening Session was devoted to OTHE GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION AND TO GIVE THEM FULL speeches from the Heads of Churches. The CAMPUS IN DOHA , QATAR , ON THE TOPIC VOTING RIGHTS. current primate of Cyprus, Archbishop “T HE RESPONSE OF RELIGIONS TO All women above the age of 21 who Chrysostomos II of Nea Justiniana and All CURRENT ISSUES AND CHALLENGES .” have no outstanding dues, and who have Cyprus, was the first speaker. The archbi- In his lecture he spoke of how religion, confessed at least once a year minimum, shop spoke of the demolition, closure and when it moves from the private to the pub- shall be considered eligible for election to vandalization of churches in Northern Cy- lic sphere, shapes people’s self- the various ecclesiastical bodies. prus under Turkish occupation. understanding. With this changing pers- With this land sliding decision women His Holiness Aram I, who is one of the pective, he noted, interreligious dialogue will be able to vote and get elected from presidents of the MECC, spoke of the cur- becomes imperative. This dialogue is easier parish general body meetings, to parish rent popular uprisings in the region and between the three monotheistic religions, managing committees, the diocesan assem- their implications for both the region and because they have common roots and share bly, diocesan councils, Church managing the western world. He then spoke of the common values, which should enable them committees, and to the Malankara Associa- challenges to the local churches, which are to work together on issues of human rights, tion. part of the history and culture. He empha- global warming and other social concerns. Metropolitan of Trissur Diocese Yu- sized the importance of Christian Unity, According to His Holiness, interreli- hanon Mar Milithos presented a detailed irrespective of disagreements, and he gious dialogue, however, should not only be report in the Holy Episcopal Synod on this closed by noting the importance of restruc- a dialogue on theological precepts; rather, it issue. Metropolitan Mar Milithos’ report turing the Middle East Council of Churches should primarily be a dialogue of life and quoted from a vast number of documents to meet the new reality created by these lead to cooperation among people. The including writings of such new issues. Catholicos said that globalization, which as St. Gregory of Nazianzus. The other three presidents of the has brought people closer to one another The Holy Episcopal Synod has for- MECC, Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox and exposed them to each other’s religions, warded the issue for further study to the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Boulos Matar, Ma- may open the way to interreligious dialo- Rules Committee. The Rules Committee’s ronite Archbishop of Beirut, and Bishop gue’s becoming a way of life and leading to proposals need to be discussed in the Ma- Muneeb Yunan of the Lutheran Church in peaceful coexistence among people. “After lankara Managing Committee and passed Jerusalem, also emphasized the importance all,” Aram I ended, “peace is at the heart of by the Malankara Association in order to of Christian Unity in view of the current all religious life.” – Press Release, Great become part of the constitution of the situation in the region. House of Cilicia, Feb. 25. Church. The Rules Committee’s proposals After discussing the forthcoming As- are expected to be presented in the next sembly and the restructuring of the MECC HE MALANKARA MANAGING COM - Managing Committee meeting and the in its deliberative sessions, the Executive MITTEE MET ON THURSDAY , FEB - Managing Committee’s decision shall be Committee decided to hold the next As- TRUARY 24, 2011, AND PROPOSED ratified in the next Malankara Association. sembly in August 2011 in Cyprus. – Press THAT THE HOLY EPISCOPAL SYNOD With that women will have at last complete Release, Great House of Cilicia, Feb. 23. APPOINT ZACHARIAH MAR NICHOLAVOS AS power to exercise their services to the Ma-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 15. lankara Church to their full potential. – The youth movement that began last month re- that bring about what was declared by the Indian Orthodox Herald , Feb. 26. sulted in the resignation of President Hosni supreme council of the armed forces, which Mubarak: is the reconstruction of the nation on sound The Catholic Churches The Egyptian Catholic Church joins all constitutional bases. Egypt's loyal citizens to thank God Almigh- We want Egypt to have its position HE FUTURE OF EGYPT IS NOW IN THE ty for the wonderful success he granted to among the modern countries. A civil coun- HANDS OF ITS PEOPLE , SAYS THE the courageous youth of the January 25 try, a democratic one based on laws, justice TAPOSTOLIC NUNCIO IN THE movement in which all the loyal citizens and equality, that respects one’s freedom COUNTRY . Archbishop Michael Louis Fitz- participated, by personal presence, emo- and dignity based only on the citizenship, gerald, who has held the post of nuncio in tional participation, or prayer to the Al- allows participation for all categories with- Egypt since 2006, told Zenit that "it is for mighty for the good of the Beloved Egypt, out reducing persons and categories to one Egyptians to find the right solution to the or by staying updated on the news with member, and achieves what the analysts, present crisis." eagerness, anticipation and hope. It was politicians and intellectuals have called for After 18 days of protests that left some expected to make the change gradually un- in order to prevent divisions that caused 300 dead, President Hosni Mubarak der the constitutional provisions, but the distortion in all the fields. Here they are the stepped down earlier today. Mubarak, 82, will of the youth and the people determined loyal Egyptians ready for making all efforts had ruled the country for 30 years. the events’ course. We are sure that all for the good of the dear nation. And the The archbishop recalled that last Sun- expectations will be met, God willing. Catholic Church with all its institutions will day, Benedict XVI "prayed that Egypt and Thanks are due to the crowds of patri- work with them in reconstructing and pro- the people of Egypt may find once more otic youth who motivated the spark from ceeding along this path for a better future. harmony and peace," and added that "apart which this movement started off and be- God protect Egypt and its leaders, and from that, there has been no specific state- came an erupting volcano that cannot be may He inspire them with the good of the ment from the ." extinguished and that gathered all the forces country for the present and the future. – "Yet," he continued, "the teaching of that refuse the wrong situation controlling Zenit , Feb. 14 the social doctrine of the Church is clear. the country for so long, by looking forward Every human community needs an authority to a better and brighter future for the Egyp- ERE IS A TRANSLATION OF THE to govern it, but the authority does not de- tian civilization, and gathering around one ADDRESS GIVEN BY HABEEB rive its moral legitimacy from itself. It must cause which is the love of Egypt and the HMOHAMMED HADI ALI AL-SADR , act for the common good, using morally dignity of its citizens. Egypt has been mak- AMBASSADOR OF IRAQ TO THE HOLY SEE , licit means to attain this good, and not act- ing its history for 7,000 years with letters of AT THE MEETING ENTITLED "C HRISTIANITY ing in a despotic manner." light and fire. And it is now shining with a IN IRAQ ," held in Velletri, , on Jan. 29. Quoting from the Catholic Catechism new radiance. The talk addresses the present situation of of the Church, he stated: "The common Greetings are addressed to the souls of Christians in the country: good consists of three essential elements: the martyrs who offered their lives for the Christians in Iraq have been witnesses respect for and promotion of the fundamen- sunshine of this special historical day. May of a bitter period, that of Saddam, which tal rights of the human person; prosperity, the Almighty have mercy on them and unite resulted in wars, embargoes and disasters. or the development of the spiritual and them with the loyal righteous, and may He Throughout this period, Christians had no temporal goods of society; the peace and give consolation and peace to their families, voice, for years their will was paralyzed, security of the group and its members" and protect them. We also pray that the given that the regime prohibited them from (No.1925). wounded are recovered, and that the vic- expressing their opinions, from forming "Many of the protestors’ complaints tims of violence and vandalism are able to parties or nongovernmental associations, about the present regime could fall under reconstruct what was lost or destroyed. which could have taken care of their prob- these headings, even if they would not use Thanks are due to everyone who con- lems and ensured their continuity, given the same wording," Archbishop Fitzgerald tributed to the protection of persons, as well that their respective leaders reside abroad. noted. as private and public property, during that As a consequence, in the 90s of the past When asked about the role of Egyptian critical period: the popular committees, the century, waves of emigrants left the coun- Catholics in the unfolding events, he stated armed forces, and the security forces. This try, fleeing from the inferno of the Iraqi that they are, "as citizens of their country, to experience has produced a reality that was regime. Coming to April 2003, with the fall take their responsibility in moving toward a absent for so long, which is the unity of the of that odious "statue," Christians hoped to society where greater attention is paid to citizens, the youth and the old, Christians return to the flourishing garden of a free justice and equality." and Muslims, without any distinction or Iraq. A real paradise in which all hopes Regarding interreligious dialogue, the discrimination, in purpose and action for could flourish, which up to then had been prelate said "the events of recent weeks the good of Egypt, and for the security and suffocated, and where their true love for the have produced a feeling of solidarity among safety in the country. We are certain that country could be planted, which even now Christians and Muslims. This should be a these feelings that reigned in the hearts will is full of the most beautiful Iraqi senti- good basis for increased dialogue and co- last for the near and distant future. ments. operation in society." – Zenit , Feb. 11. Now, it is time for the serious, commit- However, the enemies of today's Iraq ted and decisive work, so that Egypt would are the associations of Saddam infidels ERE IS A STATEMENT RELEASED ON be at the forefront on the social, economic who, after the capitulation of the regime, FEBRUARY 13 BY CARDINAL and political levels, and shine again with its took advantage of the vacuum of power HANTONIOS NAGUIB , THE COPTIC deep-rooted civilization that illumined the created as a consequence of the American CATHOLIC PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA , world over the centuries. With all the Egyp- decision to dissolve all the structures of the ON THE NEW SITUATION IN EGYPT after the tians, we are looking forward to swift steps security services. In this way, they were

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 16. able to sow death and ruin throughout the but also to safeguard the security and future The official and popular position of the country. They have done everything to de- of the whole of humanity. That is why it whole country is solidarity with the Chris- stroy from the beginning the project of the fights in the place of the international fami- tians brethren, especially after the recent new democratic Iraq. In all this, it is clear ly. and tremendous attack suffered by the that Christians together with their Muslim For their part, the terrorists have un- church of Our Lady of Salvation. This inci- brothers drink the bitterness of this new derstood that the blood of Iraqi Muslims, dent, with all the manifestations of solidari- war, because the country is stubbornly in a which they have shed like rivers, is not so ty that it unleashed, witnesses the true es- new war: the war against fundamentalists interesting in the eyes of the Western me- sence of the close ties that characterize the and terrorists. It is the most ferocious war dia. national social fabric which has never lost of all the ones engaged in by the old re- And from the moment in which, pre- its balance in face of these crimes but, on gime. In fact, it is a war against ghosts, tending to impose a twisted and altogether the contrary, reinforced them. shadows, which act against the people tak- mistaken idea of the diversity of Iraqi socie- The electoral law gives Christians an ing on different appearances that enable ty, and consequently annulling the demo- advantage, reserving for them five parlia- them to be present at pre-established times cratic experience, and striking Christians, mentary seats in addition to the ones it won and places and commit their odious crimes they have attained their evil objective. in the elections. Christians in Iraq today without being bothered. Without realizing it, the media and interna- have parties, circles, NGOs dedicated to the Undoubtedly, what has happened in tional organizations have fallen into this presence of Christians. In addition, they Iraq has happened in other countries of the mechanism, playing the game of the terror- enjoy full liberty of worship, ensured by world: embargoes, wars, economic paraly- ists, being concerned about the Christians, very rigorous protection which many mos- sis, shedding of blood, the collapse of in- their future and the society's lack of devel- ques don't enjoy. They have televisions, frasturctures. This is the painful conse- opment. The consequence has been the radio and newspapers, whether in Syrian or quence of the process of democratization, abandonment by Christians of their homes Aramaic. At the political level, Christians including the challenges entailed in having and emigration. have ministers in the new government, do- to confront terrorism. It will be the general Individual actions don't necessarily zens of vice-ministers, several ambassadors situation, which is particular in the true indicate that there is an Iraqi plot geared to and directors general. sense of the term, which consequently in- the persecution of Christians, to the elimi- To put an end to emigration, the gov- fluences the people negatively affecting all nation of their existence, destroying their ernment has made different facilities avail- its components. cultural patrimony as some think. In fact, able in the purchase of plots of land, access Because of this, it is neither just nor these individual action don't reflect the pro- to loans, in the release of occupied houses equitable to analyze the situation of Iraqi found and secular coexistence between and in the reinsertion of employees in their Christians, abstracting them from the global Christians and Muslims, as they do not ex- respective jobs, lost previously in the flight situation and not taking into account objec- press either the tolerant essence of the Is- from the cities and from the country itself. tive data. Nor is it right to ask the govern- lamic faith which calls for dialogue, respect In addition, it has made every effort to ment to create an exemplary climate dedi- of pluralism, rejection of violence, even compensate Christians for all damages suf- cated to satisfying each component without considering it outside the way of Islam, as fered and to exempt them from customs taking the rest into account, as if the others is written: "to kill a soul for no reason is to taxes. lived in another planet. kill the whole of humanity." Recently, the presidency of the Repub- Hence, we hope that our friends in the Moreover, "[t]he Prophet believed in lic elaborated a decree related to the estab- international community will be able to what descended on him from the Lord and lishment of an office that would be con- understand the truth and as a consequence the believers believed in God, in his angels, cerned with the issues of Iraqi Christians that they will understand that today Iraq is books and prophets without any distinction and coordinate the security measures, as in a phase of its history that might well be among his envoys." In this connection, it is well as the economic and social activities the most critical of its existence. It lives, in clear that a Muslim fails in Islam if he does entrusted to it. Prime Minister Al Maliki fact, in a climate of violent war waged not believe in the principles of his faith and himself swiftly formed a Supreme Security against fundamentalist and terrorist forces in the message of Christ (about peace) and, Council to develop the necessary security prepared to use anything that is at hand, hence, the Bible. Moreover, in its desire to measures destined to prevent new attacks. from human to economic resources, to tri- preserve the Christian heritage of Iraq, the In addition he ordered the prompt recon- umph in their homicidal intents. However, government has given life to a Christian struction of the church of Our Lady of Sal- if this "Iraqi dike" breaks -- God forbid -- superintendence at the ministerial level. It vation, subsidized by the State. Then he the flood of terrorism it would produce finances the Church with US$15 million a himself visited the ruins of the church and would drown the whole world. If this year from the state budget. In addition, the met with the bishops. He took part in the should happen, each and every European government has exempted the churches and prayer for love and peace organized after would kiss good-bye to the peace and sta- monasteries from paying the taxes for light the attack, visited the wounded in the hos- bility they enjoy. The latest attacks in Mos- and water, as well as restored the churches pital and gave them presents from the State cow are proof of what I'm saying. This situ- and all the institutions that the previous to express his closeness. But not only this; ation invites us all to support with determi- government had expropriated, such as his government reserves other advantages nation the Iraqi government so that it can schools and universities. for Christians, which now await the ap- address this danger in the best way and In reality, the Christian component is proval of the Parliament and the approval contain the epidemic of terror, defending the object of respect and esteem on the part as decree of law. This calms us in regard to this "dike" and even making it impregnable. of Iraqi political and religious leaders. They the future of Christians in Iraq, which will Deduced from this is that our present are all conscious of the fact that they consti- be promising and prosperous in the light of war against terrorists is not dedicated solely tute an essential active element in the the notable improvements that there will be to defend the security of the Iraqi people, process of the country's democratization. in the country at the level of security and

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 17. the economy which is already constantly fertile land. It is necessary to activate every Pope Benedict and Medvedev had improving. The new president of the form of Muslim-Christian dialogue, to previously held talks leading up to the es- Chamber, Al Nujaifi, organized special spread the culture of respect for the other to tablishment of diplomatic relations on De- meetings to study "the Christian question," arrive at the necessary unity and address the cember 3, 2009. he also visited His Most Eminent Beatitude challenges of globalization. Medvedev did not meet with journal- Cardinal Delly and expressed his support And, finally, believe me, friends, my ists. There had been speculation in the Rus- and that of the Parliament to Christian people can only breathe their identity with sian media that Benedict might announce a brethren, given that we are all in the same two lungs, Muslim and Christian. An Iraq visit to Russia, something his predecessor, trench. without Christians is an Iraq without identi- Pope John Paul II, had desired. And we cannot forget either the post- ty and symbols. If the Christians of Iraq stay When Soviet leader Mikhail Gorba- ure of the president of the Kurdistan region, there, they will be fertile sources for eterni- chev in 1989 met John Paul II in Rome, he Masud Barzani, who has made a safe refuge ty, projects of salvation, and flames of invited the pontiff to visit Moscow. But of the whole region for all Christians who ideas, paths for the rebirth and hands that shortly thereafter, the breakup of the Soviet have felt threatened in Iraq, ensuring all the plant the good and spread love creating Union derailed the idea. During the 50-year services for them: from housing and educa- hope. Let us raise up hymns full of suppli- , Moscow's official stand of athe- tion to health. The apostolic nuncio in cations for Iraq so that this country will ism prompted a chilly relationship with the Baghdad, His Excellency Monsignor Gior- again be a great tent that welcomes every- Vatican. gio Lingua, transmitted the Holy Father's one. – Zenit , Feb. 15. Recently, the Vatican and the Russian greetings to President Masud Barzani for Orthodox Church have been at odds over the commendable efforts made in this area HE RE - accusations that Rome is aggressively seek- and discussed with him the possibility of LEASED THE FOLLOWING COMMUNI - ing converts in Russia. appealing for international support, with the TQUÉ AT MIDDAY TODAY : Diplomatic sources said an invitation agreement of the Iraqi government, to help "Today, 17 February 2011, the Holy to Benedict would have to come from both the Kurdistan region cope with the weight Father Benedict XVI received in audience the Russian government and the Orthodox of the present situation. Dimitry Medvedev, president of the Rus- Patriarchate of Moscow. For his part Talabani proposed the sian Federation. Subsequently the presi- However, Anatoly Krasikov, director formation of brigades of special protection, dent, accompanied by Sergei Lavrov, mi- of the Center for Religious and Social Stu- in which young Christians could enroll to nister for foreign affairs, went on to meet dies of the Institute of Europe in Moscow collaborate in the protection of places of with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio and formerly a journalist on Vatican affairs worship and neighborhoods inhabited by Bertone S.D.B. who was accompanied by for the Soviet Itar-Tass news agency, said Christians. This idea is supported by Iraq's Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secre- Benedict and Russian Orthodox Patriarch bishops. tary for Relations with States. Kirill already know each other. The new Constitution guarantees "In the course of the cordial discus- Before he was elected Patriarch in Christians full equality of rights and duties, sions, the parties expressed their pleasure January, 2009, Kirill served for years as the also granting them the founding of a private at the good state of bilateral relations and chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s region suggested by them, wherever it is. highlighted their desire to strengthen them, Department of External Church Relations Our government is also interested, for the also in the wake of the establishment of full and met Benedict many times, both as Pope good of the country, in reactivating Chris- diplomatic relations. The broad-ranging and before, when he was Cardinal Joseph tian religious tourism and will be delighted collaboration between the Holy See and the Ratzinger, Krasnikov noted. "They know to open its arms to Christian pilgrims who Russian Federation was recognised, both in each other very well. So, in this respect, come from abroad to visit Ur, in the south the promotion of specifically human and what can another meeting give?" Krasikov of Iraq, where the Father of the Prophets Christian values, and in the cultural and said. was born (Abraham) peace be to him. It social field. Subsequently, emphasis was Relations between the Roman Catholic also wishes to develop relations of loving given to the positive contribution inter- and Russian Orthodox churches, bitterly collaboration and understanding with the religious dialogue can make to society. Fi- divided in the 1990s by centuries-old ten- Holy See in all areas. nally, attention turned to the international sions over the Ukrainian Greek Catholic, or To carry out the general rebirth of the situation, with particular reference to the Uniate, church in Ukraine, which follows Christian reality, it is hoped that Christians Middle East.” – VIS , Feb. 17. the but is loyal to Rome, will take steps to abandon fear and their have warmed considerably under Benedict present closure. It is also hoped that, perse- N THEIR FIRST MEETING AFTER THE and Kirill. vering with patience in the communion of ESTABLISHMENT OF FULL DIPLOMATIC There was a heated exchange of letters sacrifices with their fellow citizens, they IRELATIONS BETWEEN THE VATICAN late last year between Catholic and Ortho- will reject the idea of emigrating, thus mak- AND RUSSIA , POPE BENEDICT XVI AND dox officials when the Russian church wel- ing the plan fail to empty the country of PRESIDENT DIMITRY MEDVEDEV EX - comed a decision by legislators in Kalinin- Christians. They also have the duty to guard PRESSED THEIR DESIRE TO STRENGTHEN grad, formerly the German city of Konigs- their apostolic zeal and make a common BILATERAL RELATIONS . berg, to hand over Catholic and Lutheran front to overcome internal discord and sa- Describing the 35-minute encounter as churches confiscated by the Soviets after feguard national unity, rejecting all outside "cordial," the Vatican said that "the broad- World War II to the Moscow Patriarchate. protection. Contributing to reinforce the ranging collaboration between the Holy See But an overall unified front has crystal- charitable activities, especially in the health and the Russian Federation was recognized, lized in repeated statements by Benedict and education sector, so that the Iraqi both in the promotion of specifically human and Kirill that the two churches stand in Christians are witnesses of the resurrection and Christian values, and in the cultural and common spiritual witness to a secular of Christ, peace be to him, in this good and social field." world.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 18. An official of the Moscow Patriarchate canon law from the Pontifical Lateran Uni- idea that none of Kyiv's churches is the only said on 14 February that diplomatic rela- versity. successor to the Kyiv-Christian heritage. tions have helped advance contacts be- After serving in several countries, be- The Director of the Institute of Church His- tween the churches. "The establishment of tween 1992 and 1996 he worked as a coun- tory recalled that rejection of this approach full diplomatic relations between the Rus- selor in the Holy See's representation in only serves to make the existing disagree- sian Federation and the Holy See has given Moscow, where he was a canon law profes- ments worse. a new impulse to the development of con- sor and published several books on law, According to Rev. Andriy, a like- structive relations between the Russian including a Latin-Russian dictionary of minded idea could be found in an Appeal of Orthodox Church and the Vatican," the canon law terms and expressions. – Zenit , His Beatitude Lubomyr to the Head of the Rev. Dmitri Sizonenko, an official of the Feb. 21. Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Moscow Patriarchate's Department of Ex- Volodymyr, dated April 26, 2008. The ternal Church Relations, told the Interfax HE IMPERATIVE FOR THE UNITY OF document made it evident that as neither news agency. UKRAINIAN CHRISTIANS WAS one Person of the Holy Trinity is the whole, As Medvedev and the Russian delega- TORIGINALLY DECLARED BY HIS so none of the Churches of Volodymyr's tion were welcomed by the Pope outside his BEATITUDE LUBOMYR DURING HIS baptism is whole. Therefore, the only way private library, Benedict described the INSTALLMENT AND SOLEMN DECLARATION towards reconciliation is acknowledgement meeting as "very important." SPEECH 10 YEARS AGO . THIS MESSAGE HAS of the common heritage of Kyiv's churches. Medvedev gave Benedict two books of BEEN EMPHASIZED by Director of the Insti- As it was pointed out in the Appeal, the letters written from 1996 to 1999 by former tute of Church History of the Ukrainian development of communion is not a reason Russian president Boris Yeltsin to various Catholic University, Rev. Dr. Andriy Myk- for breaking off ties with Rome, Moscow or chiefs of state, including John Paul II and a haleyko during the Church history webinar Constantinople. volume of the Orthodox Encyclopedia, dedicated to the topic “His Beatitude Lu- “Patriarchate for God’s people is not written in Russian. Benedict gave Medve- bomyr Huzar on the unity of Christian an end in itself and not a politically moti- dev a Vatican mosaic. – Luigi Sandri and Churches in Ukraine” vated goal. It focuses not only on matters of Sophia Kishkovsky for ENI, Feb. 17. "To live in faith, to help believers and structure of the Church, but on the unity of unbelievers, so that all of us are united in God’s people and its holiness, "- quoted the ENEDICT XVI IS MOVING ARCH - faith so that our nation and our Church will webinar author in the Synodal Letter of 8 BISHOP IVAN JURKOVI Č FROM HIS become one in Jesus Christ " - the webinar December 2009. BAPOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE IN author recalled the words spoken by His “Without a doubt, the suggestions UKRAINE TO THE SAME POST IN RUSSIA . Beatitude Lubomyr in January 2001 during made by His Beatitude Lubomyr and the THE PRELATE COMES TO MOSCOW WITH Solemn Archiepiscopal Divine Liturgy at Synod of the UGCC are revolutionary as BROAD EXPERIENCE IN ORTHODOX - St. George’s Cathedral in Lviv. they propose to go beyond a narrow confes- CATHOLIC RELATIONS . The Director of the Institute of Church sional framework" - summed up Rev. An- The Vatican reported Archbishop History built his online seminar dedicated driy Myhaleyko. In his view, the commu- Jurkovi č's appointment Saturday, just two to the issue of Christian unity in Ukraine, nional unity being strived for by the UGCC days after the Pope was visited by the pres- on the materials of the sermons, epistolary can be realized through the initiative of all ident of Russia, Dimitri Medvedev. texts, and Synodal Letters published when four churches of Kiev. Archbishop Jurkovi č succeeds Archbi- the Church was guided by His Beatitude Answering the question from one of shop Antonio Mennini, who was appointed Lubomyr. Surveying the ecumenical theol- the participants of the webinar, whether the in December the nuncio to Great Britain. ogy of the Head of the UGCC during the Head of the UOC Metropolitan Volodymyr During his eight-year tenure in Mos- period of 2001-2011AD, Rev. Andriy no- replied to the Appeal of the Head of the cow, Archbishop Mennini played a decisive ticed that it is mainly based on awareness of UGCC in 2008, Rev. Andriy said: "Yes, he role in improving relations between Ortho- belonging to the Kyiv- of did. This, however, was not a personal re- dox and Catholics. In fact, the day after the Volodymyr's baptism. It was also based on ply but a collective response of the Synod papal audience, President Medvedev signed the inclusive deeds of the Churches of Kyiv, of the UOC.” According to the webinar an order conferring on him the honor of the along with thinking in the categories of the author, one could hear in this response ste- "Order of Friendship," in recognition of his communion and restoration of the Eucharis- reotypical phrases, like “UGCC does not work to improve relations between the Holy tic unity. possess the mandate from Rome to make See and Russia. "If we read into the suggestions made such offers and in this situation. It is not the Archbishop Jurkovi č is also practiced by His Beatitude Lubomyr, we can under- subject, but rather the object of the in Russian Orthodox-Catholic relations, stand that they are more spiritual and evan- process." After all, it was said that the having already worked in the nunciature of gelical. They are hard to insert in any legal UGCC faithful who consider themselves Moscow. As well, he had served in the framework ,” - stated the author of the we- supporters of the Eastern tradition, should Ukraine -- a territory included in the Rus- binar. According to Rev. Andriy, held return to the fold of Orthodoxy, and others - sian Patriarchate -- since 2004, and from against the current state of Catholic- should remain in communion with Rome" - 2001 to 2004, he was apostolic nuncio in Orthodox ecumenical dialogue, the ideas of said the church historian Belarus. the UGCC are, unquestionably, innovative In response to the question about the Ivan Jurkovi č was born in Kocevje, and fresh. dialogue with the UOC-MP, the Director of Slovenia, on June 10, 1952, and ordained a A better awareness of this heritage and the Institute of Church History observed priest in 1977. In 1980 he entered the Pon- tradition of Volodymyr's baptism was hig- that the Greek Catholics are trying on the tifical Ecclesiastical Academy, where hlighted in a 2004 Letter "One People of local level to keep up good relations with priests are instructed for papal diplomatic God in the Kyiv Hill Country." In this mes- the Kyiv Patriarchate and the Primate of service. In 1988 he earned a doctorate in sage of His Beatitude Lubomyr we hear an this Orthodox Church. However, on the

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 19. official level, we cannot talk about unity nar. – Press Release, Ukrainian Greek to promote collaboration and dialogue be- yet. Catholic Church, Feb. 23. tween religious confessions. In the opinion of Rev. Dr, Andriy "Attention then turned to the impor- Mykhaleyko, what impedes a genuine di- HE HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE tance of civil and religious authorities being alogue for the unity of the Kyiv Churches of RELEASED THE FOLLOWING committed to educating consciences in Volodymyr's baptism is unhealthy exclusiv- TCOMMUNIQUÉ AT MIDDAY TODAY : peace and reconciliation, and the hope was ity, and narrow confessional thinking. The "Today in the the expressed that the formation of the new author of the webinar observed that His Holy Father Benedict XVI received in au- government may favor the desired stability Beatitude has compared this situation with dience Michel Sleiman, president of the of the nation, which is called to face impor- the wheel: "We are similar to those who Republic of Lebanon. The president subse- tant internal and international challenges. stand in a circle, the center of which is Chr- quently went on to meet with Cardinal Sec- "The talks then dwelt on the situation ist. If each of us gets closer to Christ, we retary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. who in the Middle East, with particular refer- will be united among ourselves .” was accompanied by Archbishop Domini- ence to recent events in certain Arab States, “The truth is but one, and it is found in que Mamberti, secretary for Relations with with the parties expressing their shared God alone. God wants the Church to be States. conviction that it is vital to resolve the on- one. Which of the churches does not agree "The cordial discussions served to going conflicts in the region. with this idea? I think that when everyone highlight how Lebanon, because of the "Finally, particular attention was given desires unity, God will guide us and reveal presence of various Christian and Muslim to the delicate situation of Christians in the the way to accomplish it. What is required communities there, stands as a message of entire region, and to the contribution they of us is the desire for, and agreement on, freedom and respectful coexistence, not can make for the good of society as a unity,” - observed one of the participants in only for the region but for the whole world. whole.” – VIS , Feb. 24. an open chat at the conclusion of the webi- In this context, it is increasingly necessary

His Beatitude Cardinal Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir, Patriarch Emeritus of the Maronite Catholic Church (left) and His Beatitude Cardinal , Major Archbishop Emeritus of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

Catholic News Service Stories © 2010. Reprinted with permission. Abbreviations: CNS=Catholic News Service, ANA=Athens News Agency, VIS=Vatican Information Service, RRN=Russian Religious News (http://www.stetson.edu/~psteeves/relnews), RISU=Religious Information Service of Ukraine, KED=Kathimerini English Daily, ENI=Ecumenical News International, L’OR=L’Osservatore Romano Daily Edition, L’ORE=L’Osservatore Romano English Weekly Edition, SOP=Service Orthodoxe de Presse, F18News=Forum 18 News Service (http://www.forum18.org), ICNS= Indian Catholic News Service.

Edited by Ronald G. Roberson, CSP Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs 3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, DC 20017-1194 Tel: (202) 541-3020 Fax: (202) 541-3183

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 185, February 28, 2011, page 20.