SEIA NEWSLETTER On the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism ______Number 193: October 31, 2011 Washington, DC

The Eastern Orthodox Churches Your Beatitude – indeed, not for the first N 22 OCTOBER 2011, THE GREAT time this year! – regarding similar trage- ARCHIMANDRITE OF THE ECUMENI- dies confronting our beloved and pious CAL THRONE, ATHENAGOROS CUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOL- O Coptic Christian brothers and sisters under CELEBRATED THE DIVINE LITURGY AT THE OMEW MET WITH UKRAINIAN PRESI- your spiritual and pastoral protection in PATRIARCHAL CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE DENT VICTOR YANUKOVYCH IN E Egypt. THE VICTORIOUS IN THE PHANAR TO MARK KARYES, THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER OF Upon hearing this painful news dur- THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELECTION MOUNT ATHOS, GREECE, ON 7 OCTOBER ing our recent visit to the Holy Mountain, AND ENTHRONEMENT OF PATRIARCH AFTER A BUSINESS FORUM IN THESSA- we hastened to invoke the intercession of BARTHOLOMEW OF CONSTANTINOPLE. LONIKA. The Ukrainian presidential web site does not report about this meeting. the numerous saints who have led ascetic Praying at the festive divine service According to portal-credo.ru, at the lives in that monastic republic and to urge were His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew meeting with the Patriarch, President the ongoing prayers of the monks who of Constantinople; His Holiness and Beat- Yanukovych spoke about good relations currently reside there. itude Catholic-Patriarch Iliya II of All between Ukraine and the Ecumenical Pa- The remarkable and turbulent chang- Georgia; His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of triarchate. According to him, Ukraine puts es experienced by your entire historical Serbia; His Beatitude Archbishop Anasta- great hopes in the preparation of the Pan- continent and especially your biblical na- sios of Tirana and All Albania; hierarchs, Orthodox Council and expects that its tion in recent times have proved both en- clerics and laymen from the Local Ortho- decisions will have positive consequences couraging and costly. Nevertheless, the dox Churches. for the Ukrainian Church. difficult and complicated transition in the The Russian Orthodox Church was In his turn, the Patriarch of Constan- life of all citizens of Egypt can never and represented by Archbishop Justinian of tinople stated that he views the relations should never provide any pretext or ex- Naro-Fominsk, administrator of the Patri- of his cathedra with the Ukrainian Church cuse for acts of violence toward any tar- archal parishes in the USA. as relations between the “Mother-Church” geted individuals or groups, including and Metropolitan Constantine of Nicea and “amiable daughter.” especially religious communities or politi- was the first to greet His Holiness Patri- Patriarch Bartholomew also ex- cal factions. arch Bartholomew on behalf of hierarchs, pressed concern over the Church schisms It is, therefore, in the strongest possi- clergymen and laymen. in Ukraine. “The Mother Church is sad ble expression of solidarity and condo- Archbishop Justinian of Naro- and concerned about the sufferings of its lence that we deplore the unacceptable Fominsk read out the congratulatory ad- children in that country,” said Patriarch persecution and unjustifiable execution of dress of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Bartholomew about the Church situation all humble and law-abiding citizens, par- Moscow and All Russia and handed Patri- in Ukraine and noted that he intends to ticularly belonging to Christian or other arch Bartholomew the inscribed panagia visit the country. faith minorities, whether in Egypt or in the as a gift. If I am considered worthy to visit entire Middle East. The Primate of the Church of Con- Ukraine again in answer to the kind pro- The struggle for peace and democra- stantinople thanked all those who ad- posal of the President, it will be done to cy can never come at the expense of reli- dressed him for their warm wishes and strengthen the relations between it and the gious liberty and human rights. noted that August 13 marked the 50th mother Church and to let the Mother Finally, Your Beatitude, we would anniversary of his ordination as deacon, Church help to eliminate the schisms like to assure you and your faithful that we recalled his studies at the Halki Theologi- which unfortunately still exist within the always stand prayerfully beside you as we cal School and its significance for his en- Ukrainian Orthodoxy,” added Patriarch continue to journey on the difficult paths tire life. Bartholomew. – RISU, Oct. 11. of our respective Churches. May God give Lunch was given at the Beity Restau- rest to the souls of the departed and rant in honor of all the guests. strength to the families that survive them. That same day in the evening a fes- At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the tive reception was given in the Hilton Ho- CUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOL- 17th day of October 2011. Your Beati- tel in honor of His Holiness Patriarch Ir- OMEW SENT THIS LETTER TO COPTIC tude’s beloved brother in Christ, inej of Serbia who is paying an official PATRIARCH POPE SHENOUDA III E + BARTHOLOMEW, Archbishop of visit to the Orthodox Church of Constan- REGARDING THE TRAGIC ATTACK ON Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumeni- tinople. – Press Release, Moscow Patriar- COPTIC FAITHFUL ON OCTOBER 9: It is with heavy heart and wholeheart- cal Patriarch – Website of the Ecumenical chate, Oct. 23. ed sympathy that we communicate with Patriarchate, Oct. 17. IS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP With regard to the resignation of Met- Archdiocesan Council Vice-Chairman DEMETRIOS OF AMERICA MET ropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh, due to Michael Jaharis, St. Nicholas Parish Pres- H YESTERDAY WITH THE CONSIS- health reasons, the Synod expressed its ident John Couloukoundis and Port Au- TORY OF THE AMERICAN CARPATHO- deep gratitude and wholeheartedly recog- thority Executive Director Chris Ward. RUSSIAN ORTHODOX DIOCESE of the nized his most precious and lengthy offer- Archbishop Demetrios, Governor Cuomo Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Archdio- ing to the Church, especially his decisive and NYS Senate Majority Leader Dean cese Headquarters in New York City. The contribution to the meetings and decisions Skelos signed as the formal witnesses to Consistory requested the meeting from the of the Holy Eparchial Synod. the agreement. Archbishop who is the Locum Tenens for The Synod then proceeded with the Archbishop Demetrios expressed the Diocese since the passing of the late formulation of the triprosopo –a three- particular praise for Governor Cuomo and Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos earlier person list, for the filling of the vacant said, “We are grateful to our esteemed this year. Following the meeting, the Con- seat of the Holy Metropolis of Pittsburgh, Governor and precious friend Andrew sistory attended a luncheon hosted by the to be submitted to the Holy and Sacred Cuomo for bringing to reality the dream Archbishop. Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we have nourished for ten long years. St. This meeting is the second of its kind which will then elect the new Metropoli- Nicholas Church, rising again with the since the repose of the late Metropolitan. tan who will succeed the most worthy help of God at Ground Zero - where it Among the items for discussion were the former Metropolitan of Pittsburgh Maxi- stood spiritually important for 85 years, is following: the search for a new presiding mos. an affirmation of the significance of reli- bishop for the Diocese, administrative Further, the Synod worked on the gious freedom and experience for all New issues affecting various parishes, and rep- English translation of the original Greek Yorkers and all Americans. The covenant resentation of the Diocese at the celebra- text of the Divine Liturgy and approved stands firm. We will again light many tions at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the English translation of the hymn Christ candles in the new St. Nicholas Church honor of His All Holiness Ecumenical is Risen to be used by the parishes of the and remember those who were lost to us, Patriarch Bartholomew’s 20th Anniver- Holy Archdiocese. Issues of a pastoral and those heroes who so nobly sacrificed sary of election and enthronement as nature and the administration of the Sac- their lives. Our pledge is to be a witness Ecumenical Patriarch. Archbishop Deme- raments were also discussed. for all New Yorkers, that freedom of con- trios offered thanks to the Consistory for The Synod reviewed and approved a science and the fundamental human right their offering of stable, decisive steward- recent list of clergymen eligible for epis- of free religious expression will always ship during this season of “widowhood” copacy, and discussed general issues relat- shine forth in the resurrected St. Nicholas of the Diocese. The Archbishop also of- ing to clergy, and the ordination especially Church.” The Archbishop also expressed fered a substantial contribution to the two of new clerics, as well as issues with re- deep appreciation to Michael Jaharis and Carpatho-Russian parishes affected by the spect to the administration of parishes and Dennis Mehiel and the other members of recent floods in New Jersey. For their the Holy Archdiocese in general. the joint committee who had labored so part, the clergy of the Consistory ex- Finally, a discussion took place on the diligently to accomplish this historic pressed their gratitude to the Archbishop fruitful cooperation between the Synod agreement. for his leadership, generosity and pastoral and the Hellenic College/Holy Cross Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said, care for the Diocese. – Press Release, Greek Orthodox School of Theology, the “We lost St. Nicholas Church in the de- Greek Archdiocese, Oct. 5. Assembly of all Canonical Orthodox struction of September 11 and for too long Bishops, the special educational program its future has been uncertain. Rebuilding HE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD OF THE for Deacons, the forthcoming Clergy- St. Nicholas Church, with a nondenomina- HOLY GREEK ORTHODOX ARCH- Laity Congress, and issues of pastoral care tional bereavement center, is not just good T DIOCESE OF AMERICA CONVENED of clergy and laity. -- From Office of the news for the Greek Orthodox community, ITS REGULAR MEETING ON OCTOBER 12-13, Holy Eparchial Synod, Oct. 13. but for all New Yorkers. With this agree- 2011, AT THE SYNODAL CHAMBER OF THE ment, we are continuing New York’s col- HOLY ARCHDIOCESE IN NEW YORK. His HE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIO- lective healing, restoration, and resur- Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of CESE OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES gence. Now we are finally returning this America presided and all Members of the T TODAY AN AGREEMENT WITH THE treasured place of reflection to where it Synod participated. PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND belongs.” Prior to the commencement of the NEW JERSEY REGARDING THE REBUILDING According to the Port Authority Press Synod’s meeting, Members had the oppor- OF ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX Release, “The agreement … permits the tunity to hold a special meeting with Rev. CHURCH, WHICH WAS DESTROYED IN THE rebuilding of the Church with a nonde- Father Stratton Dorozenski, Chairman of TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11, nominational bereavement center at the the Archdiocese Benefits Committee, dur- 2001. east end of Liberty Park, at 130 Liberty ing which relevant issues were discussed. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Street. The agreement follows a four- They also met with Rev. Father James invited Archbishop Demetrios and the month independent engineering study Kordaris, Director of Stewardship, Out- Hierarchs of the Holy Eparchial Synod of commissioned by the Port Authority and reach and Evangelism, and were informed the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the Archdiocese, which found that the about the work being accomplished by America, together with the leadership of Church could be built on the site with said Committee. St. Nicholas Parish and the Archdiocesan minor modifications to the original plan During the meeting of the Synod, the Council to his New York City office for and with no impact on the World Trade following issues were discussed: the official signing of the agreement by Center construction schedule.” – Press

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Release, Greek Archdiocese, Oct. 14. throughout the world. Should this pro- of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in posal be accepted, it is expected that the the Americas presented a study, “The HE ASSEMBLY OF CANONICAL Assembly of Bishops would then come to Role of the Laity in the Church,” and ORTHODOX BISHOPS OF NORTH an end and be succeeded by a canonically Chorbishop John D. Faris, pastor of St. T AND CENTRAL AMERICA HAS regularized Church in North and Central Louis Gonzaga Maronite Church in Utica, CREATED A LEGAL ENTITY WITH THE FILING America. New York, presented a paper, “Synodal OF ITS ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION IN The Assembly, which meets annually, Governance in the Eastern Catholic WASHINGTON, D.C. This action follows functions by a consensus of all its mem- Churches.” the second annual meeting of the Assem- bers. It has established a number of com- The Consultation also welcomed a bly of Bishops held May 25-27 in Chica- mittees to help further its work. These new Orthodox member, Despina D. Pras- go, Illinois. committees are charged by the Assembly sas, Ph.D., associate professor of theology The Assembly has been hailed as a with specific tasks; they are made up of at Providence College in Providence, major development for the canonical ad- member bishops, and are assisted by over Rhode Island. ministrative unity of all Orthodox Chris- 100 lay and clergy advisors. The Assem- The next meeting is slated to take tian jurisdictions, which together represent bly has assumed oversight of all the agen- place at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox over three million church members. cies, dialogues, and other ministries of the School of Theology in Brookline, Massa- The Assembly of Bishops is a council former Standing Conference of the Canon- chusetts, June 5-7. of all active, canonical Orthodox bishops ical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas This is the full text of the joint state- whose purpose is to preserve and contrib- (SCOBA). ment on the plight of churches in the Mid- ute to the unity of the Orthodox Church by In the ensuing months, the thirteen dle East: helping to further Her spiritual, theologi- committees of the Assembly of Bishops The “Arab Spring” is unleashing cal, ecclesiological, canonical, education- will be working in earnest. The chairmen forces that are having a devastating effect al, missionary and philanthropic aims. To of the committees will be calling upon the on the Christian communities of the Mid- accomplish this, the Assembly has as its many priests, deacons, monks, nuns, lay- dle East. Our Churches in Egypt, Iraq, goals: the promotion and accomplishment men and laywomen who have been rec- Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine report dis- of Church unity; the strengthening of the ommended to them as expert consultants turbing developments such as destruction common pastoral ministry to all the Or- so that they may join together with the of churches and massacres of innocent thodox Christian faithful; and a common bishops who are members of the commit- civilians that cause us grave concern. witness by the Church to all those outside tees in accomplishing the many important Many of our church leaders are calling on Her. In addition, the Assembly has as an responsibilities and tasks assigned to Christians and all people of good will to express goal the plan for the organization them. – Press Release, Assembly of Ca- stand in solidarity with the members of of the Church in North and Central Amer- nonical Orthodox Bishops, Oct. 18. these ancient indigenous communities. In ica in accordance with the ecclesiological unity with them and each other, we the and the canonical tradition of the Ortho- HE NORTH AMERICAN ORTHODOX- members of the North American Ortho- dox Church. CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL CONSUL- dox-Catholic Theological Consultation, The Assembly hopes to deepen the T TATION HELD ITS 81ST MEETING AT gathered October 27-29, 2011, add our ties of brotherhood among the bishops, ST PAUL’S COLLEGE IN WASHINGTON voice to their call. give them a common and united voice, OCTOBER 27-28. The meeting was chaired We are concerned for our fellow and create a greater unity of action among by Catholic Archbishop Gregory Aymond Christians who, in the face of daunting all the Orthodox faithful, thereby of New Orleans. The Orthodox co- challenges, struggle to maintain a neces- strengthening the Church’s witness to Her chairman since 1987, Metropolitan Max- sary witness to Christ in their homelands. faith in Jesus Christ. imos of Pittsburgh, has retired, and a suc- United with them in prayer and solidarity, The Assembly of Bishops is one of cessor has not yet been named. we ask our fellow Christians living in the twelve bishops’ assemblies which have During this meeting the members West to take time to develop a more real- been established in different geographical heard reports about major events in the istic appreciation of their predicament. regions throughout the world. It was es- lives of the Catholic and Orthodox We ask our political leaders to exert more tablished in accordance with the decision Churches and issued a brief statement, pressure where it can protect these of the Fourth Pre-Conciliar Pan-Orthodox “On the Plight of Churches in the Middle Churches, many of which have survived Conference, convened in Chambésy, East.” centuries of hardship but now stand on the Switzerland in June of 2009, attended by The members of the Consultation also verge of disappearing completely. representatives from all the universally- continued their study of the role of the When one part of the body suffers, all recognized autocephalous Orthodox laity in the two churches and the interme- suffer (cf. 1 Cor. 12:26). As Christians in Churches. diate or regional levels of ecclesial author- the West, we therefore have the vital re- The Assembly is a transitional body. ity. A paper on the Catholic theology of sponsibility to respond to the needs of our If it achieves its goal, it will make itself the parish by Sister of Charity of Leaven- brothers and sisters who live in fear for obsolete by developing a proposal for the worth Susan K. Wood of Marquette Uni- their lives and communities at this mo- canonical organization of the Church in versity was presented in her absence. Fa- ment. As Orthodox and Catholic Chris- North and Central America. This proposal ther Patrick Viscuso of the Greek Ortho- tians we share this responsibility and this will in turn be presented to the forthcom- dox Archdiocese of America delivered a concern together. – USCCB and Episco- ing Great and Holy Council, which will paper, “Canonical Reflections on the Or- pal Assembly Press Release. consist of all canonical Orthodox bishops thodox Parish.” Father Nicholas Apostola

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HE MEMBERS OF THE SECOND EPIS- confirmed the proposal of the Committee traditions and ethical rules, or of any so- COPAL ASSEMBLY OF ALL CANONI- to appoint His Grace Bishop Iakovos of cial and moral responsibility, never stop- T CAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS OF Miletoupolis as Chair of the Committee. ping any form of arbitrary behavior or OCEANIA WELCOMED ONCE AGAIN THE The Assembly reaffirms its unity in expression on behalf of the citizens, can OPPORTUNITY TO MEET IN SYDNEY FROM our Lord Jesus Christ, and in brotherly hardly be said to contribute to the solution OCTOBER 16-17, 2011, UNDER THE CHAIR- love, committing ourselves to work to- of modern societies’ moral problems. MANSHIP EX OFFICIO OF HIS EMINENCE gether for the good of the holy Orthodox Any effort to build a “civil society” ARCHBISHOP STYLIANOS OF AUSTRALIA. Church and its children in Australia and without the contribution of the Church The Assembly commenced with pray- throughout Oceania. – Website of the Ser- leads increasingly to a new “secular totali- er at the central offices of the Greek Or- bian Orthodox Patriarchate, Oct. 18. tarianism” which aims at ridding society thodox Archdiocese of Australia, Redfern. of all forms of influence by the Church, The bishops continued the work of HE INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT marginalizing it from the public life, pre- the first Assembly, held in Sydney in Oc- OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY venting it from publicly expressing its tober last year, and heard the reports of T ASSEMBLY ON ORTHODOXY (IAO), moral assessments or judging the deci- the respective Committees. BY MEANS OF ITS COMMITTEE ON INTER- sions and practices of the established It was unanimously agreed: NATIONAL POLICY AND IN COOPERATION power. 1. To arrange an annual Synaxis WITH THE PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND, THE The conference called upon the meeting of Clergy of all canonical juris- ORTHODOX BISHOPRIC OF HELSINKI and Church to enter into dialogue with the dictions for the purpose of forming broth- the SOFIA cultural center, has organized a positive values of modernity – without erly relations and to have collaboration in conference on the subject “The develop- relinquishing its principles - to enhance its carrying out the decisions of the Assembly ment of Church – State relations accord- contribution in the consolidation of demo- on a local level; ing to the Apostle Paul and the Eastern cratic institutions in modern societies and 2. To launch an official website of the Orthodox tradition,” on Tuesday, 18, Oc- to defend the idea of cultural pluralism Assembly that will inform our faithful of tober 2011. Members of Parliament, polit- and multiculturalism as a necessary ingre- its work and provide a source of infor- ical figures, personalities from the world dient of all modern societies and of its mation, that would include a catalogue of of science and academia as well as repre- own confession. canonical Clergy and thereby knowledge sentatives of Christian thought and the It called upon the States to fully com- of schismatic groups; Church attended the conference. prehend the importance of the Church’s 3. To seek legal opinion with regard After the lectures and interventions salvation presence for two millennia in the to the suggested promulgation of a statute the conference reached its main conclu- world, and to use the means they dispose for the Episcopal Assembly of Oceania; sions as follows: of to defend the Orthodox Churches pre- 4. To organize a common celebration It is well known that Orthodoxy is at sent in regions of political unrest and cri- to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the the origin of the formation of national sis. In countries where the Orthodox are a Edict of Milan in 2013; self-consciousness and statehood in many minority, in the Middle East especially, 5. To respond formally to the countries of Europe and the World. Reli- there is a risk of the State sliding towards Healthcare Chaplaincy Council of Victo- gious freedom is a basic constitutional a protectionist policy of the prevailing ria affirming the position of the canonical principle and a fundamental right for each religious confession and non-respect of Churches in relation to Hospital Chaplain- and every individual and as such must be religious and cultural difference, this lead- cy, without ignoring the pastoral dimen- protected by the State which must prevent ing to violations of the fundamental civil sion of ministering to all infirm Orthodox, and discourage violations of religious and political rights. irrespective of national backgrounds; and freedom. The conference recorded and It called finally, on the Church and 6. To bring together prominent Or- confirmed the need to flag up the distinct the State, in the present deep spiritual and thodox theologians, medical doctors, psy- roles of the Church and the State in the financial crisis, to strengthen their cooper- chologists, ethicists, legal and public poli- modern world, while the positive role the ation on all fronts, for the benefit of the cy experts to enable the Hierarchs of Oce- I.A.O could play in mediating the rela- financially weaker social groups. – Press ania to issue responsible joint statements tions between these two poles was high- Release, Oct. 18. with regard to the ethical dimensions of lighted. proposed Government legislation. The State is one of the dominant insti- HIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION The Assembly received a report on tutions in civil societies; as such, it has the OF THE COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT the draft Act of Parliament for the recog- responsibility to guarantee not merely the T THE END OF THE FALL MEETING OF nition of all canonical Orthodox Churches military-political security and the social THE HOLY SYNOD OF THE GREEK ORTHO- in New Zealand, and specifically with prosperity of a country, but also to foster DOX PATRIARCHATE OF ANTIOCH: regard to the registration of Marriage Cel- the prevailing views on morality in mat- At the invitation and under the guid- ebrants. ters of family well-being and the high spir- ance of His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius Another report was received from the ituality of the people. In this respect the IV, the Antiochian Orthodox Synod held Committee on Campus Ministry, which Church is considered as working in com- its regular session in the Patriarchal resi- met under the co-Chairmanship of His plementarity with the State, as part and dence at the Monastery of Our Lady of Grace Bishop Irinej and His Grace Bishop parcel of society, of which it is the spiritu- Balamand from the 25th to the 27th of Ezekiel, the primary focus of which was to al and moral foundation. October. develop Orthodox Chaplaincies in tertiary A perception of the state as an exclu- The current session of the Holy Syn- educational institutions. The Assembly sively administrative institution, rid of all od was held in delicate circumstances,

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 4. which the countries of the Patriarchate of flocks both within the nation and the emi- Published by the secretariat of the Antioch and the Arab Middle East are gration. The Synod likewise studied in- Holy Synod of Antioch, Monastery of Our experiencing, especially Syria and Leba- ternal issues, including: Lady of Balamand, October 27, 2011. – non, where the Orthodox are the majority 1. The internal statutes of the See of “Notes on Arab Orthodoxy,” Oct. 31. of Christians. Antioch: They emphasized that these stat- The meeting began with a word of utes must take inspiration from the unity ETROPOLITAN HILARION OF welcome from His Beatitude, in which he of the people, which is enclosed in secrets VOLOKOLAMSK, HEAD OF THE emphasized the importance of the unity of around its pastors, so that they can offer M MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE’S the Antiochian Orthodox Church in Leba- service pleasing to God. They called at- DEPARTMENT FOR EXTERNAL CHURCH non, Syria, the Middle East, and the dias- tention to the importance of applying the- RELATIONS, HAS BEEN APPOINTED CHAIR- pora and the priority of working to pro- se statutes, the basic purpose of which is MAN OF THE SYNODAL BIBLICAL AND vide satisfactory responses to her children to ensure opportunities for the faithful’s THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION. This decision who, along with their partners in citizen- partnership together, each according to the was made by the Holy Synod of the Rus- ship, face many problems and challenges, gifts he has been given. Through this it is sian Orthodox Church during the first day as His Beatitude laid out in the intensive possible for all to participate in planning of the winter session on October 5, 2011. meetings which he held in Lebanon re- the work of the Church, being involved in The Holy Synod granted the request garding the organization of the Orthodox it, and bearing responsibilities. of Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and community so that it can take its due place 2. The pastoral situation and the ne- Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch for All Belarus, in centers of political and administrative cessity of reforming it: The technical de- to relieve him of his duty as chairman of decision-making. velopments which the world is witnessing the Synodal Biblical and Theological Starting from the basis of a single, make it necessary for the Church to adopt Commission. The Synod thanked Metro- faith-based approach to the effective new positions with regard to pastoral politan Filaret for his longtime work as Christian presence and the genuine wit- questions that transcend habitual forms chairman of the Commission, stressing ness of Christians, the Synod is concerned and adopt advanced means for helping the that during his tenure the internal and in- to emphasize the role of the Church in her faithful to ensure an honorable life and to ternational theological discussion was capacity as a conscience for all the faithful employ their abilities in general life. In raised to a high level, a serious dialogue and so it continuously calls to mind what this context, the establishment of produc- was organized between church scholars God wills for the good of humanity. The tive enterprises is one of the ways to root and secular scientists, and theological Church cannot stand with her hands tied the community’s children. It is likewise questions posed before the Commission regarding the oppression and discrimina- possible for educational and social institu- by the Supreme Authority were answered. tion that peoples and groups are facing. tions, those existing and those yet to be Metropolitan Hilarion has worked as Starting from the basis of the Ortho- founded, to ensure, by securing opportuni- member of the Commission since 1996. dox Church having been present in these ties for work spaces in which the Church The Synodal Theological Commis- countries since the spread of the Christian can bear witness to the particularity of her sion was established by the Holy Synod gospel and on the basis of the proactive service to the world and her love for it. decision of December 28, 1993. In 2009, role that the Orthodox have taken across 3. The state of church media: Media it was renamed as the Synodal Biblical the ages in the revival of their country as a must play a central and important role in and Theological Commission. nation and a civilization, the fathers call solidifying interaction and cooperation The Commission is a permanent on their children to participate actively in between the Church and the world. In or- working advisory and analytical body of forging effective solutions for exiting the der for media to be interactive, they must the Holy Synod. It has the following tasks: crisis and embarking on the path of flour- leave space open for communication in * to carry out instructions of the Pri- ishing and their nations’ advancement. order to determine the reality of the situa- mate of the Russian Orthodox Church, the The fathers of the Holy Synod exam- tion and the ideas and proposals that to- Holy Synod and other church institutions ined the phenomenon of political changes day’s society is producing concerning to consider particular theological and doc- which are sweeping the region, asking everyone’s future. Likewise, church media trinal issues; God to inspire those responsible for the have an interest in building bridges of * to make theological analysis of topi- fate of the countries of the region to take communication within the single nation cal problems in the life of the Russian the right decisions to lessen the citizens’ and between the societies of the different Orthodox Church; pains, to ease the circumstances of their nations that make up the Antiochian * to coordinate academic theological lives, and to ensure a flourishing future for sphere. Likewise, the fathers of the Synod work carried out by Synodal departments, their children. In this regard, the Synod emphasized the universal role of church dioceses and other church structures. emphasized: media and the importance of the Church’s The membership of the Commission 1. Work in faith and hope for the sake taking initiative in responding to the needs is approved by a decision of the Holy of bringing peace, social justice, and the of the flock and of society. Synod. It members are theologians from building of a civil state on the basis of In closing, the Synod expressed its among the episcopate, clergy and laity equality of rights and responsibilities for hope that the leaders and peoples of the who are professors of theological schools all under a single law to which all children Arab Middle East will work together to and staff members of theological, educa- of the nation submit without exception. ensure stability, freedom, and a promising tional and Synodal establishments of the 2. That the children of the Orthodox future for this region as well as its hope Russian Orthodox Church. The Commis- community hold on to their homes through that the Orthodox community will play an sion involves experts and consultants in its Church- and social-solidarity between the effective role in this. work.

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Metropolitan Filaret was the first became possible to retain the presence and made towards each other without hesita- chairman of the Commission. He is an influence of Orthodoxy in that part of tion. We are ready to take such steps and author of a great number of theological Ukraine at the time of renewal of the we are open to cooperation with everyone works and publications and holder of aca- structures of the Greek Catholic Church. sharing and supporting the autocephaly of demic degrees in theology from several For at that time, many Ukrainian priests the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.” – RISU, universities. – Press Release, Moscow were tempted by arguments that a true Oct. 10. Patriarchate, Oct. 6. Ukrainian patriot can be only Greek Cath- olic and that the Orthodox ones are serv- N HIS STATEMENT PUBLISHED BELOW, N AN INTERVIEW ON OCCASION OF THE ants of Moscow, whereas the priests of THE PRIMATE OF THE RUSSIAN 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COUNCIL UAOC and Kyivan Patriarchate in I ORTHODOX CHURCH EXPRESSES I OF THE UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX Halychyna were able to remain loyal to SUPPORT FOR THE SUFFERING EGYPTIAN CHURCH WHICH SUPPORTED THE NECESSI- Orthodoxy and defend the Orthodox faith. CHRISTIANS. TY OF AUTOCEPHALY AND THE 90TH Not only did they preserve it, but also ‘The Russian Orthodox Church has ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALL-UKRAINIAN multiplied, as a large number of new Or- followed the developments in Egypt with COUNCIL OF 1921 which proclaimed the thodox churches were built in Halychyna, concern and bitterness. Blood has been establishment of the Ukrainian Auto- including many churches of UAOC. Hon- spilt and Christian churches have been cephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC), the or and thanks to them for that,” explained destroyed again. There is another manifes- head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church- the head of UOC-KP. tation of growing intolerance towards Kyivan Patriarchate, Patriarch Filaret, According to the Patriarch, in the Christians and their legal and physical explained what, in his opinion, the mean- previous years, much dissent and mistrust vulnerability in the Egyptian society. ing of those events and what his vision of was sowed to prevent unification of Our Church knows from her recent the mechanism of unification of all the UAOC and the Kyivan Patriarchate. For history what the suffering of innocent supporters of the autocephaly of the the opponents of the autocephaly in people and destruction of churches are. Ukrainian Church is. According to him, Ukraine understand well what impetus for We raise our voice in defense of our the mechanism is simple and clear. development such unification can give. Egyptian brothers in faith and call upon One of the questions was about the “UOC-Kyivan Patriarchate appeared the world community not to be indifferent fact that Patriarch Filaret once was against in 1992 thanks to the unification of the to this lawlessness. The United Nations UAOC and that allegedly it has been the supporters of autocephaly within UAOC and other international organizations and obstacle for the unification. and supporters of autocephaly within leading world powers capable of influenc- Patriarch Filaret explained that he UOC. I accepted that unification sincere- ing the policy of the new authorities in could not support the autocephaly of the ly. I think that representatives of the Ky- Egypt should unequivocally come out Ukrainian Church when Ukraine was not ivan Patriarchate will agree with me to say against the persecution of Christians and an independent state but a part of USSR. that both the revival of UAOC in 1989 do everything to help establish interreli- “If I supported the Autocephalous and the election of the first Patriarch of gious peace and security in the region. Church in the 60s until the 80s or even Kyiv and All Ukraine, Mstyslav at the The tragic ordeals the Egyptian Chris- during the so-called perestroika, I would council of 1990 were parts of our mutual tians are undergoing so courageously are simply have been dismissed from the min- church history, important stages of the links in the same chain which has already istry and replaced by a person loyal to mutual struggle for Church independ- brought out a new and ever growing wave Moscow. Actually, eventually, they did ence,” said Patriarch Filaret. of emigration. Egypt is a country in which so, but it was a different time, Ukraine The head of UOC-KP also called the the Christian and Muslim communities was already independent and, therefore, mechanism of unification of all the sup- have lived together for centuries. The ag- they were not able to destroy the cause of porters of the autocephaly of the Ukraini- gression against Christians lies on the autocephaly…I could not support auto- an Church “simple and clear.” conscience of destructive radical forces cephaly as long as I did not feel the sup- “I repeatedly said in the past and can whose motives are not at all religious. We port of the Church led by me and as long repeat now: from our point of view, the appeal to the leaders of the Islamic world as Ukraine was not independent… Then, mechanism of unification is simple and to express a clear condemnation of the in 1989-1991, I really criticized UAOC, clear. It means that upon the unification, violence against Christians, to respect but I had a considerable reason for that. one retains what one has had. If a priest is their right to openly confess their faith and For, at that time, on the wave of patriot- a parish one, he remains the parish priest. to preserve their religious and cultural ism, among many persons who were really Deans, as they are called in Galicia, re- traditions. At an hour when the very future loyal to autocephaly, a considerable num- main in their positions. Bishops continue of Christian-Muslim dialogue is threat- ber of unworthy careerists came to UAOC to govern the parishes they governed in ened, religious leaders should demonstrate and began to progress quickly towards the the past. Whoever has held an outstand- in deed their commitment to peace and leadership positions. But time showed ing position in the Church government, mutual understanding. who is who and sooner or later, the de- will retain that place after the unification. We call upon the Egyptian authorities ceivers, such as Masendych, fell away That is no one loses anything. On the con- to put an end immediately to the violence from the Ukrainian Church. trary, those who unite, will gain some- against the ancient Coptic community, to At the same time, one can see now thing. For, let us speak openly, now, the the murder of Christians, to the defilement that it is thanks to the fact that many Kyivan Patriarchate’s influence in the of churches and shrines. It is insufficient priests in Halychyna supported the auto- society is stronger than that of UAOC. to declare commitment to the principles of cephaly of the Ukrainian Church, that it Therefore, determined steps should be justice and human rights; rather it is nec-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 6. essary to ensure the real observance of es and the construction of new churches is problems we will have to settle together’. freedom of conscience in the country. The a sign of religious revival in Russia after He reminded the audience that the historical Christian community in Egypt decades of state atheism. But for others, it Department for External Church Relations should have the right to confess its faith is also a strategy to boost the power of was established in 1946, the first year freely and safely and to preserve its old Patriarch Kirill, considered not only a after the Great Patriotic War. ‘It was a churches and to build new ones. religious but also political figure. time when the Church was given a respite The Russian Church once again ex- According to the director of the Insti- for the first time after the severe persecu- presses her support for the suffering Egyp- tute of Religion and Law, Roman Lunkin, tion of the 20s and 30s. The Soviet power tian brothers in Christ, calling on them to "the reform of the Church will strengthen had set itself the task to eliminate the preserve the spirit of peace, to defy prov- the personal authority of the Patriarch in Church and this task was carried out by ocations, to be faithful to our Savior in the provinces, because the new bishops the most brutal and inhuman means, first their suffering. are people loyal to him." Last year, Kirill of all through the physical elimination of + Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All took personal control of the Patriarchate the clergy and destruction of churches. Russia – Press Release, Moscow Patriar- Mission Department, ordering its expan- Before the war, the Russian Orthodox chate, Oct. 12. sion. At the time some had suggested the Church had only four acting bishops left same “vertical power plan” applied to while before the 1917 Revolution there HE MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE HAS State management by Vladimir Putin in were over 300. Almost all the churches GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT FOR THE his first term as president was also being and all the monasteries and church schools T ESTABLISHMENT OF 13 NEW DIO- brought to bear on the religious sphere. – were closed. But the situation changed CESES THROUGHOUT ITS TERRITORY, AS Asia News, Oct. 17. during the war as the state leaders realized PART OF WHAT THE MEDIA IN RUSSIA HAVE the importance of the Church in lifting up ALREADY CALLED THE BIGGEST REFORM of N 21 OCTOBER 2011, METROPOLI- the spirit of the people. It was the time the Orthodox Church since the dissolution TAN PANTELEIMON OF KRASNO- when the state policy towards the Church of the Soviet Union. O YARSK AND ACHINSK, MET WITH radically changed. Stalin invited three Continuing the project that began last ARCHBISHOP IVAN JURKOVIC, APOSTOLIC leading metropolitans of the Russian Or- March and which has already seen the NUNCIO TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, the thodox Church to see him. It was an his- creation of eight new dioceses including website of the Krasnoyarsk diocese of the torical meeting which radically changed three in the North Caucasus, last week the Russian Orthodox Church reports. the status of the Church. The changes Holy Synod - which is the highest admin- Bishop Kirill Klimovich, an ordinary made it possible for her to establish struc- istrative level, chaired by Patriarch Kirill - of the Catholic diocese of St. Joseph in tures ensuring her life and work in the approved the foundation of new dioceses Irkutsk, and Rev. Antony Badura, dean of post-war period not only inside but also in Kazakhstan, in the regions of Irkutsk, the Krasnoyarsk deanery of the Irkutsk outside the Soviet Union. The task of the Orenburg, Ryazan, Saratov and in the diocese, attended the meeting that took Department for External Church Relations Republic of Tyva, as reported by the web- place at the Krasnoyarsk diocesan admin- was first of all to establish contacts be- site of the Russian Orthodox Church. istration. tween the Russian Orthodox Church and According to some analysts, as well The Apostolic Nuncio congratulated the external world’, the metropolitan said. as to improve the administration of the Metropolitan Panteleimon on his ap- He specified that at present the Church at the local level, the restructuring pointment as head of the Krasnoyarsk DECR’s responsibilities include maintain- of the canonical territory strengthens the Metropolia and invited him to attend the ing inter-Christian and inter-Orthodox authority of the Patriarch, who already last celebration of the centenary of the Kras- relations and cooperation with interna- year had launched a more centralized noyarsk Organ Hall, the place of the Ro- tional organizations such as the UN, management of the church, also for mis- man Catholic parish of the Transfiguration UNESCO and others and with expatriates sions. Vladimir Vigilyansky, spokesman of the Lord. – Press Release, Moscow in various countries. In recent times, in- for the Patriarchate, told the newspaper Patriarchate, Oct. 24. creasing attention has been given to inter- Kommersant that the reform is to improve religious dialogue due to the increasing the organization of life of the Church still N OCTOBER 24, 2011, METRO- persecution of Christians in various coun- based on a structure of Soviet times, "so a POLITAN HILARION OF VOLO- tries, especially in the Middle East. diocese can include cities 1000 km distant O KOLAMSK, HEAD OF THE MOSCOW Speaking about the work of the DECR, from each other and parishioners who PATRIARCHATE’S DEPARTMENT FOR Metropolitan Hilarion also highlighted the don’t even know who their bishop is. " EXTERNAL CHURCH RELATIONS AND REC- preparations for a Pan-Orthodox Council. Many priests approve the reform and TOR OF THE STS CYRIL AND METHODIUS He spoke in detail about relations with the the bishops believe that it will help to es- POST-GRADUATE SCHOOL, VISITED THE Roman Catholic Church as well as tablish more direct contacts with churches MOSCOW STATE INSTITUTE OF INTER- Protestant Churches and communities and for a more concrete guidance. "The fact NATIONAL RELATIONS (MGIMO Universi- the need for them to oppose terrorism and that the priests have sometimes never even ty). extremism together and to give a common met the bishop who in turn was not aware In his address to the faculty and stu- response to such challenges of today as of the daily life of the parishes has often dents, Metropolitan Hilarion spoke about secularism and the liberalization of Chris- been a problem," Andrei from the parish the history of the DECR, stressing that tian teaching in some Protestant countries. of the Assumption in Angarsk , in the Ir- ‘the subject matter of the department and The time when the DECR was kutsk region, told The Moscow Times. that of the work you are to carry out over- chaired by Metropolitan Kirill of Smo- For some, the opening of new dioces- lap. Therefore, there are a lot of common lensk and Kaliningrad, now Patriarch of

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 7.

Moscow and All Russia, was a special N 12 OCTOBER 2011, HIS BEATI- cal Academy and Seminary, and blessed period in its history, as he directed the TUDE PATRIARCH DANIEL OF by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Ro- department in the difficult years of pere- O ROMANIA RECEIVED IN AN AUDI- mania and His Beatitude Metropolitan stroika. At that time the primary task of ENCE AT THE PATRIARCHAL RESIDENCE, Vladimir of Kiev and All Ukraine, the the DECR was to build relations with the CARDINAL GIANFRANCO RAVASI, delegation included Ass. Prof. V. Burega, state power. Metropolitan Kirill directed PRESIDENT OF THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL pro-rector for theological studies, Arch- the work on the Basic Social Concept FOR CULTURE, WHO WAS PAYING A VISIT priest Vladimir Kotsaba, secretary of the which was presented to the Jubilee Bish- TO ROMANIA. His Excellency Francisco- academic council, and the academy’s lec- ops’ Council in 2000. The document sets Javier Lozano, Apostolic Nuncio in Ro- turers. forth the basic teaching on church-state mania and Republic of Moldova and Mr. In the evening of October 24, His relations and other problems of social Bogdan Tataru-Cazaban, Romanian Am- Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania importance today. bassador to the Vatican, were also present. received the delegation at his residence in In conclusion of the meeting, Metro- Cardinal Ravasi thanked the Patriarch Bucharest. Welcoming the guests, he politan Hilarion gave to the MGIMO li- for the reception and proposed that the asked that his gratitude be conveyed to brary a copy of the book published on the Romanian Patriarchate collaborate in Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev and All occasion of the 65th anniversary of the some cultural projects of the Pontifical Ukraine for his help in arranging the visit Moscow Patriarchate’s department for Council for Culture in the coming years, and pointed out the long history of rela- external church relations. – Press Release, out of which we mention: tions between Romania and the Kiev The- Moscow Patriarchate, Oct. 25. - Organizing together with some pub- ological Academy. Theological education lic state institutions from Romania and was initiated in Kiev by St. Peter Moghila, HE FIRST JOINT SESSION OF THE Italy in 2012 –declared in Italy as the who came from the family of rulers of COMMITTEES SET UP BY THE SYNOD Year of Romanian Culture – some exhibi- Wallachia, an historical region in southern T OF THE UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX tions of Byzantine art and concerts of Romania, and Moldova. Among the grad- CHURCH-KYIVAN PATRIARCHATE (UOC- Romanian Orthodox religious music, as uates of the Kiev school was St. Paisius KP) AND THE HIERARCHICAL COUNCIL OF well as some other events of Romanian Velichkovsky, who greatly influenced the THE UKRAINIAN AUTOCEPHALOUS contemporary art and culture; regeneration of old monastic traditions in ORTHODOX CHURCH (UAOC) TO - Organizing anniversary manifesta- Greece, Wallachia, Moldova, Ukraine and CONDUCT A DIALOGUE ON UNIFICATION tions in Rome and Milan in 2013, when it Russia. The Kiev Academy also issued WAS HELD ON OCTOBER 27, in a session is 1700 years since the Edict of Milan of some prominent hierarchs of the Romani- hall within the Golden Dome Monastery Emperor Saint Constantine the Great (313 an Orthodox Church. Patriarch Daniel of St. Michael. – 2013); expressed satisfaction with the plan to According to a report of the press - Organizing during the coming years develop cooperation between the Kiev service of the Kyivan Patriarchate, at the an international inter-disciplinary Con- Theological Academy and the University first session, the participants exchanged gress on the theme Theology, Science and of Bucharest Faculty of Orthodox Theolo- ideas on a wide range of questions on the Philosophy gy and wished the guests success in train- history and present state of Ukrainian Or- - Organizing an international sympo- ing pastors for the Church of Christ. thodoxy and discussed various proposals sium on the theme Arts and Faith In his response, Archbishop Anthony as to possible ways of unifying the UOC- The Patriarch of Romania appreciated thanked His Beatitude for the invitation to KP with the UAOC. A list of proposals the proposals of collaboration and men- visit Romania. Speaking about the life of was prepared to be included in the final tioned that the Standing meeting of the the Kiev theological schools today, he document of the session. Church National Council has recently emphasized that theological schools of all In the afternoon, the second session decided to propose the Holy Synod to the Local Orthodox Churches should seek was held where the hierarchs of the two proclaim the year 2013 as Homage year of today to maintain cooperation so that the churches considered and passed the text of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Hel- unity of Universal Orthodoxy may be con- the final document. The 10 paragraphs of en. His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel also solidated and common answers to today’s the document present both the agreed gen- proposed some pilgrimages in the foot- challenges may be sought. – Press Re- eral vision of the unification process and steps of the Holy Emperors Constantine lease, Romanian Patriarchate, Oct. 26. concrete proposals as to overcoming the and Helen to Rome, Jerusalem and Con- existing church divide. stantinople. HESE ARE EXCERPTS FROM AN Upon approval of the document by During the meeting, a possible pasto- ARTICLE BY PATRIARCH DANIEL OF the primates of the churches, it is to be ral visit of the Patriarch of Romania to T ROMANIA THAT WAS PUBLISHED IN submitted to be considered by the two Italy was also discussed (2013). – Press PNEUMATIKI DIAKONIA OF THE METRO- churches, particularly, through discussion Release, Romanian Patriarchate, Oct. 12. POLITANATE OF KONSTANTIA AND AMMO- at the eparchial sessions. The next joint CHOSTOS, CHURCH OF CYPRUS, on the session of the committees is to be held DELEGATION OF THE KIEV THEO- occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the according to the results of the considera- LOGICAL SCHOOLS ARRIVED IN Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s tion and discussion. A ROMANIA ON OCTOBER 24, 2011, Election (22 October 1991) and of his The final document was signed by all AT THE INVITATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF Enthronement (2 November 1991): the participants of the session. – RISU¸ BUCHAREST’S FACULTY OF ORTHODOX During his numerous visits to Roma- Oct. 31. THEOLOGY. Led by Archbishop Anthony nia, the main co-ordinates that His Holi- of Borispol, rector of the Kiev Theologi- ness Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch,

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 8. focused on, have defined the view of the ly relied on the aid given by the princes of God to bestow His rich gifts upon His Ecumenical Patriarchate concerning the Wallachia and Moldova who have always Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholo- mission of Orthodoxy in the contemporary helped their “Suffering Mother.” In this mew, now, at the anniversary of 50 years context, the importance of the relations sense, His Holiness pointed out the fol- of his Church service and 20 years of pas- with the Romanian Orthodox Church, as lowing: “History shows us that, in the 17th toral service of the Archdiocese of Con- well as the need for a practical approach century, the Romanian rulers, the only stantinople and of the Ecumenical Patriar- to the inter-Orthodox relations. While Christian princes in the Ottoman Empire, chate, having been, at the same time, a evaluating the first visit that His Holiness had their throne in the Patriarchal Cathe- diligent missionary promoting the con- paid to Romania, we underlined the fact dral in Constantinople just in front of the temporary Orthodoxy in a world increas- that it had a profound ecclesiological and Patriarchal throne, namely where the ingly secularized and in turmoil. theological content, which pointed out, on throne of the Byzantine emperors once May Christ, our Lord, “the High the one hand, the place and role of the stood.” (Bucharest, 18 August 1993). […] Priest” give him many good years of life! Ecumenical Patriarchate in Orthodoxy The brotherly relations between the † DANIEL, Patriarch of Romania and, on the other hand, the Orthodox unity Romanian Patriarchate and the Ecumeni- Website of the Romanian Patriar- between freedom and responsibility, cal Patriarchate developed also in the pe- chate, Oct. 26. which does not ignore the national identity riod after our enthronement as Patriarch of and freedom (Mother and Sister Church), Romania (30 September 2007), through HE SOLEMN WORKING SESSION OF as well as the Orthodox solidarity and the continuation of the work of our prede- THE HOLY SYNOD OF THE inter-aid that must be manifested to a cessors, as we expressed, on various occa- T ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH greater extent. sions, our esteem both for the love and WAS HELD IN PATRIARCH TEOCTIST AULA As regards the relations between the friendship that His Holiness constantly MAGNA, CHAIRED BY HIS BEATITUDE Romanian Patriarchate and the Ecumeni- shows towards our Church and to the Ro- DANIEL, PATRIARCH OF THE ROMANIAN cal Patriarchate, the period of pastoral manian people, and for the wisdom and ORTHODOX CHURCH. The guests to this service of our predecessor, Patriarch Te- dynamism that he shows in witnessing solemn event were: His Beatitude The- octist of happy memory, was one of the Orthodoxy in Constantinople and in other odoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexan- richest. The frequency of the meetings great cities of the world: “During the offi- dria and All Africa, His Eminence Geor- between the Primates and representatives cial visits to Romania, you had the oppor- gios, Metropolitan of Accra, and His Em- of the two Churches was unprecedented, tunity to notice personally the apprecia- inence Chrisostom, Metropolitan of Pa- bringing a new inspiration in the centuries tion the Romanian Orthodox clergy and tras. In addition to the hierarchs, also pre- old relations between the two Sister Or- faithful feel for you as the first among the sent were members of the Holy Synod of thodox Churches. There are, certainly, Orthodox Patriarchs, as well as for the the Romanian Orthodox Church, members objective explanations for that, besides the traditional relations cultivated between the of the Standing meetings of the Church personal factor. One of the main objective Romanian Orthodox Church and the Ecu- National Council and the Archdiocese of elements is the fall of Communism and the menical Patriarchate.” Bucharest, members of the teaching staff, release of the Romanian Orthodox Church In his turn, His Holiness confessed archpriests, priests of Bucharest and from the pressure and control of the athe- several times how much he appreciates the neighborhood, monks, theological stu- ist totalitarian state, which created a effer- Romanian Orthodox Church and the faith- dents and pupils of the Seminaries. vescence in the manifestation of faith, fulness of the hierarchs, clergy and believ- The Primate of the Romanian Ortho- stemming from the feeling of the freedom ers for the preservation of the Orthodox dox Church opened the meeting and de- re-gained and of the responsibility as- faith throughout the centuries. In this livered a speech in which he spoke, sumed. sense, the Ecumenical Patriarch affirmed, among other things, about the significance Patriarch Bartholomew has greatly on the occasion of his participation in the of the Sacraments of the Holy Baptism contributed to this dynamics of the rela- festivities occasioned by the anniversary and of the Holy Matrimony in the life of tions between the Ecumenical Patriarchate of 125 years of autocephaly and 85 years the Christian family. and the Romanian Patriarchate. Once of Patriarchate of the Romanian Orthodox Further on, His Beatitude Theodoros elected on the 22nd of October 1991 and Church, on 27 October 2010, at the pa- II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and enthroned on the 2nd of November 1991, tronal feast of the Patriarchal Cathedral in All Africa delivered a speech on the occa- His Holiness imprinted a new style of Bucharest: “The fact that we lost count of sion of this solemn meeting of the Holy presence and activity at the Ecumenical our visits to Romania in our capacity as Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church Throne in the field of inter-Orthodox rela- Ecumenical Patriarch gives testimony to in which he spoke, among other things, tions, animated by enthusiasm, by his sol- this love […] (We thank God) that He about the relations of co-operation and id theological education, with a wide vi- gave us, several times, the opportunity to reciprocity between the two sister Ortho- sion and rich experience in inter-Christian come here, in order to live together the joy dox Churches, emphasizing the responsi- and interreligious relations. He has always of the communion in the same Holy Spirit, bility to strengthen this relationship. considered himself a good friend of the to liturgically affirm, in the Eucharist, the During this meeting, the Patriarch of Romanian Orthodox Church and, thus, of fact that there is an indestructible relation- Alexandria awarded the Patriarch of Ro- the entire Romanian people. As His Holi- ship in the Lord, between the two Church- mania the highest distinction within the ness confessed, during the centuries of es, between their Primates and hierarchy.” Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Order of terrible poverty the Ecumenical Patriar- It is in the light of this fraternal com- the Cross of Saint Mark the Apostle in chate passed through, the “Christ’s munion and pastoral co-responsibility for Great Cross Degree. Church of the poor” has almost exclusive- the good of all of Orthodoxy that we pray His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 9. thanked him for the honor, which honors ian Orthodox Church to the nation. onymos told a session of the Holy Synod. also the Romanian Orthodox Church. It Simmering tensions escalated last Condemning “a string of attacks and constitutes “a sign of the progress that Saturday after a 19-year-old ethnic Bul- insults” against the Church for ostensibly must be made in the near future in our garian resident of Katunitsa was run down failing to lighten the state’s load at such a brotherly relations and of an intensifica- and killed by a van driven by Roma. critical time, Ieronymos presented figures tion of the mission in today’s world,” His This led to a string of protests across for 2010 that suggest the Church is not Beatitude said. the country, some of them violent and making as much money as some claim. Then, His Grace Ciprian Campinean- carrying racist overtones. The Church’s income for 2010 was ul, Assistant Bishop to the Patriarch, read "The Bulgarian people is wise and 10 million euros, 9.1 million euros from the synthesis dedicated to the Homage should not let tensions escalate to hatred, leasing property, he said. Its expenses Year of the Holy Baptism and of the Holy something that the Bulgarian Orthodox meanwhile, chiefly subsidies for church Matrimony, a synthesis that comprises Church will make all efforts to assist," organizations, churches and monasteries, estimations of the most important manifes- reads the position of the clerics. came to 16.5 million euros, he said. – tations with religious, cultural and media "At the same time, the scale of the KED, Oct. 4. character organized this year in the epar- events is a manifestation of an immense chies of the Romanian Patriarchate in the accumulation of regrettable anger and HE HOLY SYNOD OF THE CHURCH country and abroad. hatred. This happens every time that God's OF GREECE SENT THE FOLLOWING “Today’s solemn working session of desire for justice on earth is neglected," T LETTER TO MR JOSE MANUEL the Holy Synod of the Romanian Ortho- stated Bishop Nikolay. DURAO BARROSO, THE PRESIDENT OF THE dox Church crowns the entire activity of The Orthodox Church strongly calls EUROPEAN COMMISSION, ON OCTOBER 13: the hierarchs, clergy, teaching staff, for the reinstatement of what it sees as the “Love one another with mutual affec- monks, and of so many employees of the two foundational principles of society - tion; anticipate one another in showing Church or of the institutions of theological justice and solidarity - and states that their honor.” (Romans 12:10) education and research designed to deep- deficiency in Bulgaria can lead to a total Your Excellency Mr President, en the importance and topicality of the erosion of life in the country. – Sofia We communicate with you today, teaching of the faith concerning the Sac- News Agency, Oct. 2. within the framework of the “open, trans- raments of Holy Baptism and Holy Mat- parent and regular dialogue” that is stipu- rimony, as well as the importance of these COUPLE OF HUNDRED BULGARI- lated in Article 17 of the Lisbon Treaty, two Sacraments for the life of the faith- ANS FLOCKED TO A SOLEMN which, within the context of democratic ful,” reads the report presented by His A EUCHARIST IN THE ST. MARINA development, enables the Churches to Grace Ciprian Campineanul, Assistant CATHEDRAL IN PLOVDIV TO MARK THE articulate their discourse on subjects con- Bishop to the Patriarch. 97TH BIRTHDAY OF PATRIARCH MAXIM cerning European citizens. Besides, de- Then the documentary, “Family in the SATURDAY. The head of the Bulgarian mocracy is not appreciated only in the Focus of the Church” by Trinitas Televi- Orthodox Church celebrated his birthday freedom and movement of political ideas sion station was presented, as well as a in Plovdiv at the invitation of Plovdiv but also in the dialogue between cultures, few new titles published by the Romanian mitropolitan bishop Nikolay. social strata and groups. Patriarchate and the publishing house of Before coming to the city, the Patri- Throughout the history of the entire the Archdiocese of Bucharest. arch held a solemn service in the Bachko- human race, Europe, and in particular the The book Orthodox Theology in the vo Monastery, located in the Rhodope European Union of the 27 member states, 20th Century, coordinated by Rev. Prof. Mountains south of Plovdiv. soon to be 28 with the integration of Croa- Viorel Ionita, was presented by Rev. Prof. Maxim was born October 29, 1914 in tia, was a source of inspiration by its spir- Lect. Daniel Benga, deputy dean of the the village of Oreshak, near Troyan in itual forces, putting forward an invaluable Faculty of Orthodox Theology of Bucha- central northern Bulgaria as Marin social model of worldwide caliber for the rest, and the book Saint Andre the Apos- Naydenov Minkov. coexistence of peoples. Today, however, tle, Protector of Romania, Beginner of He was chosen Patriarch by the Holy the modern European civilization is going Baptism with the Romanian People was Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church through a new crisis, which we may call a presented by Rev. Nicolae Cristian Cada, on July 4, 1971. crisis of reliability of politics and of polit- Cultural counselor to the Archdiocese of This year marked the 40th anniver- ical persons, a crisis of confidence on the Bucharest. – Press Release, Romanian sary of his enthronement as Patriarch. – part of citizens vis-à-vis institutions, and Patriarchate, Oct. 28. Sofia News Agency, Oct. 29. indeed European institutions. The causes reported are numerous, ranging from the ULGARIAN ORTHODOX METROPOLI- RCHBISHOP IERONYMOS OF erosion of the family and of individual TAN ARCHBISHOP OF PLOVDIV ATHENS INSISTED ON OCTOBER 4 rights, and consumerism, to economic B NIKOLAY IS HOLDING A SERVICE A THAT THERE WOULD BE NO liberalism and income inequality. SUNDAY IN THE VILLAGE OF KATUNITSA CHANGE IN THE SOURCE OF PAYMENT OF As a matter of fact, it should not es- NEAR PLOVDIV, THE SITE THAT HAS THE COUNTRY’S PRIESTS, THEREBY RE- cape our attention that the Greek people SPARKED A WEEK OF ETHNIC UNREST IN BUFFING REPORTS that the Church will be but also many other European citizens BULGARIA. obliged to cover a section of clerics’ wag- turn with great anxiety to governments In the solemn Mass commemorating es. and to Church leaders, acknowledging the victims of the violence, Bishop Niko- “The salary of clerics has traditionally that, to the extent to which it falls upon us, lay also read out an address of the Bulgar- been the obligation of the state,” Ier- we too bear responsibility for the current

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 10. crisis. Lack of transparency, easy profit, citizen in particular, cannot be seen by the persons and of solidarity, as these are set disregard for institutions, hubris and dis- managers of the economic crisis as an out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights respect for the state and for the law, in- accounting figure. It would be a scandal if of the European Union, and more specifi- considerate revendications, have now sad- European leaders did not take the cries of cally in its Chapter “On Solidarity” (Arti- ly become part of today’s society. simple citizens into account and if these cles 27-38 of the Lisbon Treaty). We The Orthodox Church of Greece has very citizens of Europe were threatened would like an education that will help us been keeping a watchful eye on these like expendable products. The result of all achieve the shift from the imprudent global developments. We turn our atten- this is the increase of agony, of despair, of “nouveau-riche” mentality to a decent tion and our thought to today’s crisis, in the shrinking of national sovereignty, of austerity and to contentment with little; to the awareness that no worship gathering the splitting of the family, of the complete the adoption of a new economic anthro- or religious community can exist if it does isolation of the most vulnerable social pology which will not be founded upon not minister to man above all, this image groups (the disabled, immigrants, senior consumption but upon the Christian prin- of God, irrespective of gender, age, reli- citizens, etc.), the spread of fear and even- ciple of “nothing needful,” in a society gion, nationality or any other particularity tually the creation of a society with no that will be based not upon competition within the multicultural environment of moral rules. As a Church, we cannot ac- and rivalry but upon the coexistence of Europe par excellence, where “there is cept this social model. We cannot accept citizens of Europe. We would like our neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither the alteration of our European acquis by common home of Europe to be more like bond nor free, there is neither male nor the adoption of the rules of impersonal a family which understands the difficulties female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” financial markets and credit rating agen- of its members and does not sentence (Galatians 3:28). Christianity, like any cies. This situation is leading us to the them to isolation (“a new commandment I other religious community, cannot turn a utter shattering of social cohesion by ex- give unto you, That ye love one another; blind eye to the huge problems of the cluding any form of convergence towards as I have loved you, that ye also love one whole of mankind, which are not solely the European vision of our founding fa- another,” John 13:34). In this endeavor financial or political, but first and fore- thers. you will find us by your side. Both in the most of ethical nature, because of the mul- Your Excellency Mr President, recent past and today the Church of tiple ethical dilemmas constantly raised by In your recent annual State of the Greece has contributed through many ef- the complexity of today’s economic state Union Address before the European Par- forts to the success of the European vi- of affairs worldwide. And by using the liament (Strasbourg, 28.09.2011) you em- sion. Our presence in Brussels through our term “ethical” we have specifically in phasized the fact that Europe can have a Representation confirms our will to perse- mind the right of every European citizen future if we rebuild confidence, stability, vere with these efforts. to work and to honest human activity, growth and political willingness. We Mr President, respect for the human person, the im- agree with you. However, something more All the above is not merely a cry of portance of interpersonal relationships, is needed. An insight deep into our spir- denunciation serving only temporary det- responsibility towards others, and the itual heritage is indispensable (“Therefore, onation but at the same time intensifying course of the entire European society. brethren, stand fast, and hold the tradi- polarization and division. It is the expres- The Greek people is a proud people tions which ye have been taught, whether sion of our personal anxieties and, we which has greatly contributed to European by word, or by our epistle,” 2 Thessaloni- believe, of the anxieties of all citizens of progress. Today it is put to sacrifices; its ans 2:15), so that a new prioritization of Europe. The unity of Europe is the desid- history is put in doubt; its partners reserve values may arise, with the aim of stressing eratum. We do not wish simply to cure or themselves against Greece and the Greek the need for solidarity, non-abandonment even merely to prevent any conceivable people itself. It is difficult to grasp the of the European vision and the imperative violent developments in European socie- intensity of the feeling of drowning that to turn the economic Union to an unal- ties, but mainly to help check human dis- has taken over the majority of our fellow loyedly political one. Today’s questions respect and the absurdity of a new social citizens. Indeed, who could have imagined should be focused on the inner and outer model which has nothing in common with that the great Greek people, who contrib- solidarity of the European Union. Only in the history of Europe. The crisis threaten- uted its civilization to the evolution of this manner is it possible to overcome the ing entire mankind necessitates a lucid Europe, would today be defamed the existing cultural differences and to create diagnosis. The cure of this unprecedented world over? a common space of confidence and soli- crisis which we are living today requires Faced with the economic crisis our darity, so that “bear ye one another's bur- not only a systematic approach with social Church cannot tolerate any kind of de- dens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Ga- sensitivity and a sense of justice and the fault, but primarily does not forgive the latians 6:2). rule of law, but also a reinforcement of default of human values; it cannot accept We are aware of the sensitivity of the ethical antibodies so that the results of the any kind of bankruptcy, but primarily European Commission to education is- cure may not be merely temporary. We cannot remain blind to the bankruptcy of sues, reflected in the substantial increases believe that this crisis may constitute the human dignity. The very statutory docu- of the respective Budget funds for 2014- dawn of a better and more humane Eu- ments of the Union stress the fact that “the 2020. We believe that all European insti- rope, which will not deal exclusively with Union is founded on the values of respect tutions would do well to turn to the educa- budget figures and bonds, but will respect for human dignity…” (Article 2 of the tion of European citizens and indeed of human values, for which both your prede- Lisbon Treaty). Therefore, we cannot the young, by supporting specific projects cessors and you personally have striven hope for a society where social justice aiming at the modification of today’s way (“but he answered and said, It is written, does not prevail. Man, and the European of life and at the creation of a society of Man shall not live by bread alone, but by

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 11. every word that proceedeth out of the N FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011, of shooting at them, shot rubber bullets mouth of God,” Matthew 4:4). – Website ARCHPRIEST ERIC G. TOSI, and tear gas into a crowd of thousands. of the Church of Greece. O SECRETARY OF THE ORTHODOX Demonstrators denied the charges and CHURCH IN AMERICA, ANNOUNCED THAT said the protest was a peaceful one, HE REPERCUSSIONS OF GREECE’S ARCHPRIEST JOHN A. JILLIONS HAS though perhaps others not associated with ECONOMIC CRISIS HAVE HIT THE ACCEPTED THE POSITION OF CHANCELLOR. them had fired at the soldiers. T FINANCES OF THE ORTHODOX Selected from a slate of several appli- Addressing the nation on state televi- CHURCH TOO, ACCORDING TO THE HOLY cants, Father John was confirmed by the sion today, Egyptian Prime Minister Es- SYNOD, which said that its budget deficit Holy Synod of Bishops upon the recom- sam Sharaf said the clashes between army for the first eight months of 2011 was mendation of the Metropolitan Council at forces and Coptic Christian protesters had 767,240 euros. their fall sessions. brought the country back to the kind of According to a statement published A life-long member of the Orthodox violence seen at the onset of the revolu- on the archbishopric’s official website, a Church in America, Father John was born tion. "Instead of going forward, we found sharp reduction in the purchase of candles in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1955. He ourselves scrambling for security," said by churchgoers and an increase in the cost holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Eco- Sharaf. of maintaining the Church’s charity work nomics from McGill University. Despite scenes of unity during the had contributed to widening the deficit. – Since 2003, Father John served as an revolution, when Muslims joined Chris- KED, Oct. 21. Associate Professor with the Sheptytsky tians in protests against continuing sec- Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at tarian violence and Christians were seen T THEIR OPENING SESSION AT SAINT Saint Paul University, Ottawa, where he protecting Muslims during their prayers at SERGIUS OF RADONEZH CHAPEL IN taught in the areas of 20th century Ortho- Tahrir Square, attacks against Christian A SYOSSET, NY, ON TUESDAY MOR- dox Christian thought, New Testament, targets have continued. Prior to the recent NING, OCTOBER 4, 2011, THE MEMBERS OF ecumenism, and practical theology. Con- attack, some 24 people had been killed, THE HOLY SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE currently, he served as Dean of Ottawa’s 200 injured, and three churches attacked ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA ELECTED Annunciation Cathedral until 2009, at during the first five months of the post- ARCHIMANDRITE ALEXANDER [GOLITZIN] which time he was attached to the cathe- Mubarak regime. TO THE VACANT SEE OF TOLEDO AND THE dral while serving “on loan” to the Greek Christians say they fear growing con- BULGARIAN DIOCESE. Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, servic- trol by conservative Islamic groups. The Archimandrite Alexander was nomi- ing a small community in Brockville, On- second article of the Egyptian constitution nated for the vacant see at the diocese’s tario. He also has been a contributor to declares Shari'a, or Islamic religious law, Fifth Congress-Sobor held in Toledo, OH the “Ask the Religion Experts” column of as the law of Egypt, leaving Christians on Saturday, June 9, 2011. The Ottawa Citizen and most recently has fearful of their future place in the country A native of Saint Innocent Church, served as one of the vice-presidents of the if that provision is enforced. – Judith Tarzana, CA, Archimandrite Alexander Canadian Council of Churches. Sudilovsky for ENI, Oct. 10. received a BA in English from the Univer- He and his wife, Denise Melligon, sity of California at Berkeley and an M. have three grown sons — Andrew (mar- HE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES Div. from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary. He ried to Alice), Alex (married to Meaghan), (WCC) SUPPORTS EGYPTIAN spent seven years pursuing doctoral stud- and Anthony. – OCA Press Release, Oct. T CHRISTIANS IN THEIR QUEST FOR ies at Oxford University in England under 23. JUSTICE, REJECTION OF VIOLENCE AND His Eminence, Metropolitan Kallistos INITIATIVES FOR DIALOGUE IN THE WAKE [Ware]. During this time, he also spent The Oriental Orthodox Churches OF 9 OCTOBER CLASHES BETWEEN two years in Greece, including one year at PEACEFUL PROTESTORS AND THE ARMY IN Simonos Petras Monastery on Mount S EGYPT APPROACHES THE CAIRO WHICH RESULTED IN 25 PEOPLE Athos. ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROTEST DEAD, MOSTLY COPTIC CHRISTIANS, while After receiving his D.Phil. in 1980, A MOVEMENT THAT OVERTHREW the country was preparing to return to he returned to the US, where he was or- FORMER PRESIDENT HOSNI MUBARAK, THE democracy. dained to the diaconate in January 1982 COUNTRY STILL FINDS ITSELF TORN BY Egypt’s Christians make up about 10 and to the priesthood two years later. In SECTARIAN VIOLENCE. percent of the population and mainly con- 1986, he was tonsured to monastic orders. On 9 October, a demonstration in sist of Coptic Orthodox as well as Presby- He served OCA missions in northern Cali- Cairo protesting an attack against a Coptic terian, Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Greek fornia and headed the Diocese of the church in the Aswan province last week Catholic, Armenian Orthodox and Arme- West’s mission committee. In 1989, he erupted into the worst violence since Mu- nian Catholic churches. took a teaching position at Milwaukee’s barak's ouster in February. Between 17 Christians in Egypt have remained Marquette University in the Theology and 24 people were killed and between vulnerable to the threat of religious ex- Department, a position that he holds to- 180 and 200 people were wounded. tremism for some time, and their concerns day. Coptic Christians, who comprise have emerged crucially during the recent The Bulgarian Diocese includes 19 about 10 percent of Egypt's 80 million changing political landscape of Egypt. parishes and missions and one monastery. people, blamed the church attack on Mus- They are now asserting themselves in – OCA Press Release, Oct. 4. lim radicals. condemning violence as witnessed on 9 According to media reports, Egyptian October, and in the burning of churches troops, which accused the Cairo protestors like the Church of Al-Marinab and Edfu-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 12.

Aswan this year. resentatives of Sister Churches serve as a During the meeting there was a re- A recent statement issued by the good opportunity to learn more about the flection on the important role of the Co- Protestant Church in Egypt says, “Church- Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, our Chairs of the Minsk Group and involve- es reject acts of violence in Egypt during faithful and the national-spiritual values ment of their respective governments, this time of socio-political transitions. We created by the nation through the centu- directed towards the peaceful resolution of therefore appeal to all those within the ries. the Nagorno Kharabagh conflict and es- nation to stand together side-by-side in There was also a reflection on the tablishment of stable relations in the re- order to confront these incidents. We call close and fraternal relations between the gion. His Holiness also reflected on the on all Egyptians to reject the use of vio- two Churches, particularly on the level of efforts of the regional Spiritual Leaders lence and, in doing so, work together to cooperation that has developed between directed at the development of peace and create a unified legislation to allow for the two spiritual educational institutions. cooperation. building places of worship for all.” The Armenian Pontiff reflected with satis- The Ambassador was presented with “Thus,” the statement continued, “as faction on the memorandum of coopera- the activities of the Holy Armenian Apos- Egyptians – both Muslim and Christians tion signed between the Gevorkian Theo- tolic Church in various spheres of life and alike – we must call for the immediate logical Seminary of the Mother See of the challenges facing the Armenian investigation of the events of 9 October, Holy Etchmiadzin and the Orthodox Church. with emphasis on bringing accountability Academy of Saint Petersburg of the Rus- The newly appointed Ambassador to the doors of those responsible for the sian Orthodox Church. His Holiness also expressed his joy for his visit to the Moth- violence which, tragically, left many discussed one of the current challenges er See and congratulated the Armenian dead.” facing the Armenian Church – the prepa- Pontiff on the occasion of his 60th birth- Similarly the Coptic Evangelical Or- ration of the clergy. The Armenian Pontiff day and 12th anniversary of enthrone- ganization for Social Service joined hands also stated that during his reign over three ment. with civil society actors including writers, hundred clergymen have been ordained Present for the meeting were His Em- academics, religious leaders, youth and and called to serve in various departments inence Archbishop Khajag Parsamian, media professionals to condemn the vio- and dioceses of the Armenian Church. He Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Ar- lence. A joint statement at the end of a also noted that there was still much more menian Church of America, His Eminence symposium on “Together against sectarian work to be completed, expressing his hope Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of tension” stated: that the three educational institutions in the Western Diocese of the Armenian “We appeal to all Egyptians to call Armenia – the Gevorkian Theological Church of America and His Eminence for an end to violence. We must act now, Seminary, Vaskenian Academy at Lake Archbishop Vicken Aikazian, Ecumenical collectively, to save the future of our great Sevan and the Academy of Harijavank, as officer of the Eastern Diocese of the Ar- nation from the alternative – a divided and well as the candidates with higher educa- menian Church of North America. – Press violent future which reminds us little of tion who take the Accelerated Academic Release, Holy Etchmiadzin, Oct. 31. the Egypt we know and love.” Courses for the Priesthood, would com- The WCC praises the efforts of the plete the ranks of the clergy. Archbishop N WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, A churches in raising their voices for peace Evgeni expressed his appreciation to His GROUP OF FRIENDS AND BENE- and dialogue. Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, Holiness for receiving him, stating his O FACTORS OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN general secretary of the WCC, says, “We intent to cooperate with Gevorkian Theo- GATHERED AT A DINNER HOSTED BY MR. as churches condemn the violence perpe- logical Seminary. – Press Release, Holy AND MRS. NAZAR AND ARTEMIS NAZARI- trated against the Coptic Christians during Etchmiadzin, Oct. 20. AN IN HONOR OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN the unfortunate incidents of 9 October. II'S 60TH BIRTHDAY. We hold the victims in our prayers. It is N OCTOBER 31, IN THE MOTHER The event was held at Manhattan's through the resilience of Egyptians, both SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN, HIS Metropolitan Club and was attended by 60 Christians and Muslims, that the sectarian O HOLINESS KAREKIN II, SUPREME people in an atmosphere of warm friend- strife can be defeated. We stand in soli- PATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF ALL ship and cordiality. darity with the Egyptian churches in these ARMENIANS, RECEIVED MR. JOHN A. Berge Setrakian, President of AGBU, difficult times.” – WCC Press Release, HEFERN, THE NEWLY APPOINTED acting as the master of ceremonies, wel- Oct. 18. AMBASSADOR, EXTRAORDINARY AND comed the guests and congratulated His PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES Holiness on his birthday. N OCTOBER 19, IN THE MOTHER OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF "You are surrounded tonight by great SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN, HIS ARMENIA. friends of the Mother See of Holy Etch- O HOLINESS KAREKIN II, SUPREME Welcoming the Ambassador and con- miadzin and the Catholicos of All Arme- PATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF ALL veying his best wishes for his mission, the nians" he said, and further noted that the ARMENIANS, RECEIVED HIS EMINENCE Armenian Pontiff reflected on the warm AGBU has been a longstanding supporter ARCHBISHOP VEREYSKI EVGENI, RECTOR and close relations between the two coun- of His Holiness' initiatives to further OF THE SPIRITUAL ACADEMY OF MOSCOW tries. His Holiness extended his gratitude strengthen the Armenian Church. of the Russian Orthodox Church and Vic- to the USA authorities for their efforts Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Pri- ar General of the Diocese of Moscow. directed at the resolution of current issues mate of the Diocese of the Armenian During the meeting His Holiness gave in the region and for their unceasing sup- Church of America (Eastern), after thank- his blessings and best wishes to His Emi- port and assistance to the Armenian peo- ing the hosts and congratulating the Ca- nence, stressing that the visits of the rep- ple. tholicos, spoke on the need to develop

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 13. strong spiritual leadership in the Armenian America. N THE MORNING OF SATURDAY, Church—a mission His Holiness has ad- “We inaugurated this pan-Orthodox OCTOBER 15, 2011, HIS HOLINESS vanced throughout his pontificate. He then service 10 years ago, during a time of O CATHOLICOS ARAM I MET WITH announced on that occasion the establish- darkness and uncertainty for this city,” HIS BEATITUDE BECHARA RAI, PATRIARCH ment of the Pontifical Endowment for Archbishop Barsamian said. “But I can OF THE LEBANESE MARONITE CHURCH. Pastoral Development, which will be vividly recall how the mere act of coming His Holiness arrived at Our Lady of chaired by Mr. Setrakian. together on that occasion—of sharing our Lebanon Maronite Church in Los Angeles "From my experience, I can testify hopes and sorrows with each other—had a accompanied by H.E. Archbishop that having a dedicated, well-prepared powerful effect on everyone present. We Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. pastor is key to a flourishing parish emerged strengthened, encouraged, re- Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, and clergy. life...Our parishes flourish, family spiritu- committed to helping our respective peo- They were welcomed by Patriarch Rai, al life flourishes, and our church as a ple through the difficulties of that time.” Bishops of the Maronite Dioceses of Los whole will flourish," said the Primate. Turning to recent violence against Angeles and Brazil, and clergy members. Following the announcement of the Christians in the Middle East, he added: The discussion centered on the cur- establishment of the fund, Mr. Berge “Tonight, we pray for our brothers and rent goings-on in Lebanon, the situation of Setrakian stated that AGBU had decided sisters all over the world, in their hour of Christians in the Middle East, and the to earmark $1 million of its scholarship need. And above all, we pray to our Lord relationship between Churches headquar- programs for this purpose. Jesus Christ, for his strength and guid- tered in the Middle East with their faithful Mr. Setrakian announced that Arch- ance, and for his peace—which our world in the Diaspora. Both spiritual leaders bishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of so desperately needs.” emphasized the importance of unity be- the Diocese of Armenian Church of Amer- The service was led by Archbishop tween Christian Churches and strength- ica (Western), had informed him that a Abuna Zakarias, the head of the Ethiopian ened ties. pledge drive getting underway in that re- Orthodox Tewahedo Church in the eastern His Holiness gave His Beatitude a gion had raised $1 million so far for the and central United States. Other partici- brief synopsis of the lecture he had pre- same purpose. pating church leaders included Archbish- sented a day before at UCLA on the future To conclude the evening, His Holi- op Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Or- of Christianity in the Middle East. Patri- ness Karekin II expressed his deep appre- thodox Church in America; Bishop Savas, arch Rai spoke of the meetings he has had ciation to Mr. and Mrs. Nazarian for host- head of the Greek Orthodox Office of during his visit to the United States, which ing the evening, and addressed the guests Society and Culture; and Bishop Antoun are generally related to Lebanon and the in his usual cordial tone. "Coming here, I Khouri of the Antiochian Orthodox Middle East. feel I am among family," he said. Church. After the hour long meeting, a prayer "I feel blessed and strengthened to The evening’s guest speaker was service was held inside the Cathedral. A know that you have been and continue to Ambassador Tekeda Alemu, the perma- brief interview followed, during which be so supportive of my ministry as Cathol- nent representative of the Federal Demo- both His Holiness and His Beatitude icos of All Armenians, and recognize the cratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United spoke highly of the close relations be- importance of advancing the clergy in our Nations. Dr. Alemu emphasized the im- tween the Armenian and Maronite com- church," His Holiness said. – Press Re- portance of the “collective efforts of the munities and called for more collabora- lease, Eastern Diocese, Oct. 12. United Nations community to fully real- tion. – Press Release, Great House of Ci- ize” global peace and stability, and noted licia, Oct. 17. EMBERS OF THE UNITED the role of churches and other community NATIONS COMMUNITY AND organizations in supporting such efforts. N WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19 , M ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS IN THE Following the ambassador’s remarks, 2011, HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS NEW YORK METRO AREA GATHERED FOR Archbishop Zakarias offered a special O ARAM I LED AN ECUMENICAL THE ANNUAL ORTHODOX PRAYER SERVICE prayer for the Coptic community. At the PRAYER SERVICE, with the participation of AND RECEPTION AT ST. VARTAN ARMEN- conclusion of the service, a reception was spiritual leaders and clergy from the Ar- IAN CATHEDRAL ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER held in the Haik and Alice Kavookjian menian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangel- 18. Auditorium. ical Churches, Coptic, Syriac, and Antio- The evening began with a procession Organized under the auspices of the chian Orthodox Churches, and the Roman of clergy from the cathedral plaza to the Joint Commission of the Standing Confer- Catholic Church. beat of a kebero—a traditional drum used ence of Oriental Orthodox Churches and The prayer service was hosted by the in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Coptic Orthodox Diocese and took place organized this year’s service. In the nar- Bishops in North and Central Americas, at St. Mary and St. Athanasius Church in thex of the cathedral, families and chil- the annual Prayer Service gives Orthodox Northridge. dren welcomed the procession with dance Christians an opportunity to come togeth- With the singing of the "Hrashapar" and song. er for worship and to learn more about hymn, His Holiness entered the Church Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Pri- each other’s culture and heritage by en- accompanied by the clergy. Prayers were mate of the Diocese of the Armenian gaging with representatives from the Unit- then offered by the leaders or clergy of Church of America (Eastern), welcomed ed Nations. – Press Release, Eastern Dio- each Church in their respective languages, guests and reflected on the history of the cese, Oct. 19. followed by readings from the Bible. UN Prayer Service, which was initiated in Remarks were delivered by Bishop the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Serapion, Archbishop Kaplan, and Bishop

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 14.

Zehlaoui, all of whom reflected on the quent sign of the growing understanding unbiased and objective. According to the current situation in the Middle East and and dialogue between Catholic and Or- letter of the UGCC bishops to the presi- specifically on the recent clashes in Egypt, thodox Christians. dent, radical and fundamental changes are and expressed their hope for peace to pre- I pray that it will be a presage of even needed in the field of justice. vail in the region. Bishop Serapion con- greater progress in our efforts to respond The head of UGCC cited the words of veyed the greetings and well wishes of in fidelity, truth and charity to the Lord’s Pope Benedict who once said that a gov- H.H. Pope Shenouda III to His Holiness. calls to unity, stressed the Pontiff. ernment without law is turned into a gang The Prelate spoke of the purpose and According to Tradition, the apostle of robbers. Therefore, as the hierarch significance of the ecumenical gathering, Jason is one of the seventy disciples; he stressed at the press conference, the law and invited His Holiness to deliver his appears in Acts 17, during St. Paul’s should be observed in all things and message. preaching in Thessalonica. He is greatly should work in the state. After greeting the clergy, His Holi- venerated by the Orthodox and Eastern The head of UGCC also stressed that ness commended Bishop Serapion, whom Churches. – Zenit, Oct. 5. it is very important for the church that he has known for many years, speaking Ukraine be a European state. highly of his service in ecumenical affairs HE BISHOPS OF THE UKRAINIAN According to Major Archbishop Svi- from the Middle East to the United States, GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH (UGCC) atoslav, during the synod, the bishops also and expressed his thanks to the Bishop for T STATED THAT THE POLICY OF THE wrote a letter to the Brazilian president hosting the gathering. PRESENT LEADERSHIP OF THE STATE IS and on October 24-25, Viktor Yanu- His Holiness noted that Christian IMPRUDENT AND IRRESPONSIBLE. This kovych is to visit Brazil. – RISU, Oct. 5. Churches were established on the basis of statement was included in a letter to the peace, that peace forms the heart of our leadership of Ukraine passed at the Synod N OCTOBER 6, 2011, HIS BEATI- Churches and the foundation of our mis- of Bishops of the UGCC, which was held TUDE SVIATOSLAV (SHEVCHUK), sion. Christians are disciples of peace and on September 5-11, in Brazil. The letter O HEAD OF THE UGCC, AND THE must remain so, and with their faith, was published today in Kyiv. NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO IN UKRAINE, knowledge, and hope, must preserve their The letter deals with “the state of ARCHBISHOP THOMAS EDWARD GULLICK- identity in the Middle East as they have affairs regarding the socioeconomic poli- SON, MET IN KYIV AT THE APOSTOLIC deep roots in the region and form a part of cy, partiality in justice, oppression of the NUNCIATURE. the region’s rich and ancient culture. Be- Ukrainian language, particularly, narrow- Pope Benedict XVI appointed titular ing a disciple of peace does not mean be- ing of the range of areas of its use, large- Archbishop Thomas Edward Gullickson ing stagnant, it means protecting one’s scale closing of Ukrainian-language the new Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine on rights, assuming responsibility of obliga- schools.” May 21, 2011. The archbishop had been tions, and contributing to the development The bishops of the UGCC stress that Apostolic Nuncio in numerous countries of democracy. His Holiness concluded by in anticipation of the parliamentary elec- in the Caribbean. Archbishop Gullickson calling for strengthening of ecumenical tion in Ukraine, the question of the is the fourth Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine collaboration. Ukrainian language is used as a bargain- in the 19 years of diplomatic relations An exchange of mementos followed, ing chip. The bishops are concerned over between the Holy See and Ukraine. after which His Holiness and clergy were the closing of Ukrainian schools in some On September 23, the new Apostolic hosted to lunch by the Coptic Church. – regions of Ukraine. Nuncio arrived in Ukraine. Archbishop Press Release, Great House of Cilicia, “We believe that it is an irresponsible Thomas Edward Gullickson will perform Oct. 21. policy, which does not serve the Ukrainian his responsibilities after he presents his statehood,” reads the letter. credentials to the President of Ukraine. The Catholic Churches According to the bishops, “The In the first meeting between the church, which includes several millions of UGCC Major Archbishop and the new T THE END OF TODAY’S GENERAL Ukrainians in all the continents of the Apostolic Nuncio, the sides exchanged AUDIENCE, BENEDICT XVI RE- world, is concerned over the fact that the views on the interdenominational situation A CEIVED THE GOLD MEDAL OF THE authorities of the country do not care at all in Ukraine. In addition, the parties dis- APOSTLE JASON OF THESSALONICA FROM about the migrants abroad, who were cussed the state of church-state relations. A DELEGATION OF THE THEOLOGY compelled to work there, and do not assist Major Archbishop Sviatoslav gave DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF in bringing them back.” the new Apostolic Nuncio an icon of THESSALONICA. The address stresses that the state Blessed John Paul II. He also invited The medal was given to him personal- today should set up an effective executive Archbishop Gullickson to visit the broth- ly by the president of the Association of body to conduct the state policy with re- erly meeting of Roman and Greek Catho- Post Graduates and Doctoral Candidates spect to the Ukrainian migrants and de- lic bishops to be held in Lviv-Briukho- of the university, Stefanos Athanasiou, fend their rights. According to the bish- vychi on October 26. – RISU, Oct. 10. and by the secretary-general, Zizis Siskos. ops, new work places should be created to In his greeting to English-speaking allow the people to come back. AM VERY GLAD THAT MEETINGS pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square Another subject of the letter was the ARE HELD BETWEEN THE APOS- this morning, the Holy Father addressed condition of justice in Ukraine. The repre- “I TOLIC SEE AND THE MOSCOW the delegation of the University of Thessa- sentatives of the UGCC call it “distorted” PATRIARCHATE,” SAID THE HEAD OF THE lonica, saying that he felt profoundly hon- and state that under such conditions, one UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH, ored by this kind gesture, which is an elo- can hardly expect the judicial system to be MAJOR ARCHBISHOP SVIATOSLAV, DURING

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 15.

A PRESS CONFERENCE at UNIAN as he "But those reforms have to be execut- transitioning to democracy since the Feb- commented on the meeting between Pope ed or accomplished through dialogue," he ruary ousting of President Hosni Mubarak, Benedict XVI and Metropolitan Hilarion said, expressing a need for a neutral third has been "lacerated by attempts to under- (Alfeyev). The head of the UGCC stressed party "that could unite those who are in mine peaceful coexistence among its that such meetings are very useful: “We conflict," the government and the opposi- communities." will do everything we can not to hinder tion. Safeguarding harmony and coopera- such meetings, but to promote them by all The Patriarch said the West should tion is essential for a future of true democ- means,” stated Major Archbishop Sviato- push for true democratic reforms rather racy, he said. The Pope asked Catholics to slav. than just trying to change political sys- pray that Egypt would "enjoy true peace Talking about the importance of dia- tems, which they believe are dictatorial, based on justice and respect for the free- logue, the head of the UGCC mentioned "into an unknown system where the very dom and dignity of every citizen." his official meeting with the head of the respect of civil rights is absent." "In addition, I support the efforts of Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan "By civil rights, we mean not only the Egyptian civil and religious authorities in Volodymyr (Sabodan), held on August 23, freedom of speech ... but civil rights to favor of a society in which the human 2011, in the Kyiv Cave Monastery. “The implement the religious freedom for all," rights of all -- especially minorities -- are meeting was very beneficial for all of us,” Patriarch Younan said. "That means to respected to the benefit of national unity," said the hierarch. implement a civil society that respects the the Pope said. – Cindy Wooden for CNS, According to the Information De- charter of human rights as already stipu- Oct. 12. partment of the UGCC, it is important that lated by the U.N. in 1948," he added, re- Metropolitan Ilarion also expressed readi- ferring to the Universal Declaration of EMBERS OF THE PERMANENT ness to meet with Archbishop of Kyiv and Human Rights. SYNOD OF THE SYRO-MALABAR Halych. This was mentioned in his inter- The Patriarch said a society that re- M CHURCH, LED BY HIS BEATITUDE view about a possible meeting between spects all is "absolutely vital," and the GEORGE ALENCHERRY, MAJOR ARCH- the Roman Pope and the Patriarch of civilized world should uphold this, not BISHOP OF ERNAKULAM-ANGAMALY OF Moscow published on October 5 in the just take the position that the majority THE SYRO-MALABARS, INDIA, WERE newspaper Izvestiia. “I hope to meet with should rule the country. This is especially RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE BY THE POPE on Major Archbishop Sviatoslav in the near the case if the majority is of the conviction Monday 17 October. This is the speech future,” said Metropolitan Hilarion. The that there is no separation between reli- the Holy Father gave for the occasion: hierarch also expressed hope that with the gion and state, he added. Your Beatitude, appointment of the new head of the "This would surely result in discrimi- I am pleased to greet you and the UGCC, positive changes in the relations nation against those who do not share members of the Permanent Synod of the between the two churches will be made. – their religion," he said. "The church has Syro-Malabar Church who have travelled RISU, Oct. 10. always defended, and it stands for, the to Rome in an expression of communion civil rights of all human beings," Patriarch with the Successor of Peter, and I thank RESSURE BEING PUT ON THE SYRIAN Younan said. you for your kind words on their behalf GOVERNMENT COULD HAVE VERY While it would take time to make the and in your own name. This visit is a sig- P BAD CONSEQUENCES, ESPECIALLY needed reforms in the case of Syria, those nificant one, as it comes not long after FOR CHRISTIANS, WARNED THE PATRIARCH seeking change for the good of their coun- your election as Major Archbishop. By OF THE SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH. try "have to be kind of patient and find a coming here, you provide an eloquent sign Attempts to collapse the government way to make those needed reforms." of the hierarchical communion that you "will very probably lead to chaos," Patri- "However, it doesn't look feasible formally expressed in your recent letter to arch Ignatius Joseph III Younan told that these reforms will come out of vio- me requesting confirmation of your elec- Catholic News Service. "This chaos, sure- lence," he said. – Doreen Abi Raad for tion. ly -- with no means to implement security CNS, Oct. 10. Your predecessor, the late Cardinal -- will lead to civil war," said the Patri- Varkey Vithayathil, has left a legacy upon arch, who stressed that a civil war in Syria ONDEMNING AN ATTACK ON which you and your brother Bishops will would not merely be a struggle among UNARMED CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT, surely wish to build. In this context, I political parties to control the power. "It C POPE BENEDICT XVI SAID THAT would like to recall the example of the will be confessional (religious), and war in DURING THE COUNTRY'S TRANSITION TO two holy patrons of the Syro-Malabar the name of God is far worse than a politi- DEMOCRACY, ALL OF ITS CITIZENS AND Church, Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu cal struggle. And this is what we fear." INSTITUTIONS MUST WORK TO GUARANTEE and Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, Patriarch Younan was one of several THE RIGHTS OF MINORITIES. who were beatified by Blessed John Paul Christian leaders who spoke with Catholic At the end of his weekly general au- II, during his visit to Kerala twenty-five News Service about the situation facing dience Oct. 12, Pope Benedict said he was years ago. Later, the grace fell to me to Syrian Christians, who make up about 10 "profoundly saddened" by the deaths Oct. canonize Saint Alphonsa in 2008. percent of the nation's population. 9 of at least 26 people, mostly Christians, At home, the Syro-Malabar Church in He told CNS that what Syria needs is after peaceful protesters were attacked by Kerala continues to enjoy the respect of a lot of reforms, a multiparty system of gangs, and then a speeding military vehi- the local community for its work in educa- government and freedom of speech. He cle ran into them and officers fired on the tion and for its social and charitable insti- said the church "is all for reforms" and crowd. Hundreds of people were injured. tutions at the service of the whole com- does not support a particular regime. The Pope said Egypt, which has been munity. I know that life for Christians has

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 16. been complicated by sectarian mistrust AMERICAN UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC FAITH- the possibility to have a special care for and even violence, but I would urge you FUL, SVIATOSLAV SHEVCHUK, was elected the Ukrainian Catholics in and outside to continue to work with people of good Major Archbishop of Kiev-Halychna, thus Ukraine. The Church is developing her- will of all religions in the area, in order to taking the helm of the Ukrainian Greek self. We also are focusing on creating new maintain the peace and harmony of the Catholic Church from Cardinal Lubomyr Church structures in central and eastern region, for the good of the Church and Husar, who had already served three years Ukraine, first of all because a lot of our that of all citizens. past normal retirement age. faithful live there, whereas they might not Within the Church itself, there are Register correspondent Matthew A. have lived there in the past. Today, we encouraging signs of vocations to the Rarey spoke with Archbishop Shevchuk have three exarchates in those territories. priesthood and the religious life which during his visit to Chicago last month to Q: There was an influx of seminarians will help you to maintain your pastoral preside at the 50th anniversary celebration in those first exciting years after the outreach. To be kept in mind are the ongo- of the Eparchy of St. Nicholas, a diocese Church emerged from underground. ing challenges in the formation of the of the Ukrainian Church which has juris- Some, however, may have been inspired clergy and religious, in Christian family diction over the entire western United by religious and patriotic ardor rather than life and in the pastoral care of your faith- States, all of the Midwest (except Ohio), a true calling. And, evidently, some men ful. I commend you for your efforts to Alaska and Hawaii. These are excerpts have chosen the priesthood for reasons maintain the strength of your family struc- from the interview: that don’t exist in America: The priest- tures, the quality of Catholic education Q: Especially given your age, one is hood in Ukraine carries social status and and catechesis at every level, and your reminded of two of your 20th-century offers a good income upon which to sup- pastoral work with youth. I also encourage predecessors: Andrei Sheptytsky and Josef port a family in a country whose economy you to continue your good work in foster- Slipyj. Both became head of the Ukrainian is far from stable. (The Ukrainian Church ing vocations among young men and Greek Catholic Church when they were can ordain married men.) What is the sem- women. young, and both led the Church through inarian situation in Ukraine today? In fidelity to the Gospel and to the difficult years: World War II, Soviet oc- A: It’s a very difficult question. Be- grace bestowed upon us by Christ our cupation and Stalin’s brutal clampdown cause when a young man asks to be re- Lord, you and your faithful have flour- on the Church, which was forced to func- ceived into the seminary, it is hard to say ished at home and abroad in union with tion underground as the so-called “Church what kind of motivation he has. But I the universal Church. By fostering your of the Catacombs.” What challenges do would say, as a former seminary rector, own authentic liturgical tradition, your you face, and do they in any way compare that we have very authentic vocations. faithful have been nourished by word and with theirs? Maybe some 2% or 3% leave after the sacrament in accordance with what was A: I think the biggest challenge our first year. Thanks be to God, we have real- handed down to you by your fathers in the Church faces now is her existence as a ly good, authentic vocations among the faith. I am also aware of pastoral initia- global Church. Our center is in Ukraine, overwhelming majority of seminarians. tives in favor of Syro-Malabar Catholics throughout its different parts, but we have Q: Approximately how many Ukrain- scattered throughout the world. As I did eparchies and parishes throughout the ian Catholic priests and seminarians are during your Ad Limina Visit in April, al- world. The challenge is how to be one there in Ukraine? Are there enough to low me again to encourage you in this Church in different countries and cultures: serve the faithful? important task and, especially with regard how to maintain our internal unity and be A: We are experiencing a shortage of to your pastoral outreach to Syro-Malabar pastorally efficient in very different con- priests. Right now, in Ukraine, we have Catholics living beyond your homeland. I texts. The second challenge — or perhaps 2,500 faithful per priest. It’s too much in ask you to do so always mindful of the I should say: main task of each parish — order for a priest to give proper personal essential need for cooperation with Catho- is how to be efficient in proclaiming the care. And we have 2,300 priests serving lic Bishops and pastors of other rites. Good News of Jesus Christ. This is espe- the faithful. Before the Second World Your Beatitude, dear Brother Bish- cially true in Ukraine, a post-communist War and the destruction of our Church, ops, with these few thoughts I commend country. Church life can be very intensive however, we had 3,200 priests. So, 20 you to the intercession of Saint Thomas, in one part of our country and in another years after the liberation of the Church, the great Apostle of India, Saint Alphonsa part completely absent. How to fulfill this we have not achieved pre-persecution and Blessed Kuriakose. I assure you of my important task of preaching the Gospel, levels. affection and prayers and I willingly im- sharing our faith with all those people who Right now in Ukraine, we have five part to you, your clergy and religious and need to be evangelized? — that is a pri- seminaries. Just recently, we opened one all those entrusted to your care, my Apos- mary challenge right now. in Kiev, just beside my residence. In all, tolic Blessing as a pledge of grace and Q: What is the general state of the we have about 600 seminarians. We are peace in the Lord Jesus Christ. – Vatican Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church today? happy about this, but it is still not enough. website, Oct. 17. A: The Church has been experiencing In Ukraine we have nine seminarians per a big explosion ever since the fall of the 100,000 faithful. Compare this with Spain, AST MARCH A BISHOP WHO HAD communists and our Church coming out for example, which has 4.2 per 100,000. NOT YET REACHED HIS 41ST BIRTH- from her underground existence in 1989. So we still have a good number of voca- L DAY WAS APPOINTED HEAD OF THE We are restoring our structures: from par- tions. And a certain percentage of poten- LARGEST EASTERN CHURCH IN COMMUNI- ishes to creating new eparchies. And now tial seminarians are still being turned away ON WITH ROME. ONLY RECENTLY we are creating the Patriarchal structures — not accepted for various reasons. Even APPOINTED A BISHOP TO SERVE THE SOUTH which can provide the head of the Church though we need more vocations, it is not

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 17. possible to receive everybody. communion [i.e., unity in action]. It is A: There is a lot of prejudice among Q: Rome recognizes the head of the very important to distinguish. Orthodox, but also among Catholics: You Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church as a Q: Maybe it is not imminent, but mention only one of them. I think that “major archbishop,” despite granting him would you envision a “unified Church in developing these simple relationships be- all the prerogatives of an Eastern Patriarch Ukraine” as one being in communion with tween the Churches can help overcome as head of a self-governing Church in full Rome? Is that the ultimate goal? these prejudices. communion with Rome. Is this lack of A: Unifying the Church doesn’t mean Q: Prejudices born of history, born of formal titular recognition motivated by uniformity of Church: building a unique …? Rome’s concern not to rile relations with structure under the Pope. It’s not like that. A: Prejudices born of history, born of the Orthodox, especially the Moscow Pa- Christ’s Church is the communion of the communist ideology and the ideology of triarchate? different local Churches. That communion Russia in the time of the czars. It’s some- A: The whole issue of the Patriar- doesn’t mean the dissolution of one thing that came from the past. It has noth- chate is not a political issue, though, very Church inside of another. From our point ing to do with the present. I think we need often, journalists like to speak of it as of view, we need to restore the life of the to liberate ourselves from those prejudices such. It’s an issue of Church life. I would Church of the first millennium of Christi- of the past. like to move this issue from the field of anity: one, holy, catholic and apostolic Q: Is there still the problem of the politics to the field of pastoral care. I Church. Not a uniform, unifying Church, Orthodox refusing to return to Ukrainian would say that I, as the head of the but one in communion with Rome — and Catholics the churches that were put under Ukrainian Catholic Church, have the same also restoring regional ways of being Moscow’s control when Stalin banned the rights as each Eastern Patriarch, but I do Christians. Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in not have the honorific title. I think the Before the division of the Great 1946? Does that continue to be a sticking most important thing is the growth of the Schism in the 11th century, the Church of point in Catholic/Orthodox relations? Ukrainian Church, which definitely is Kiev had double communion — with the A: It’s not a problem, because today growing toward Patriarchal dignity. Right See of Constantinople and the Pope of in western Ukraine we use those churches now we do live in a [de facto] Patriarchal Rome — so it was united with East and which we built, that belong to us. I think Church, however. West. The Church of Kiev, you see, exist- the biggest problem for the Russian Or- Q: Please explain that. ed before that division. So, in order to thodox Church is the fact that many A: Let me explain by giving an ex- restore the communion with the Churches Ukrainians who belonged to it have decid- ample of a Patriarchal Church in action. A in Ukraine, we don’t have to invent some- ed to return to the Ukrainian Greek Catho- few weeks ago we had a Patriarchal sabor thing strange or different, but restore the lic Church. – Matthew A. Rarey for Na- in Brazil: that is, a general assembly of the original unity of the Church of Christ. And tional Catholic Register, Oct. 18. whole Ukrainian Catholic Church, with this process, this ecumenical dialogue representatives of all the eparchies between Catholics and Orthodox: Is it NLESS MIDDLE EASTERN COUN- throughout the world, including monks, easier now when the Patriarch of Moscow TRIES SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FREE- nuns and laymen. Not a synod, which is Kirill? That is hard to say. I would say U DOM AND RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS, would only include all the bishops, but a it is different, because he is a different THE "ARAB SPRING" MOVEMENT WILL Patriarchal gathering of the whole Ukrain- person. But we are trying, first of all, to DEVOLVE INTO AN "ARAB WINTER," SAID ian Catholic Church. This is the sign of an restore this unity of action, not the unity in MARONITE PATRIARCH BECHARA RAI. existing Patriarchal Church. Why? Be- structure. Patriarch Rai said the "Arab spring" cause this sabor gathered people not only Q: Unity of action meaning …? movement holds much promise, but its from Ukraine, but from Ukrainian Catho- A: The common Christian witness of leaders must "adopt a separation between lic communities throughout the world, in traditional values in today’s society. There religion and state." He said such a system order to discuss matters important to the is so much that Orthodox and Catholics exists in his native Lebanon and "respects whole Church, not just the Church within can do together to restore a society so in all religions and all values of each reli- Ukraine. This is the way of existing for a need of Christ. That is why I am speaking gion." Patriarchal Church. mostly about strategic alliance now: "We wish to see freedom practiced in Q: Your predecessor, Cardinal stressing unity of action, not unity of those countries. We wish to see the values Lubomyr Husar, stressed the need for a structure. This very terminology [an Or- of human rights and democracy imple- unified Church in Ukraine, erasing the thodox/Catholic strategic alliance on so- mented," he told a news conference Oct. Orthodox divide. Is that your focus as cial issues] was announced by the Russian 20 at the New York headquarters of the well? And have relations with Russia im- Orthodox Church. I think it can be easily Catholic Near East Welfare Association, a proved under Kirill, the new Patriarch of adopted in Ukraine as well. We have to be pontifical agency that supports the Catho- Moscow? Christian in today’s secularized world. lic Church in the Middle East, North Afri- A: To answer your first question, Orthodox and Catholics, first of all, have ca, India and Eastern Europe. there are two different levels of unity: to be Christian and commonly witness for "It's not easy to talk about democracy unity of action and unity of structure. I Christ and preach the Gospel. in the Western sense in countries that have think the latter is not an imminent goal. Q: Does the Russian Orthodox a theocratic system. Christianity divides Cardinal Husar understands very well that Church continue to view the Ukrainian politics and religion, and we wish Islam we do not presume to create a unified Catholic Church with suspicion: as an arm and other religions to do the same," Patri- structure for all the different Churches in of Rome, reaching in to proselytize Or- arch Rai said. Ukraine. First of all, they want to go to thodox territory? Failure to do so will result in civil

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 18. wars, such as the one in Iraq, he warned, fundamentalism in the world and encour- monies for peace." and will lead to the rise of regimes "that age moderate people to take the lead in Entering the basilica before the Pope, are even more fundamentalist. This is countries of the Middle East. the delegates created an unusually colorful something that will be to the detriment of "The very large part of Islam is mod- congregation: They wore white, black or everybody." erate," he added. crimson robes or business suits; on their Patriarch Rai said conflicts between He said the church does "not side heads were skullcaps, turbans, scarves or Israel and the Arab countries and between with any government or regime," but asks veils. Israel and the Palestinians have had a neg- whoever is in power to respect the rights The Pope condemned the use of reli- ative impact on Christians. of the people and guarantee freedom of gion to excuse violence and the use of "The Arab-Israeli conflict is at the speech, religion and conscience. violence to impose a religion, as well as level of religion and culture. The conflict Patriarch Rai said that in Lebanon, 18 the growing violence resulting from "the between the Palestinians and the Israelis is distinct religious groups live together, loss of humanity" that comes from deny- a conflict (about) a people whose sover- "not in ghettoes." He said Lebanon is a ing the existence of God and of objective eignty, whose land, was taken away, who sign of hope for peoples of the region, and moral standards. were displaced and for 64 years have been "the church in Lebanon is considered a "As a Christian, I want to say at this promised by United Nations resolutions a guarantee for the Christian presence for point: Yes, it is true, in the course of his- right of return, but this has not happened," that part of the world." – Beth Griffin for tory, force has also been used in the name he said. CNS, Oct. 21. of the Christian faith. We acknowledge it "In Lebanon, we have suffered from with great shame," Pope Benedict said. the presence of a half million Palestinian IS BEATITUDE SVIATOSLAV SHEV- Christian leaders, like all religious refugees, and the war in Lebanon in 1975 CHUK, MAJOR ARCHBISHOP OF leaders, he said, must work constantly to started with the Palestinians," he added. H KYIV-HALYC, UKRAINE, WITH THE help their followers purify their faith and He said the conflict led to injustice, CONSENT OF THE PERMANENT SYNOD be "an instrument of God's peace in the oppression and the rise of fundamentalist MEETING IN CURITIBA, BRAZIL, on 10 Sep- world, despite the fallibility of humans." movements in the region. tember, and having informed the Apostol- But a lack of religion is not the an- "The atmosphere that was created by ic See, has accepted the resignation from swer to world peace, he said. those conflicts has impacted the Christian the pastoral care of the eparchy of Sambir- The Nazi death camps clearly proved presence in the Middle East, causing some Drohobych of the Ukrainians, Ukraine, that "the denial of God corrupts man, robs to leave for economic and security rea- presented by Bishop Julian Voronovsky him of his criteria (for judging right and sons," he said. M.S.U. in accordance with canon 210 wrong) and leads him to violence," the Speaking about Israel, Patriarch Rai para. 1 of the Code of Canons of the East- Pope said. said, "In this day and age of globalization, ern Churches. He is succeeded by Coad- On the other hand, he said, many it is strange to see a nation that wants to jutor Bishop Jaroslav Pryriz C.SS.R. – nonbelievers are also "pilgrims of truth, be for one religion or one race because, VIS, Oct. 27. pilgrims of peace." automatically, you are excluding the oth- "These people are seeking the truth, ers." AKING 300 RELIGIOUS LEADERS they are seeking the true God, whose im- "There will be no peace in that part of WITH HIM ON PILGRIMAGE TO ASSISI, age is frequently concealed in the reli- the world until Judaism, Islam and Chris- T POPE BENEDICT XVI SAID PEOPLE gions because of the ways in which they tianity separate church and state," he said. WHO ARE SUSPICIOUS OF RELIGION CANNOT are often practiced. Their inability to find Patriarch Rai said tolerance of Chris- BE BLAMED FOR QUESTIONING GOD'S God is partly the responsibility of believ- tians in the Middle East falls into three EXISTENCE WHEN THEY SEE BELIEVERS USE ers with a limited or even falsified image categories. In some countries, they have RELIGION TO JUSTIFY VIOLENCE. of God," he said. no rights to establish a church or maintain "All their struggling and questioning "They challenge the followers of reli- a presence. In other countries, such as is, in part, an appeal to believers to purify gions not to consider God as their own Egypt, the church exists and Christians their faith so that God, the true God, be- property, as if he belonged to them, in can worship, but religious life is difficult comes accessible," the Pope said Oct. 27 such a way that they feel vindicated in and there are restrictions on construction during an interfaith gathering in the Basil- using force against others," the Pope said. and repair of churches. The third category ica of St. Mary of the Angels. Sitting to the Pope's right were Or- covers places where Christians live freely Marking the 25th anniversary of the thodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholo- and are accepted, but freedom of con- first Assisi interfaith gathering for peace, mew of Constantinople and Anglican science is not respected and people do not hosted by Blessed John Paul II in 1986, Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canter- have the right to change religions. Pope Benedict brought together the reli- bury, and to his left were Rabbi David Patriarch Rai stressed that Christians gious leaders and -- for the first time -- Rosen, representing the chief rabbinate of are not outsiders in the Middle East and four philosophers who describe them- Israel, and Wande Abimbola, president of were established there "and impacted so- selves as humanists or seekers who do not a Nigerian institute that promotes the ciety with their values" 600 years before identify with any single religion. study of the culture and traditional reli- Islam. They have contributed positively to After a train ride of almost two hours gion of the Yoruba people. He chanted a their countries and should not be made from the Vatican, Pope Benedict and his poem, shaking a rattle made of an animal scapegoats in any area. guests arrived in Assisi and were driven to tusk or horn. He said the international community the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels for Eleven of the Pope's guests spoke has a responsibility to limit the spread of the morning gathering focused on "testi- before Pope Benedict did and, after the

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 193, October 31, 2011, page 19. morning session, the Pope invited the del- dox spiritual leader. – Cindy Wooden for violence, discrimination, militant secular- egates to a "frugal lunch" of rice and CNS, Oct. 27. ism, economic instability and fundamen- vegetables, salad, fruit and juice. Patriarch talism. Bartholomew sat on one side of the Pope, The Russian Orthodox Church was while Archbishop Williams sat on the represented by Metropolitan Filaret of other. Thirteen other delegates -- includ- N OCTOBER 27, 2011, A DAY OF Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch for ing Christians, a Muslim, a follower of REFLECTION, DIALOGUE AND All Belarus, Metropolitan Alexander of Tenrikyo, a Buddhist and a nonbeliever -- O PRAYER FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN Astana and All Kazakhstan, Bishop Vla- also were seated at the head table. THE WORLD WAS HELD IN ASSISI, ITALY, dimir of Dneprodzerzhinsk ad Tsaritsyno, During the morning session in the UNDER THE MOTTO ‘PILGRIMS OF TRUTH, Archpriest Dimitry Sizonenko DECR sec- basilica, Patriarch Bartholomew said the PILGRIMS OF PEACE’. retary for inter-Christian relations, Arch- 25 years since the initial Assisi gathering Over 300 representatives of Christian priest Nikolay Danilevich, secretary of the have included the 9/11 terrorist attacks in churches and communities and representa- DECR’s pilgrimage center, Father Antho- the United States and the Arab Spring tives of other religions took part in the ny (Sevryuk), secretary of the Moscow democracy movement, "which has not put meeting to express their solidarity in seek- Patriarchate’s parishes in Italy, Archpriest an end to tensions between communities." ing peaceful co-existence among the civi- Igor Vyzhanov of the church of St. Cathe- "The place of religions in the changes lizations and peoples. rine in Rome, Archpriest Nikolay Kor- under way remains ambiguous," the Patri- There were no common prayers. Brief zhich, secretary of the Minsk diocesan arch said, echoing the concerns of many remarks by participants alternated with administration, Victor Shevtsov, secretary Christians that more radical followers of moments of quiet, music or silent reflec- to the Patriarchal Exarch for All Belarus, Islam may not protect the rights of Chris- tion, in which adherents of atheistic hu- and Deacon Alexy Dikarev of the DECR tian minorities in the countries that have manism also took part. secretariat for inter-Christian relations. – thrown off dictatorships. The dialogue focused on challenges Press Release, Moscow Patriarchate, Oct. "We must oppose the deformation of of today’s world, the need for people of 28. the message and symbols of religion by good will to unite their efforts in opposing perpetrators of violence," said the Ortho- the destructive impact of various forms of

Catholic News Service Stories © 2011. 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. 193, October 31, 2011, page 20.