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Home , Borys Gudziak, John Michael Botean, Major archbishop, Marian Buczek, Nicholas Samra, Roger Etchegaray

SEIA NEWSLETTER On the Eastern Churches and ______Number 189: June 30, 2011 Washington, DC

The Eastern Orthodox Churches FROM THE 21ST TO THE 23RD OF JUNE, cerns. 2011, PRESIDED BY HIS BEATITUDE PATRI- The fathers saw that the service of the ARCH IGNATIUS IV (HAZIM) with the at- Church in all its aspects and especially in CUMENICAL BAR- tendance of their eminences, the fathers of the countries of the diaspora is in need of a THOLOMEW, IN A MESSAGE JUNE 3 the Holy of Antioch, the metropoli- living witness and an effective revival that TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONFER- E tans: would embrace all aspects of pastoral, so- ENCE ON INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE, Spiridon (Khoury) of Zahleh and Baal- cial, and humanitarian work. They praised STRESSES "RELIGION'S UNIQUE PROSPECT to bek, Georges (Khodr) of Jbeil, Batroun and the effective revival of the Church working provide a balance to the world of globaliza- their dependencies, Yuhanna (Mansour) of within the societies in which her children tion, to combat fundamentalism and racism Lattakia, Elias (Audi) of Beirut, Iliya (Sali- live in the countries of the diaspora, which and to develop religious tolerance in a ba) of Hama, Elias (Kfoury) of Tyre, Sidon, causes them to rejoice with their world of conflicts, as well as the preserva- and Marjayoun, Antonio (Chedraoui) of wherever they are found renewing tion of natural balance." Mexico, Venezuela,and the Caribbean Is- the announcement of the Gospel with a The conference completed its three- lands, Sergio (Abad) of Santiago and Chile, spirit of faith and modernity that is attuned day session in on Friday evening, Damaskinos (Mansour) of Sao Paulo and to new generations. in the framework of the Hungarian presi- Brazil, Saba (Esber) of Bosra, Jebel al- During an extensive and profound in- dency in the European Union in the first Arab, and Hawran, Paul (Saliba) of Aus- quiry into the concept of pastoral and evan- half of 2011. tralia and New Zealand, George (Abu gelical work, the fathers of the Synod Bartholomew underlines in his mes- Zakhm) of Homs, Boulos (Yazigi) of Alep- paused over the topic of communications sage that the Ecumenical since po and Alexandretta, Silouan (Mousa) of and its importance in all media. They found 1994, with a series of international events, Argentina, Youhanna (Yazigi) of Europe, that this matter is in need of an extensive has promoted and deepened interreligious Basil (Mansour) of Akkar, Ephrem (Kyria- inquiry with reliance on experts in that dialogue, believing that the religious com- kos) of Tripoli and al-Koura, as well as field. His Eminence Metropolitan Boulos of munities can contribute to the handling of Niphon (Saikali), Patriarchal was asked to review his study of- global challenges, such as racism, intoler- representative in , Ghattas fered at the October session of the Holy ance, extremism and terrorism, realizing at (Hazim), of the Patriarchal Monas- Synod in 2010, with the consultation of the same time that they belong to humanity, tery of Our Lady of Balamand and of concerned media specialists in order to live in the same world and are the creations the St. John of Damascus Theological Insti- submit it again at the regular session of the of the same God. -- D. Dimitrakoudis for tute, and Economos Georges Dimas, secre- Synod this coming October. ANA-MPA, June 4. tary of the Synod. The fathers also decided to congratu-

Metropolitan Philip (Saliba) of New late their brother bishop Ghattas (Hazim) in REEK FOREIGN MINISTER DIMITRIS York and North America gave his regrets his new responsibility as abbot of the Patri- DROUTSAS ARRIVED ON MOUNT and Metropolitan Constantine (Papastepha- archal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand ATHOS ON JUNE 4 FOR A TWO-DAY G nou) of and Kuwait was unable to and dean of the St. John of Damascus Insti- VISIT. The semi-autonomous monastic ter- attend. tute of Theology and they wished him God- ritory located on a northern Greece prom- After prayer and calling upon the granted success in his work. Then His ontory falls under the foreign ministry's of the Holy Spirit, especially because we Grace gave a detailed report about the aca- jurisdiction. are still in the atmosphere of Glorious Pen- demic year 2010-2011. Droutsas also chairs an inter- tecost, and asking the blessing of Our Lady When the fathers of the Synod exam- ministerial committee established to study the , protectress of the monastery, the ined several archdioceses and their expan- and promote Mount Athos and to focus on fathers of the Synod began discussion of the siveness both in the home country and the issues pertinent to the renowned Ortho- agenda covering various ecclesial, local, abroad, they decided to elect new bishops, dox all-male monastic community. national, and ecumenical topics. each of which will be an auxiliary to the The FM was accompanied by top min- The fathers gave their attention to all metropolitan of the archdiocese in all pasto- istry and the state-appointed gov- the issues that concern the faithful from ral, educational, and administrative matters. ernor of Mount Athos, A. Kasmiroglou. – spiritual, pastoral, social, and national per- Each of them is well-educated in theologi- ANA-MPA, June 6. spectives. Together they carefully studied cal and worldly affairs.

pastoral needs in the home countries and The Synod elected these bishops to be HE FORTY-SEVENTH SESSION OF THE the diaspora in order for the Church to have entrusted with the service and pastoring of OF ANTIOCH MET ON an effective presence in serving her chil- souls in the Patriarchal residence and the THE GROUNDS OF THE PATRIARCHAL T dren, paying heed to their needs and con- archdioceses of the home country and the MONASTERY OF OUR LADY OF BALAMAND diaspora. Those elected are: nied by Igor Yakimchuk, DECR this case the voice of people of faith will Doctor Nicholas (Baal- secretary for inter-Orthodox relations. become a convincing and powerful voice of baki)-the Patriarchal residence in Damas- The sides discussed the preparation of truth’, he said. cus a joint statement of the Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Hilarion noted that Hun- Archimandrite Constantine (Kayal)-the Church and the Church in gary was one of the countries which had Patriarchal residence in Damascus on reconciliation of the nations in their pas- repeatedly drawn the attention of the Euro- Archimandrite Isaac (Barakat)-the toral care. The decision to work at such a pean community to the act of aggression Patriarchal residence in Damascus document was made in February 2010. against the Copts committed on January 1, Archimandrite Antonius (Fahd)- The DECR chairman stressed that the 2011, in Egypt. ‘It was during the chair- Archdiocese of Akkar- Tartous history of relations between the two nations manship of Hungary in the European Union Archimandrite Demitrius (Sharbak)- saw many tragic events, and approaches to that the EU Committee of Ministers in- Archdiocese of Akkar- Safayta their assessment should be sensitive and as structed the High Representative of the Archimandrite Iliya (Tohme)- well-considered as possible. According to Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Pol- Archdiocese of Akkar- Marmarita Metropolitan Hilarion, in preparing the icy, Ms Catherine Ashton, to report on the Archimandrite Ignatius (Samaan)- document, special attention should be given steps taken by the EU for protecting the Archdiocese of Mexico to today’s problems so that common chal- freedom of faith. It is my conviction that Archimandrite Ignatius (al-Hoshi)- lenges facing the two Churches could be Hungary will continue to initiate and sup- Archdiocese of Western Europe- , identified and a common response to them port the adoption of documents for protect- Germany could be found. ing Christians on European and global lev- Archimandrite Ephrem (Maalouli)- After the meeting a dinner was given els. Among the already adopted documents Archdiocese of Western Europe- , in honour of Metropolitan Hilarion of Vo- is the European Parliament’s Resolution of UK lokolamsk. – Press Release, Moscow Patri- January 20, 2011, on the Situation of Chris- Archimandrite Romanos (Daoud)- archate, June 2. tians in the Context of Freedom of Religion Archdiocese of Brazil- Sao Paulo and the similar resolution adopted by the Archimandrite Morcos (Khoury)- ECR CHAIRMAN METROPOLITAN Council of Europe Parliamentary Assem- Archdiocese of Brazil- Sao Paulo HILARION OF bly.’ – Press Release, Moscow Patriar- Each of them will be attached to the DARRIVED IN HUNGARY ON JUNE 1, chate, June 2. archdiocese to which they were appointed 2011, TO PARTICIPATE, WITH THE BLESSING after they receive episcopal OF PATRIARCH KIRILL OF N 3 JUNE 2011, METROPOLITAN from the hand of Patriarch Ignatius IV. MOSCOW AND ALL , IN AN HILARION OF VOLOKOLAMSK, At the closing of the session, the bish- INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON OCHAIRMAN OF THE MOSCOW ops-elect present in the home country were COOPERATION BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY, PATRIARCHATE’S DEPARTMENT FOR invited to attend. They offered their obedi- ISLAM AND JUDAISM. EXTERNAL CHURCH RELATIONS (DECR), ence and thanks to His Beatitude the Patri- The conference was initiated and orga- TOOK PART IN THE PANEL DISCUSSION ON A arch and to the fathers of the Synod. The nized by the Hungarian Government. It JUST PEACE AT THE 33RD DEUTSCHER Synod closed its work with prayer for His gathered Christian, Islamic and Jewish EVANGELISCHER KIRCHENTAG HELD IN Beatitude our father Ignatius IV. -- Re- leaders, Hungarian statesmen, ambassadors . leased by the secretariat of the Holy Synod and representatives of international organi- In his presentation, Metropolitan Hi- of Antioch, Patriarchal Monastery of Our zations. It was opened on June 2 at the larion said that peacemaking begins in the Lady of Balamand, June 23, 2011. Royal Godollo palace near Budapest. human soul and in the family. -- Translation by “Notes on Arab Ortho- Metropolitan Hilarion addressed the In reply to the question why a just war doxy.” theme ‘The problem of religious intoler- is mentioned in the Bases of the Social ance. What can we do together?’ He em- Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church, N JUNE 1, 2011, DURING HIS TRIP phasized the relevance of the conference the DECR chairman expressed his confi- TO POLAND, METROPOLITAN due to the aggravating problem of discrimi- dence that the concepts of just war and just OHILARION OF VOLOKOLAMSK, nation against Christians in the world. peace are not mutually exclusive, but rather HEAD OF THE MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE’S ‘Now as never before it is important to supplement each other. DEPARTMENT FOR EXTERNAL CHURCH enter into intensive interreligious dialogue Speaking about the nature of the pre- RELATIONS, VISITED THE HEADQUARTERS for enabling each community to bear wit- sent-day peacemaking, Metropolitan Hilar- OF THE CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC ness to its faith and tradition and to ion said that the declared good intentions BISHOPS IN POLAND TO MEET WITH SOME strengthen good-neighborly relations and often run counter to the methods of LEADERS OF THE mutual understanding. I believe this dia- achievement and final results and reminded CHURCH IN THAT COUNTRY. The Polish logue should not be limited to general the listeners that two thirds of Iraqi Chris- side included Archbishop Celestino statements and calls not committing anyone tians have fled the country since the begin- Migliore, Apostolic to Poland, to anything but should become a real con- ning of military operations. Archbishop Henryk Muszynski, Honorary tribution to relieving the situation of believ- The DECR chairman underscored that of Poland, Bishop Stanislaw ers. Religious leaders should oppose intol- Christians throughout the world were called Budzik, general secretary of the Polish erance towards the persecution of Chris- to demonstrate solidarity with their discrim- Bishops’ Conference, and Bishop Tadeusz tians, Muslims and Jews. No such case inated and persecuted fellow believers in Pikus, head of the Bishops’ Conference should remain unnoticed in the flow of daily certain regions of the world, while the fol- council for inter-Christian unity. news and events. We all in our places are lowers of other religions should join the Metropolitan Hilarion was accompa- called to do all that depends on us. Only in process in order to overcome xenophobia,

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 2. Islamophobia and other negative phenome- Patriarchate. – Press Release, Moscow expansion. na based on misconceptions and artificially Patriarchate, June 6. Some observers suggest the Patriarch stirred misunderstanding. wants to apply to the religious field the Metropolitan Hilarion also spoke of HE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IS vertical organisation of power imposed on pacifism. He said that radical pacifism was EXPANDING ITS PASTORAL WORK the state by Vladimir Putin during his first uncharacteristic of Christian tradition, illus- TAND SETTING UP FIVE NEW presidential mandate. – Asia News, June 6. trating this by the views of Leo Tolstoy who . THE DECISION WAS TAKEN ON actually put himself out of the Church. In- 31 MAY AT A SESSION OF THE HOLY N 13 JUNE 2011, IN THE COURSE OF herent in Orthodox tradition are anthropo- SYNOD, the Patriarchate’s highest adminis- HIS WORKING VISIT TO EGYPT, logical views according to which evil trative authority, chaired by Patriarch Kirill. OMETROPOLITAN HILARION, CHAIR- abides inside rather than outside the human According to some analysts, in addition to MAN OF THE MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE’S person. People can serve justice even improving the Church’s local administra- DEPARTMENT FOR EXTERNAL CHURCH fighting the enemy with weapons, in which tion, the new framework will strengthen the RELATIONS, VISITED AL-AZHAR, THE case the motivation and objectives of each Patriarch’s authority. Last year, the head of LARGEST UNIVERSITY IN THE MUSLIM concrete person are extremely important, the Church had already began a more cen- WORLD. the DECR chairman emphasized. – Press tralised reorganisation of the Church and its Metropolitan Hilarion was met at the Release, Moscow Patriarchate, June 4. activities, including in the field of mission. University by the President of the World “We must make important decisions Association for Al-Azhar Graduates, N JUNE 2, 2011, THE ASCENSION on how to reorganise some dioceses,” Kirill Sheikh Muhammad Abd al-Fadil al-Qusi, DAY, THE CUPOLAS OF THE said opening the session. “We must think and Sheikh Ali Abdel Baki. Metropolitan OORTHODOX CHURCH DEDICATED about steps to take so that the life of the Hilarion met with the faculty and students TO ST. PHILIP IN SHARJAH, OAE, WERE Church, in a number of regions, can be- at the conference hall. CROWNED WITH GOLDEN CROSSES. IT IS come more intense and coherent with the Sheikh Muhammad Abd al-Fadil al- THE FIRST RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH guidelines of the Council of Bishops.” Qusi opened the meeting, saying, ‘The cor- TO BE BUILT NOT ONLY IN THE OAE BUT IN The restructuring of the canonical ter- rect understanding of religion can give the THE WHOLE OF ARABIA. IT IS ALSO THE ritory had already begun in the previous world that what it lacks and can also open ONLY CHURCH IN THE PENINSULA TO BE session of the synod in March, when new the eyes of humanity and revive moral sen- CROWNED WITH CROSSES. dioceses were established in the northern timents. The role of religion in society Before installation, the crosses were (Pyatigorsk and Circassia, Vladi- should be clearly defined.’ blessed by the of the Russian , kavkaz and Makhachkalinsk), which were In his address, “Muslims and Chris- Hegumen Zarkeshev. previously part of the dioceses of Stavropol tians in the modern world” translated into The five crosses and nine decorative stars and Vladikavkaz and and Prikaspiisk. Arabic, Metropolitan Hilarion expressed covered with golden nitrite-titanic spatter- The most recent dioceses are those of his hope that his visit to Al-Azhar will con- ing were designed by architect Yuri Krista Narva (which becomes the second tinue a dialogue that was begun by His Ho- in Russia and brought to Sharjah by air. of the Estonian Orthodox Church), Kras- liness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All This important event in the life of the noslobodsk and Ardatov, Khanty-Mansiysk Russia during his visit to the University in Orthodox community in the OAE has be- and Surgut, Salekhard and Novy Urengoy April 2010. come possible thanks to a special personal and finally that of Yeniseysk and Norilsk. Metropolitan Hilarion pointed out that order of the emirate’s ruler, Sheikh Sultan “In Greece, there is a bishop per city, fomenting of interreligious conflicts is of III bin Mohammed al-Qasimi. Thus the whilst we have inherited a structure from artificial nature and expressed his wish to final stage in the decoration of the Ortho- soviet times, so that cities a thousand kilo- think, together with the audience, about an dox compound under construction has been meters from one another are in the same answer of the people of faith to challenges completed. Along with the five-domed diocese, and parishioners do not even know of the secular world and about rebuffing church of St. Philip, it includes a three- who their bishop is,” Vladimir Vigilianskii, attempts to foment interreligious conflicts storey building of the Russian cultural and director of the Moscow Patriarchate Press made by those trying to distort old founda- educational center. Office, told the daily Kommersant. “By tions. Among them are representatives of The foundation stone for the future reducing the size of dioceses, it will be eas- certain pseudo-Christian sects opposing Russian religious and cultural compound in ier to run them,” he added. interreligious dialogue or committing blas- Sharjah was blessed, with the consent of According to Roman Lunkin, director phemous assaults upon that what is sacred His Beatitude the Patriarch of Great Anti- of the Institute of Religion and the Law, for Islam. Metropolitan Hilarion explained och and All the East, on September 9, “reforming the Church administration will that these people should not be identified 2007, by Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk strengthen the authority of the Patriarch in with the Orthodox and the Copts “who re- and Kaliningrad (now Patriarch of Moscow the provinces, because the new bishops will spect Islam and never ever offended any- and All Russia). be beholden to him.” thing sacred for the Muslims.” The DECR The Parish of St. Philip was estab- The Church Russian Orthodox has 164 chairman pointed out the danger of extrem- lished by mutual agreement between the dioceses, 217 bishops, 30,675 parishes, ism for both Christians and Muslims. As to Primates of the Russian Church and the 29,324 priests and 3,850 . It also the social teaching of Islam and Christiani- Church of Antioch. It is under the canonical has 805 monasteries, 398 for men and 407 ty, he mentioned the necessity of “opposing jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Antioch for women. the destructive secular ideology and up- which embraces Arabia. As is agreed, the Last year, Kirill took personal control holding family values and traditional moral- church and the Russian community in Shar- of the Mission Department of the Central ity.” jah are served by a cleric of the Moscow Bureau of the Patriarchate, ordering its The audience showed profound interest

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 3. in the lecture. Sheikh Muhammad Abd al- Egypt and pointed to the importance of his RELATIONS, WITH THE BLESSING OF HIS Fadil al-Qusi said that the listeners have visit to the world’s largest Islamic universi- HOLINESS PATRIARCH KIRILL OF MOSCOW found many points of common ground and ty. The president of the university informed AND ALL RUSSIA, ATTENDED A MEETING OF called for joining efforts to oppose the vices the high guest about Al-Azhar’s work and THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE OF THE JOINT of contemporary society. – Press Release, its effort to promote interreligious dialogue THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION FOR DIA- Moscow Patriarchate, June 14. and accord in Egyptian society. LOGUE BETWEEN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH After their talk, Metropolitan Hilarion AND THE , which took N JUNE 13, 2011, IN THE COURSE OF met with the faculty and students of the place from June 15 to 17, 2011, in HIS WORKING VISIT TO CAIRO, university at its conference hall. – Press Rethymnon in the Island of Crete, Greece. OMETROPOLITAN HILARION, HEAD Release, Moscow Patriarchate, June 14. The committee discussed theological and OF THE MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE’S ecclesiological aspects of primacy and con- DEPARTMENT FOR EXTERNAL CHURCH N JUNE 17, 2011, HIS HOLINESS ciliarity in the Church. RELATIONS, MET WITH THE GRAND IMAM PATRIARCH KIRILL OF MOSCOW The drafting committee is co-chaired OF THE AL-AZHAR UNIVERSITY, SHEIKH OAND ALL RUSSIA RECEIVED IN by Metropolitan John of Pergamon (Patri- AHMAD AL TAYEB. AUDIENCE THE NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO IN archate of Constantinople) and Cardinal During their talk, Metropolitan Hilari- THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, ARCHBISHOP Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical on reminded his interlocutor that the pri- IVAN JURKOVIC, AT HIS WORKING RESI- Council for Promoting Christian Unity. mate of the Russian Orthodox Church, His DENCE IN CHISTY PEREULOK, MOSCOW. The Local Orthodox Churches were Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Participating in the meeting were also He- represented by Metropolitan Gennadios of All Russia visited the university and met gumen Philaret Bulekov, vice-chairman of Sassima (Patriarchate of Constantinople), with Sheikh al Tayeb a year ago. He also the Moscow Patriarchate’s department for Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, emphasized the importance of developing external church relations, and Rev. Dimitry Bishop Ignatije of Branicevo (Serbian Or- dialogue between Al-Azhar’s scholars and Sizonenko, DECR acting secretary for in- thodox Church), and Metropolitan Vasilios Orthodox theologians in Russia. ter-Christian relations. The high guest was of Constantia-Ammochostos (Orthodox He also expressed concern over a accompanied by Mgr Visvaldas Kulbokas, Church of Cyprus). surge of anti-Christian attitudes in a part of first secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature During his stay in Crete, the DECR the Egyptian society and cited the tragic in the Russian Federation. chairman had talks with Metropolitan John events of May 2011 when Christian Welcoming Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, of Pergamon, Archbishop Irenaios of Crete churches were set on fire and people were Patriarch Kirill said he kept good memories and Cardinal Kurt Koch. injured in Giza. Metropolitan Hilarion said of and gave a high value to the archbish- On June 17, Metropolitan Hilarion and that anti-Christian sentiments were artifi- op’s contribution to the settlement of inter- some other members of the drafting com- cially fanned by those forces who are inter- confessional relations in the 1990s in Mos- mittee visited the Archdiocese of Crete in ested in destabilizing the socio-political cow and later in . He also wished Heraklion and prayed at the shrines of the situation in Egypt. his guest successful tenure in Moscow as Cathedral of St. Minas. – Press Release, The DECR chairman gave a high as- apostolic nuncio. Moscow Patriarchate, June 17. sessment to prospects for establishing an Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic in his turn organization called ‘Egypt is Our Home’ to conveyed greetings from the Primate of the ATRIARCH KIRILL I OF THE RUSSIAN include both Muslim and Christian mem- Roman Catholic Church. Remembering the ORTHODOX CHURCH, OPENING ON bers. This idea has been recently set forth years of his service in Moscow as secretary P21 JUNE THE ANNUAL MEETING OF by Sheikh al Tayeb. This organization is of the representation in the period THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS expected to work for strengthening interre- from 1992-1996, he noted in particular, ‘I LEADERS, said that the only way they can ligious relations, to struggle with the spread am coming back to Moscow in the serve a real need in contemporary consum- of radical views and to call Egyptians to knowledge that I am coming back to a er society is to avoid playing by secular national unity regardless of their confes- country which appears quite different today. rules and to never lose sight of their larger sional affiliation. I thank God that His Providence has purpose and moral foundation. His Eminence said that Russia is a brought me here in a new context of inter- Kirill said that as the host, the Russian country where the principles of religious confessional relations, at a new stage in the Orthodox Church was allowed to choose solidarity are rooted in centuries of peaceful development of Orthodox-Catholic rela- the theme of the meeting, "Human Rights coexistence between Christianity and Islam. tions in Russia’. and Traditional Values in Europe." It is the But Russia knows from her own experience During their talk, both sides expressed first time the meeting, which runs from 21 what terrorism is. satisfaction at the constructive development to 23 June, has been held in Moscow. The According to the DECR chairman, of inter-confessional relations and ex- council, which was founded in , Nor- traditional religions are called to play a pressed hope for successful cooperation way in 2002, is part of the Religions for special role in overcoming the crisis of between the two Churches in the face of Peace Network, and brings together Jewish, modern civilization, raising their voice challenges brought about by the modern Christian and Muslim leaders with Bud- against disregard for moral norms, injus- world. – Press Release, Moscow Patriar- dhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Zoroastrians. tice, vice and violence. ‘Muslims and chate, June 17. "The loss of the organic unity between Christians are called to oppose together the law and morality can be explained by the propaganda of vice, sin and all- ETROPOLITAN HILARION OF moral crisis that has in our day affected all permissiveness’, he emphasized. VOLOKOLAMSK, HEAD OF THE spheres of the life of society, both in Eu- Sheikh al Tayeb, on his part, gave a MMOSCOW PATRIARCHATE’S rope, and in the entire world," Kirill said in high value to the visit of Patriarch Kirill to DEPARTMENT FOR EXTERNAL CHURCH his opening address.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 4. "As religious leaders, we must not take fact that Christians are the most persecuted prove the situation of Christians in the the position of moral neutrality," he said. religious community in the world. Some world. It is necessary that governmental and "Attempts to adapt our religious teachings even compare this situation to the persecu- international organizations should join the- to the demands of modern political correct- tion that took place in the first three centu- se efforts. ness, which turns people into soulless ma- ries of Christianity. I believe the mechanism for protecting chines of consumption ruled by passions, Q. Why have Christians proved to be Christians can be as follows: economic and are inadmissible. Often at interfaith and vulnerable to persecution and what are its other aid in exchange for guarantees of the inter-Christian forums I have heard calls to consequences? rights of religious minorities. If this policy reevaluate the understanding of sin, which A. Countries where Christians are a is carried out efficiently we may change the has already for all practical purposes been minority are lacking a really effective sys- situation for the better and stop the wave of re-examined by some religious communi- tem of their protection. Events happening persecution against Christians that has en- ties, in essence revoking the ethnical norms today in Egypt are only a part of a more gulfed various countries today. – Press Re- that have ruled the lives of believers for global process affecting the life of Chris- lease, Moscow Patriarchate, June 27. centuries." tians in a number of countries. If the author- Bishop Gunnar Stalsett, the former ities in the Middle East states do not take HE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH Bishop of Oslo and the council's moderator special measures to protect Christians, their AND AMERICAN EVANGELICALS praised the Russian Orthodox Church for exodus from these countries will continue. THAVE ALLIED TO DEFEND A its ecumenical leadership during the "harsh Q. In what countries other than Egypt TRADITIONAL DEFINITION OF FAMILY AND atheistic communist winter." – Sophia does the situation of Christians cause con- FIGHT ABORTION IN RUSSIA, which has one Kishkovsky for ENI, June 21. cern? of the highest abortion rates in the world. A. Reports about persecution against On 29-30 June, the World Congress of N A TALK TO A CORRESPONDENT OF THE Christians are coming from Sudan, Paki- Families, a Rockford, Illinois-based organi- KOMMERSANT DAILY, METROPOLITAN stan, Afghanistan, and several coun- zation that defends heterosexual marriage IHILARION OF VOLOKOLAMSK, THE tries in South-East Asia. The notorious law and advocates against abortion, will be CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR ‘On Blasphemy’ enforced in Pakistan is holding a conference called the "Moscow EXTERNAL CHURCH RELATIONS SPOKE, used not only to defend the sacred symbols Demographic Summit: Family and the Fu- AMONG OTHER THINGS, ABOUT THE and names of Islam but also to persecute ture of Humankind," organized together PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IN VARIOUS Christians. I will remind you that about a with the Moscow Patriarchate and other REGIONS OF THE WORLD. million and a half Christians used to live in Russian supporters of traditional concepts Q. Recently representatives of the Rus- Iraq until 2003. Now there is no more than of family life. sian Orthodox Church have regularly made half of that number, while those who stayed Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill I is statements about signs of Christianophobia fear for their lives every day. expected to speak at the conference, which emerging in the Middle East. Is this prob- Q. How can persecuted Christians be will address the causes of Russia's dramatic lem a real threat? protected against Christianophobia? population decline. Under Patriarch Kirill, A. Two weeks ago in Hungary I at- A. The intensified persecution of the Russian Orthodox Church has adopted tended an international interreligious con- Christians has already compelled interna- many of the social and missionary outreach ference on Christian-Jewish-Muslim dia- tional organizations to make a number of methods of American evangelicals. Speak- logue. I remember the remarks made by appropriate statements. The European Par- ers from Russia, Europe and the United Massimo Introvigne, a well-known Italian liament adopted on January 20 a resolution States are expected, according to organiz- sociologist and scholar of religion and ‘On the Situation of Christians in the Con- ers. OSCE representative. He cited statistics text of Religious Freedom’. A similar reso- statistics say 1.3 million abor- based on a thorough research into the prob- lution was adopted by the Council of Eu- tions were performed in 2009 in Russia, in lem, saying, ‘One Christian dies for the rope Parliamentary Assembly. However, a population of just under 143 million and faith every five minutes in the world’. He we have to take concrete and effective ac- falling. The population was 148.5 million also reported that annually 105 thousand tions as well. It is necessary to organize in 1995. A recent influx of Muslim mi- Christians die a violent death during inter- urgently a system for protecting Christians grants into Moscow and other large Russian religious conflicts. against persecution. In the first place, it is cities from the Northern Caucasus region of In October 2010, the European Union necessary to set up information structures to Russia and former Soviet republics has led Commission of Bishops’ Conferences made monitor crimes committed on the grounds many to fear that Muslims, who a conclusion that ‘at least 75 percent of all of religious hatred. Each case of violence have a high birthrate, will soon outnumber acts of religious persecution in the world and persecution against Christians should them. Russian nationalist soccer fans and were directed at Christians. According to become a case for trial by both national and Muslims from the Northern Caucasus experts, annually about 170 thousand international judicial bodies. clashed at the foot of the Kremlin wall in Christians suffer for their faith. Very important today is interreligious Moscow late last year. In addition, early this year the Open solidarity, for extremism and radicalism For decades, American evangelicals Doors human rights charitable organiza- present a threat to all the traditional reli- and the Russian Orthodox Church were tion, which has been engaged in monitoring gions which seek a peaceful coexistence divided by Cold War politics and seemingly the situation of Christians in the world since among people. It is also important that the insurmountable theological differences. 1978, published its statistics showing that phenomenon of persecution against Chris- However, the current alliance became pub- some 100 million Christians are subjected tians should not be hushed up but discussed lic earlier this year when Metropolitan Hi- to persecution today in various countries. actively and that representatives of tradi- larion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the So, we have to acknowledge the obvious tional religions make joint efforts to im- Moscow Patriarchate's Department of Ex-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 5. ternal Church Relations, travelled to the The said in Croatia that Stepinac session was held during which the Bishops U.S. to meet with American evangelicals. was a humanist who suffered under two signed a document on the handover of the The trip was arranged by John - totalitarian regimes – of the ustashis and of new Diocese. baum, an American evangelical who is the communists. Like his predecessor John founder and president of the Russian- Paul II, Benedict XVI paid his respects to IS HOLINESS IRINEJ, SERBIAN American Institute in Moscow, a faith- Stepinac at his grave in the Cathe- PATRIARCH AND MINISTER based educational institution, and Bob For- dral. HSUTANOVAC SIGNED YESTERDAY esman, an American banker with strong In a statement to ‘Blic’ Federico Lom- AT THE ARMY CLUB IN NIS AN "AGREE- evangelical ties who heads Barclay's Rus- bardi, Director of Vatican’s Office for me- MENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF RELIGIOUS sia. Family values and the fight against dia claims that there are testimonies that SERVICES IN THE ARMY OF SERBIA WITH abortion were among the top items on the Stepinac did not support Ante Pavelic’s THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH." The agenda. regime, that he saved as many as he could, agreement regulates the mutual relations Russia's fledgling anti-abortion move- and that serious historians have proved this. between the Ministry of Defense and the ment, which has embraced the American There is evidence that he saved Jews,’ Serbian Orthodox Church in connection tactic of picketing abortion clinics and also Lombardi said. with the conduct of religious services in the plans to open obstetrical clinics where Jovan Mirkovic, former Director of Serbian Army. The signing of the Agree- abortions will not be performed, also has Jasenovac Monument Park says that ‘the ment was attended by Their Graces Bishops Kremlin support. Vatican’s thesis that Stepinac saved Jews is Irinej of Backa and Vicar Porfirije of Jegar. First Lady Svetlana Medvedeva, while without foundation.’ Sutanovac said that this document in- avoiding strident anti-abortion terminology, ‘Had he saved the life of a single Jew, troduced the first Army officer priests, has in effect become an anti-abortion activ- Israel would have proclaimed Stepinac a which is in line with the Serbian tradition ist. Medvedeva was a keynote speaker at a righteous among nations. I think there were and experience of modern armies. He re- forum last November held by Sanctity of certain proposals to do this, but they all called that the Serbian Orthodox Church Motherhood, an anti-abortion organization failed’, Mirkovic says. already has officer-priests in the armies of led by Natalia Yakunina, the wife of Vla- As regards Stepinac’s relations with other countries - the Netherlands, the Unit- dimir Yakunin, chief of Russia's railroads, the Serbs, everything is clear according to ed States and Great Britain. who is known for his close ties to the Rus- Mirkovic. Patriarch Irenej blessed the Agreement sian Orthodox Church. ‘It is certain that he was responsible and pointed out that the signing is "histori- "The state must help women keep their for the forced conversion of Serbs to Ca- cally significant" not only for the SPC, but babies," said Medvedeva at the forum. – tholicism. Secondly, a large number of his also for the Army of Serbia. Along with the Sophia Kishkovsky for ENI, June 28. priests were ustashis committing crimes introduction of the traditional together with others. Thirdly, he was the culture and spirituality in our army will be HE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH of military priest and all military allowed and the chaplains will bring a (SPC) MOST LIKELY SHALL NOT priests delegated to ustashi units were un- higher quality of life and military service as INVITE POPE BENEDICT XVI TO der his authority. Stepinac knew about well as patriotism and spirituality. "May it T TH ATTEND THE CELEBRATION OF THE 1,700 Jasenovac and all horrible things that were be fortunate and blessed," said Patriarch ANNIVERSARY OF THE EDICT OF MILAN IN going on there’, Mirkovic says. – N. Vlaco Irinej and pointed to the symbolism of the THE TOWN OF NIS IN 2013 SINCE THE for Tanjug, June 7. Agreement which was signed exactly on St. SYNOD HAS NOT AGREED TO THIS, Tanjug Vitus Day - the national holiday of the peo- was told at the Patriarchate in . N THE CHURCH OF ASCENSION OF ple and the church. As stated by the Patriarchate, the Pope CHRIST IN , AUSTRIA, ON Sutanovac said the religious service perhaps would have been invited had he ISECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, had been established as a need of the Serbi- during visit to Croatia this weekend visited ON JUNE 26, 2011 THE an Army and that the priests will have to be Jasenovac and paid his respects to the vic- WAS SERVED BY HIS GRACE KONSTANTIN highly educated and undergo officer train- tims of the concentration camp in which OF MIDDLE EUROPE with the concelebra- ing. According to his words, the members 700,000 Serbs and about 100,000 Jews and tion of His Grace Bishop Irinej of Backa, of the Army of Serbia will address repre- Roma were killed during World War II. priests and lots of faithful people of the sentatives of the SOC according to their That did not happen but the Pope did newly founded Serbian Orthodox Diocese priestly title. Minister of defense also said visit the grave of Croatian Cardinal Alojzije of Austria and Switzerland. that an initial rank for priests was captain, Stepinac who was on trial after World War After the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Kon- and that theoretically they could get a rank II for cooperation with the Nazis. stantin read the decisions of the Holy As- of colonel. He announced that in forthcom- The Pope’s questionable praise for sembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox ing months he would sign similar agree- Stepinac showed that the Catholic and Or- Church on the foundation of the Diocese of ments with representatives of six traditional thodox churches have very different views Austria -Switzerland, which would be ad- churches and religious communities. about Stepinac. ministrated by Bishop Dr Irinej of Backa Sutanovac also attended a meeting of Jovan Mirkovic, Director of the Muse- until the election of a new Bishop. St. Vitus’ Academy in the Nis Cathedral ums of Victims of Genocide does not agree Bishop Irinej at the Holy Eucharist last night. On that occasion, Serbian Patri- with the Pope who said that Stepinac saved conveyed the greetings from His Holiness arch Irinej presented the Minister the high- Jews, Serbs and Roma. ‘There is simply no Irinej, Serbian Patriarch and the Holy Syn- est honor of Nis of the Serbian proof for such claims but there are proofs od of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Orthodox Church - The Order of about the Cardinal’s responsibility for the After the vesper service, on the prem- Constantine for his attitude towards the ustashi crimes’, he says. ises of the church of St. Sava in Vienna, a Church and its people.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 6. Expressing thanks for the medal, Suta- cohesion within the ecumenical movement, liturgy and ministry with its witness and novac said that it was a great honor for him we shouldn't see our disagreements as a service in the world," said the document and that he came to Nis "to finish this his- danger to unity. The Orthodox churches are from CEC, which includes 120 Anglican, torical work" with the Patriarch - the sign- more fully committed than ever to CEC and Orthodox, Protestant and Old Catholic ing of the agreement on religious services will be working to strengthen the Orthodox churches, and 40 associated organizations. in the Army of Serbia. – Press Release, presence," said Viorel Ionita, interim gen- A separate CEC statement on 27 June Serbian Patriarcahte, June 29. eral secretary of the Conference of Europe- said the Churches in Dialogue Commission an Churches (CEC). had drawn up further plans for implement- N 21 JUNE 2011, HIS BEATITUDE The 65-year-old Romanian theologian ing the 2001 Ecumenical Charter in Eu- DANIEL, PATRIARCH OF THE was speaking after chairing a Budapest rope, as well as for "the promotion of dia- OROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, consultation of CEC's Churches in Dia- logue between Orthodox churches and the RECEIVED HIS EMINENCE ŞTEFAN, ARCH- logue Commission, which identified "eight other member-churches of CEC," and for BISHOP OF TSAGHERI AND LENTEKHI FROM points of convergence in the conception of the strengthening of "ecumenical formation THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF , IN the unity of the Church as the main goal of in Europe." – Jonathan Luxmoore for ENI, AN AUDIENCE. the ecumenical movement," according to a June 27. His Eminence Ştefan thanked Patriarch 27 June report. Daniel for receiving him, and presented the In an ENInews interview on 27 June, IS BEATITUDE DANIEL, PATRIARCH patriarch with a brotherly message on from he said he had been concerned that recent OF THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX His Beatitude Ilia II, Patriarch of meetings between Orthodox and Roman HCHURCH ADDRESSED THIS MES- Georgia. Catholic representatives on moral and ethi- SAGE OF CONGRATULATION TO HIS His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel men- cal issues could create a "parallel to CEC." HOLINESS, POPE BENEDICT XVI, ON THE tioned the historical relationships between However, he added that the Budapest OCCASION of the anniversary of sixty years the two sister Orthodox Churches and ap- consultation, which was addressed by An- since his ordination as priest and of six preciated the dynamism of the church life of glican, Lutheran, Methodist, Orthodox and years since his enthronement as Bishop of the Patriarchate of Georgia, where churches Roman Catholic representatives, had elabo- : and monasteries were restored and new rated a common understanding of key ele- Your Holiness, places of worship were built, in spite of the ments of church unity, and served as a re- On the occasion of the 60th anniver- hard period the Georgian people has passed minder of the continued Orthodox com- sary of Your Holiness’ ordination to priest- through of late. mitment to ecumenical co-operation. hood and the 6th anniversary of Your en- The Patriarch of underlined "The respective church traditions - thronement as the Bishop of Rome, we send the need to intensify the co-operation be- Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant, You warm wishes for everything that is tween the two sister Orthodox Churches, Free Church - all have clear visions of good and much help from God in the pasto- through the implementation of certain church unity, but these are confessional ral work that You unfold for the wellbeing common spiritual missionary and cultural visions and not very compatible," said the of the Roman Catholic Church and in pro- programs, theological conferences and pil- Orthodox archpriest, who teaches church moting the values of the Christian faith in grimages in the two countries, especially history at University. the world of today. since the relics of Saint Maxim the Confes- "Our purpose with this consultation As spiritual shepherds of the Christian sor are kept in the Eparchy of Tsagheri and was to gather the reflections of all Europe- Church, we are called - especially in this Lentekhi served by His Eminence Ştefan. an churches, looking at where we agree and time of crisis, which generates uncertainty, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel also where we differ. It was a useful first step - confusion and material shortages for many proposed the Georgian guest to present but the task is far from complete." of our fellow human beings - to defend and news and other documentary materials con- Some Orthodox leaders have criticized promote the spiritual values coming out of cerning the Church Georgian life at Trinitas aspects of moral and social teaching by the Gospel of Christ's love for all humanity. radio and television stations and at Lumina Western Protestant denominations, leading We pray Christ our Lord, “the Chief publications of the Romanian Patriarchate, to warnings of a possible downgrading of Shepherd“ (1 Peter 5:4), to keep Your Ho- in order to inform the faithful and make ties with CEC, after the withdrawal of liness in good health and give You peace them acquainted with the life and activity of Georgia's Orthodox church in 1997 and a and joy. the Orthodox Church of Georgia. – Press suspension of participation by the Russian Many and blessed years! Release, Romanian Patriarchate, June 21. Orthodox church in 2008. With deep esteem and brotherly em- However, CEC said convergence had brace in Christ the Lord, RTHODOX CHURCHES REMAIN been agreed on eight issues, including † DANIEL "FULLY COMMITTED" TO viewing church unity as a "gift of the Holy Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox OECUMENICAL COOPERATION, Spirit" demanding "expression in life and Church. – Press Release, Romanian Patri- DESPITE RECENT DISAGREEMENTS WITH mission," on the organic link "between ec- archate, June 29. PROTESTANTS, ACCORDING TO A SENIOR clesial and Eucharistic community" and the ORTHODOX THEOLOGIAN. sharing of Christian identities as "rich gifts ULGARIA'S PRIME MINISTER, BOY- "It may appear that some Orthodox from God," and on the requirement of "con- KO BORISOV, DECLARED ON JUNE churches aren't satisfied over moral and ciliar fellowship and mutual reception of B25 THAT HE SUPPORTS MAKING ethical issues, and this may bring them conciliar decisions" in the search for unity. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS closer as a family of churches. But we "We are Christians from a wide range MANDATORY. shouldn't necessarily see this as a form of of church traditions and yet we see the im- Borisov spoke in the Black Sea capital competition. Although we should argue for portance of holding together the church's Varna, during a Mass at the newly built St.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 7. Prokopiy Varnenski temple, saying the archbishop. demns all those who acted against the coun- process of aligning religious curriculum “We always had close cooperation try's interests, the prosperity of its people and preparing teachers would be long and with Mr Omirou, more so because we are and national dignity.” complex. connected by a personal friendship of dec- "Our people have acted with admirable The Mass was served by the Varna ades,” he added. maturity in the past and have displayed Bishop Kiril in the presence of guests from The archbishop was reluctant to com- social solidarity in difficult times in our the Romanian and US Orthodox churches. ment on insinuations made by coalition history. Today, more than ever before, we He said the biggest threat for was partner DIKO that the church head had need the solidarity to support the vulnera- atheism and only faith can rescue Bulgarian worked behind the scenes to support ble, relieve the jobless and all those affect- people. Omirou’s candidacy as house president ed by the crisis, mainly the young," the hi- The cabinet of the ruling, center-right over the then incumbent, DIKO’s Marios erarchs stressed. – ANA, June 16. Citizens for European Development of Garoyian. Bulgaria, GERB, party made a donation of “I don’t think it’s sensible to tackle CUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOL- BGN 15 000 for the temple. Kiril gave these issues. They belong in the past. We OMEW, SPEAKING AT A SPECIAL Borisov an icon and an honorary certificate. always want to look ahead,” said the pri- ECEREMONY HELD IN THE A Ukrainian family donated a gold mate. SUBURB OF MAROUSSI IN HONOR OF plated cross. “The election of house president was a EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER (1921-2009), Borisov promised that the temple's transparent democratic process held before who inspired and implemented the idea of crypt will be finished by June next year and all the Cypriot people. This issue is the Special Olympic Games, said "we shall that BGN 150 000 for it will be slated in closed,” said Omirou. “Now, we have be- continue all together to stand by our fellow the 2012 State budget. fore us problems like the national issue, the men, to care and to do what we can to sup- "I believe that our tactics of not count- economy, and we are obliged through a port them and to give them comfort in the ing mosques, but how many new churches spirit of understanding and wide consensus difficulties of life." we have built is the only right one," the PM to deal with the problems of the people.” The Ecumenical Patriarch added that said. The socialist EDEK leader’s clear "the difficulties are not only for the handi- He further commented for the media support for church involvement in efforts to capped, but for the healthy as well. The that it was very important for mayors of the end the of Cyprus will certainly not church teaches us to work for the good country's largest cities to have good con- be music to the ears of government which struggle of life, always with love for all our nections with the cabinet in order to benefit has come to blows with the primate ever fellow men." the local municipalities and announced that since President Demetris Christofias came He expressed his joy and satisfaction 35 million euros have been secured from to power in February 2008. over the fact that "last (Saturday) night's the World Bank to be invested in Varna and Christofias was the first president to great and historic event of the inauguration the Varna Region. – News Agency, appoint an education minister without get- of the Special Olympics is continuing." June 25. ting the archbishopric’s approval first, an Referring to Eunice Shriver, he said unwritten custom since the creation of the "she was interested in people with mental HE CHURCH HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN Republic. problems. Whatever one does for people NATIONAL ISSUES DESPITE THE Last Sunday, in an interview with a who offered so much to humanity is little." TSEPARATION OF CHURCH AND local paper, Chrysostomos called Christofi- The event was also attended by the STATE, SAID CYPRUS HOUSE OF REPRESEN- as the “president of dissolution.” wife of the US Vice-President, Jill Biden, TATIVES PRESIDENT YIANNAKIS OMIROU He said Christofias was making unac- as well as Tim Shriver, president of the ON JUNE 15 AFTER MEETING WITH ARCH- ceptable concessions in negotiations to- World movement of the Special Olympics BISHOP CHRYSOSTOMOS II. wards a solution to the Cyprus problem, and son of the person being honored. – Omirou said he considered it his duty instead of following the correct course. – ANA, June 27. to visit the archbishop after his election as Stefanos Evripidou for the Cyprus Mail, house president to express the wish for June 16. S A NATION, WE HAVE BEEN close cooperation to promote “freedom and THROUGH WORSE TIMES, justice for our country.” EMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF “AUNDER MORE DIFFICULT While acknowledging the separation of GREECE'S HOLY SYNOD, IN A CONDITIONS, BUT WE MANAGED. I HOPE church and state in Cyprus, Omirou added, MMESSAGE ADDRESSED TO THE THAT THIS TIME, TOO, with national una- “but when Cypriot Hellenism goes through GREEK PEOPLE ON JUNE 15, UNDERLINED nimity, under the leadership of your gov- hardships, a church with a history of 2,000 ITS MEMBERS ARE WATCHING "WITH GREAT ernment, it will be able to ‘cross over the years...cannot be absent from national CONCERN THE DEVELOPMENTS ON river’, as the saying goes. We will always struggles.” NATIONAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LEVEL be at your side, with our prayer,” said the “That is the message we give, that of THAT HAVE WORN OUT THE PEOPLE.” Ecumenical Patriarch, who is in Athens for course, we want the church to be present The hierarchs of the Autocephalous the Special Olympics. and alert on the national struggle,” he said. Orthodox Church of Greece stressed that Greeting Bartholomew at his office in Speaking from the archbishopric, "at this moment of responsibility, the Holy parliament, the Greek premier said that in Chrysostomos was quick to offer any help Synod feels obligated to address the Greek these difficult times the country is going he could give to the parliamentary head. people with fatherly love.” through “the Ecumenical Patriarchate gives “The church and I personally are at his They underlined that the "love to the us strength,” while he also expressed ap- disposal. Wherever we can help, be useful, country is amongst the highest values in preciation for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s we shall do so with great love,” said the life" and stressed that "the Holy Synod con- efforts for Orthodoxy.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 8. “We are inspired by your own struggle, June 14. a hard and perpetual struggle not only for IS BEATITUDE DR. MAR APREM, the Ecumenical Patriarchate but for all of METROPOLITAN OF MALABAR AND The Oriental Orthodox Churches Orthodoxy and its just rights. A struggle HINDIA, HAS LAID THE FOUNDATION you are waging with the cooperation among STONE FOR THE SITE OF THE FUTURE HE SECURITY SITUATION IN EGYPT cultures and, of course, for the great cause CONVENT OF THE HOLY APOSTOLIC HAS "DETERIORATED CONSID- of climate change,” Papandreou told Bar- CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE TERABLY" SINCE FORMER PRESIDENT tholomew, who is known as the “green EAST IN KERALA, INDIA. HOSNI MUBARAK STEPPED DOWN ON 11 Patriarch” for his environmental activities. In attendance at the groundbreaking FEBRUARY, LEAVING A SECURITY VACUUM “We are at your side, and your pres- ceremony presided over by His Beatitude AND CHRISTIANS FEELING "THREATENED ence here in Greece gives us the strength the Metropolitan, were their Graces Mar MORE THAN EVER," according to aid work- we need for Greece to get out of the crisis Yohannan Yoseph and Mar Awgin Kuria- ers. and for the Greek people to be able to kose, Bishops of India, of the Church "Security is still not where it needs to prosper,” Papandreou told the Ecumenical of the East in India and other local dignitar- be to give people a greater sense of person- Patriarch. ies. al safety. Undoubtedly, there has been an Immediately after the meeting, Bar- Presently, the order of Marth Maryam increase in the tensions between Muslims tholomew and Papandreou went to parlia- Sisters of the Assyrian and Christians since Mubarak stepped ment where they addressed a special ses- in India is comprised of three sisters. The down ... All Egyptians, not just [Coptic sion devoted to the Special Olympics, order was established by His Beatitude Dr. Christians], feel more insecure these days," which are being hosted in Athens. – ANA, Mar Aprem Metropolitan in 1998 with the said Jason Belanger of Catholic Relief. June 27. welcoming of Sister Jincy Othottil into the Christians make up about 10 percent of order as the first sister of the Assyrian Egypt's 80 million people. Copts are a HE LESSER SYNOD OF THE Church of the East in India in many centu- branch of the Orthodox church. ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA ries. Since Mubarak’s overthrow, violence TMET AT THE CHANCERY OF THE Sister Jincy received her ‘first dedica- in Cairo has left 24 dead, more than 200 ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA IN tion’ on 15 August, 1998. Her ‘permanent wounded, and three churches destroyed. SYOSSET, NEW YORK, ON TUESDAY, JUNE vow’ was administered by His Holiness Media reports are rife with descriptions of 21, 2011. Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos Patriarch, on the tense sectarian violence that has in- Lesser Synod members present were 22 January, 2000 during his third Apostolic creased since the winter. Belanger said the His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah; His sojourn to India. Sister Jincy was awarded a interim government was taking a "hands- Grace, Bishop Nikon of Boston and New PhD in Syriac Studies by Mahatma Gandhi off" approach to dealing with the attacks England and the Albanian Archdiocese; His University in 2011. against Christians and was "not doing Grace, Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and The other two Sisters of the order, enough to ensure it immediately responds Eastern Pennsylvania, Secretary of the Holy Susie and Annie received their ‘first dedi- to these attacks." Synod of Bishops; and His Grace, Bishop cation’ on 4 May, 2003. Their ‘permanent Christians seem to feel the interim Benjamin of San Francisco and the West. vow’ was administered on 26 December, government's approach is no different than Also present were His Grace, Bishop 2004. Both Sisters presently work in the that of Mubarak's government, he said. A Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western care of orphans at the Mar Timotheus Me- New York Times article noted that to Pennsylvania, Interim OCA Chancellor, morial Orphanage in Kalathode, Kerala. his overthrow, most Christian and sectari- and His Grace, Bishop Michael of New The new headquarters for the Marth an-related issues were handled directly York and New Jersey. Maryam Sisters will be entitled the Assyri- between Mubarak and Coptic Pope During the meeting, the hierarchs an Convent. Construction of the two-story Shenouda III. -- discussed various clergy cases and convent will commence later this year with "There are initiatives from some Chris- other pastoral issues. the initial construction of four bedrooms tian and Muslim leaders to work on reduc- -- interviewed a candidate for the epis- and other necessary facilities. The Assyrian ing tensions between both sides, but the copacy. Convent will be constructed on 1.5 acres of number of people engaged in such discus- -- were updated on the search for a land adjacent to the Mar Timotheus Memo- sions is very small, and the high percentage new OCA Chancellor. rial Orphanage with the project to cost ap- of illiteracy in many parts of Egypt leads -- considered an update on the Episco- proximately 6 million rupees. people to follow their leaders and do what pal search process in the Diocese of the The land on which the convent will be they say," Belanger said. South. constructed was generously donated to the There is also a "significant fear" among -- reviewed Metropolitan Jonah’s trav- Assyrian Church of the East by the tireless Christians about an increase in power of the el schedule. and selfless servant of the church, the late Muslim Brotherhood, a political group that -- discussed issues affecting - Mrs. J.D. Mooken (mother of the present espouses an Islamic state. Christians fear cies. Metropolitan of Malabar and India). there will be a push to have Islamic law -- received the report of the OCA It is hoped that through the grace of prevail in Egypt if the Brotherhood receives Treasurer, Melanie Ringa, and discussed Almighty God and the prayers of the at least 50 percent of the seats in parliament issues related to the funding of the Ortho- Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ, that after elections this September, according to dox Church in America. – OCA Press Re- the number of sisters working in the service Belanger. lease, June 22. of the Lord and His faithful of the Assyrian "Several of my Christian colleagues Church of the East in India shall increase in tell me that if Islamic law prevails, they will The Assyrian Church of the East the coming years. – Assyrian Church News, leave Egypt for other countries," he said.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 9. There has been reportedly an increase in ments at the Georgian Patriarch's official Churches stressed that these disputes the number of people seeking visas at the residence in . should not damage relations between the U.S., Canadian and British embassies. – In a separate statement on June 12, two neighboring states. Judith Sudilovsky for ENI, June 8. Karekin's press office said the two sides "Our peoples are bound by numerous agreed that Georgian authorities should spiritual, cultural, and historical links con- HE HEAD OF THE RULING MILITARY finally grant "legal status" to the local dio- trary to theological differences between our COUNCIL IN EGYPT, FIELD MARSHAL cese of the Armenian Church. churches that emerged as a result of histori- THUSSEIN TANTAWI, MET WITH POPE Like Georgia's other minority denomi- cal developments," Karekin said. – SHENOUDA ON SUNDAY TO DISCUSS THE nations, the diocese has no official registra- RFE/RL, June 15. UNIFIED DRAFT LAW ON PLACES OF tion and is therefore not treated by the WORSHIP, according to a church source. Georgian authorities as a single legal entity. RCHBISHOP VICKEN AYKYAZIAN, The three Egyptian churches – Coptic The statement said the parties also LEGATE OF THE EASTERN DIOCESE Orthodox, Catholic and Anglican – have agreed on the need to grant official status to AAND ITS DIRECTOR OF ECUMENICAL expressed reservations about the draft law "the Georgian religious community in Ar- RELATIONS, ADDRESSED THE ANNUAL proposed by the government earlier this menia." MEETING OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN month. It has also been rejected by the It was not clear if this referred to Ar- AMERICA on Tuesday, June 14, in Grand Egyptian Organization for Human Rights menia's small ethnic Georgian community Rapids, Mich. (EOHR). or Armenian adherents of the Greek Ortho- During the gathering, the Reformed Speaking on condition of anonymity, dox faith who were subordinate to the Church in America welcomed its newly- the source said the meeting was attended by Georgian Church during the Middle Ages. installed General-Secretary, Tom De Vries, Sami Anan, the armed forces chief of staff, Ilia quoted Saakashvili as saying that and honored its outgoing leader, Wes and Mourad Mowafy, head of the Egyptian the Armenian Church should have the same Granberg-Michaelson. Some 500 people intelligence service. status in Georgia as the Georgian Church in were present for the proceedings. The source added that other issues . He said he backed the president's Archbishop Aykazian conveyed the were also discussed in the meeting, includ- position. blessings and congratulations of the Eastern ing the economic and political situation, the According to Karekin's office, the Diocese and Diocesan Primate Archbishop right of Egyptian expatriates to vote in Georgian side also pledged to preserve Khajag Barsamian, and went on to speak on elections, and the law criminalizing dis- several medieval churches previously used the mission of the ecumenical movement. crimination, which Prime Minister Essam by the Georgian-Armenian community "un- While the modern ecumenical move- Sharaf had promised to issue in order to til their return to the diocese." ment was born in the mid 20th century, combat sectarian strife between Muslims The statement added that "the issue of Arcbishop Aykazian explained, the Arme- and Copts, which erupts from time to time. the return of the churches will be discussed nian Church has played a significant role in It also said Tantawi reassured the Pope at the next stage." inter-church gatherings and communica- that the military council would not allow Karekin visited two of those churches tions throughout its history. sectarian strife in future, as there is no dif- located in Tbilisi on June 11. One of them He noted by way of example the Coun- ference between Christians and Muslims, partly collapsed last year, while the other cil of Nicaea in A.D. 325, which resulted in and that national unity is a line not to be was severely damaged by a fire in 2001. the , "one of the deepest crossed. Karekin did not go to another, more points of contact between our two church- Tantawi recently dispatched a repre- famous Tbilisi church built in the 15th cen- es," in Archbishop Aykazian's words. sentative to the Cleveland Clinic, USA, tury and known as Norashen. It has been Archbishop Aykazian went on to de- where the Pope was being treated, and gave the largest source of tensions between the scribe the "spirit of ecumenism" encapsu- him the shield of the military council. – US two ancient Christian institutions. lated in the words of the 12th-century Ar- Copts Association, June 20. Ilia, meanwhile, pressed Georgian menian Catholicos St. Nersess the Grace- claims to several medieval and mostly ful: "Unity in essential matters. Diversity in HE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH abandoned churches located in Armenia's secondary matters. Love over all." SAYS ITS SUPREME HEAD, northern Lori Province. He expanded on each element by citing TCATHOLICOS KAREKIN II, HAS The area was controlled for centuries examples from the Bible. On the theme of REACHED AGREEMENTS WITH GEORGIA'S by Georgian kings through their Armenian unity, he stressed the importance of cohe- POLITICAL AND SPIRITUAL LEADERS THAT vassals. Some of those noble families were siveness among Christians. WILL HELP RESOLVE ITS LONG-RUNNING members of the Georgian Church. Regarding diversity, he spoke about DISPUTES WITH THE GEORGIAN ORTHODOX "When talking about churches, one the uniqueness of national churches, such CHURCH, RFE/RL's Armenian Service re- must not forget that both sides have de- as the Armenian Church, a "church whose ports. mands," said Ilia. "Both sides have facts mission is framed for a particular people. In Karekin met with Georgian President and documents regarding Armenian the deepest sense, a national church is an Mikheil Saakashvili and Catholicos- churches in Georgia and Georgian churches expression of humility: it sets a natural limit Patriarch Ilia II at the start of a weeklong in Armenia." on the church's aspiration and therefore visit to Georgia on June 10. The two pon- Ilia proposed that the two sides set up does not promote an appetite to dominate, tiffs held a more detailed discussion in the a joint commission of scholars who would centralize, or cause disorder on a universal presence of high-ranking Armenian and look into the matter and propose solutions. scale." Georgian clerics the following day. Karekin said the Armenian Church sup- He continued, "The flip side of this is Karekin expressed satisfaction with the ports the idea in principle. that a certain diversity and difference meetings as he and Ilia made public state- Both the Armenian and Georgian among other Christian churches is ex-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 10. pected, tolerated, and even welcomed." mission of the parish. In his message, the Nareg Alemezian, the Ecumenical Officer As an example, Archbishop Aykazian Armenian Pontiff encouraged the Armenian and Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian Chairperson of spoke about the work of Armenian Chris- descendants to remain loyal to the faith of the Ecumenical Relations Committee of the tians in China. Having arrived there in the their forefathers, and their traditions; to Catholicosate of Cilicia were also present at 5th century, preached the gospel preserve their language and culture; and to the meeting. and established a broad Christian Church, continue contributing to the development of The purpose of General Secretary’s welcoming all to embrace Christ's message. the country as worthy citizens of Russia. visit was to consult the Heads of Churches On love, Archbishop Aykazian dis- The spiritual message was followed by the in the region on WCC’s approach to the cussed the importance of the consciousness singing of the hymn "Ter Voghormia" by current situation. In His response to the of God's love for his children and the inten- Komitas, and by the Pontifical prayer. His questions of Rev. Olav Gykse Tveit, Ca- sity of love for God, the "most precious Holiness was also informed about the con- tholicos Aram I first said that the west things we hold in common." struction projects at the Armenian public should support internal reforms and "By the very nature of that love, we are school, being built through the benefaction strengthen civil society institutions. drawn together into something greater than of Mr. Samvel Movsisian. In the region of Addressing the question of the Chris- our individual communities." Koltushy His Holiness placed a wreath at tian presence in the Middle East, His Holi- The Reformed Church in America has the monument dedicated to the victims of ness said that although in some countries about 250,000 members in the U.S. and the Great Patriotic War and prayed for the such as Egypt and Iraq tensions between Canada. It originated in 1628 as the North repose of their souls. Christians and Muslims still persist, the American branch of the Dutch Reformed Upon the conclusion of the Pontifical Christian-Muslim peaceful coexistence is of Church. It is a founding member of several visit to , His Holiness Ka- crucial importance for the whole region. ecumenical groups including the National rekin II and his delegation left for the Re- Catholicos Aram I recalled that Christians Council of Churches, the World Council of public of Latvia. – Press Release, Holy are not newcomers to the Middle East, they Churches, and Christian Churches Togeth- Etchmiadzin, June 30. are deeply rooted in the history, culture and er. – Press Release, Armenian Eastern Dio- traditions of the region and as such they are cese, June 22. N A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE PRESI- challenged to play an active role in the DENTS OF THE WORLD JUSTICE FORUM processes. N THE MORNING OF JUNE 29, HIS IIII, HIS HOLINESS ARMENIAN The General Secretary and His Holi- HOLINESS KAREKIN II, SUPREME CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA ARAM I ness Aram I also spoke of the importance of OPATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF EMPHASIZED “THE CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE strengthening the Middle East Council of ALL ARMENIANS, ON THE FINAL DAY OF HIS OF GLOBAL PLATFORMS.” According to Churches (MECC). In his capacity as one PONTIFICAL VISIT TO SAINT PETERSBURG, Aram I, “such international gatherings pro- of the Presidents of the MECC, His Holi- RUSSIA, TRAVELED TO THE ARMENIAN vide excellent opportunities and challenges ness Aram I suggested that the WCC sends CHURCH OF THE HOLY RESURRECTION ON for people of different cultures, nations and a pastoral letter to the local churches, ex- VASILYEVSKY ISLAND. professions to interact and seek together pressing its solidarity with them and prom- Following a prayer service held in the efficient ways and concrete means of build- ising to support them in their peace- Cathedral, His Holiness placed flower ing a global community of justice, peace building effort and in promoting Christian- wreaths at the tombs of renowned Armeni- and reconciled diversities.” Speaking about Muslim dialogue. ans who had made significant contributions the rule of law, which is the theme of the At the end of the evening, His Holiness to the welfare of the Armenian nation and World Justice Forum III, His Holiness con- Aram I appreciated the decision of the Armenian community in Saint Petersburg. sidered it “a critical topic that deserves a General Secretary to listen to the churches After the visit, the Armenian Pontiff serious discussion and a common under- and the General Secretary thanked His Ho- and his delegation traveled to the Vsevo- standing.” liness for his role in the ecumenical move- lojsk region, where His Holiness visited the Aram I was invited to take part in the ment and the WCC, and the contribution of Armenian Church of St. Mary, built World Justice Forum III which will be held the Catholicosate of Cilicia through its rep- through the benefaction of Mr. Samvel from June 20-23, 2011 in , resentatives. – Press Release, Great House Movsisian. At the entrance of the Church . But due to his prior commitment he of Cilicia, June 28. the Armenian Pontiff, Diocesan Primates will not be able to attend this major global and the Pontifical retinue were met by Rev. gathering, which will bring together politi- The Catholic Churches Fr. Arshak Nazarian, Spiritual of the cians, lawyers, scientists, and players of Church; Mr. Movsisian; Mr. Alexander civil society. YEAR AFTER THE ASSASSINATION Sobolenco, Head of the Vsevolozhsk re- His Holiness was also invited as a key- OF ARCHBISHOP LUIGI PADOVESE, gion; and Mr. Eduard Chirko, Head of the note speaker to the pre-G8 Inter-religious AAPOSTOLIC VICAR OF ANATOLIA, Koltushy region. Summit in last month. He could not THE SMALL TURKISH CHURCH IS STILL Under the singing of "Hrashapar,” His make it because of his heavy schedule. – "MARKED BY PAIN,” BUT IS ALSO WIT- Holiness entered the Church, where he Press Release, Great House of Cilicia, June NESSING SIGNS OF INTEREST TOWARDS gave his Pontifical message and blessings 7. CHRISTIANITY AND IS "HOPEFUL.” The key to the Armenian faithful and local repre- point is the guarantee of religious freedom. sentatives. N FRIDAY 24 JUNE 2011, REV. DR So says Mgr. Antonio Lucibello, Apostolic The Armenian Pontiff expressed his FYKSE TVEIT ACCOMPANIED BY Nuncio in the country. On the afternoon of appreciation to the benefactor of the OTWO STAFF MEMBERS MR. MICHEL June 4 the Vatican diplomat left for Isken- Church, whose patronage had provided for NSEIR ANDMS. CARLA KHIJOYAN MET derun, where there was a Mass in memory all the necessities to carry out the spiritual WITH HIS HOLINESS ARAM I. Archbishop of the sacrifice of the bishop, who was

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 11. killed by his driver 3 June 2010. The Mass, nalists Anna Morozova and Iryna Solomko Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the celebrated by Mgr. Ruggero Franceschini, asked him whether he is adherent to the Republic of Moldova to the Holy See. I Archbishop of Izmir (Smyrna), was also idea of the church’s unity. thank you for your kind words. To recipro- attended by representatives of other “He (His Beatitude Lubomyr – ed.) cate I would be grateful if you would kindly Churches, Catholic, Orthodox and Armeni- stated more than once that the one Ukraini- express to Mr Marian Lupu, President ad an. an Church is a real possibility. First of all, interim of the Republic of Moldova, my "Our presence here in - said because it has already existed in such state, cordial wishes for himself and for all the Mgr. Lucibello - is inconsistent from the but due to different factors it was divided people of Moldova. numerical point of view: in all we are like a into different confessions. Because there is The year 2011 is the 20th anniversary small parish in a small village in the West. a common ground, there are also chances of your country’s Independence. It is now Yet our discreet witness bears fruit and that this unity will be regained. But we possible to see what has been done and there is respect and a following. " must step on this path of unity,” said the what has yet to be built. In your discourse During this year, marked by the mar- UGCC primate. you very rightly emphasized the trials your tyrdom of Archbishop Padovese and other “Back in 2005 His Beatitude Lubomyr nation has had to face and the intense hope signs of violence, the Nuncio said the said that we had to move from denomina- that prevails among the population for set- Church has been able to further its mission. tional confrontation to the primacy in love. tling the financial problems and those of "The Church is experiencing a shift 'from Very often today many of the churches that national unity. It is clear that unity in peace presence to witness'. This slogan was used stemmed from Kyivan Church present and serenity is a factor that encourages eco- in a church conference in Turkey in the late themselves as the sole heir of this tradition. nomic and social development but this de- '80s and remains important. " They consider the other churches as less velopment also serves to achieve unity. "There is no need for a noisy presence, worthy or even negate their right for exist- Finally I pray that lasting solutions may announced by 'beating drums.’ Instead it is ence. It is impossible to return to the origi- be found for the good of all through proper essential to have a living witness, a discreet nal unity with this kind of thinking,” added political mediation and the preservation of witness, one that is not imposed through the head of the UGCC. the different identities. Your people have theatrics.” He also answered the question of written glorious pages in the history of the Humble witness, the nuncio continued, whether he communicates with the heads of European continent. May this past inspire corrects the existing impression here of the the Orthodox Churches in Ukraine, particu- your present! Catholic Church as a powerful organiza- larly with the head of the UOC-MP Metro- Your country wishes to move forward. tion. Taking account of these feelings is politan Volodymyr. “Bishop Ilariy, the rep- It has set very understandable and neces- crucial." resentative of Metropolitan Volodymyr, sary economic priorities. However, these Mgr. Lucibello is hopeful for Turkey’s was at my enthronement. Not only did he must also respect the interests of national progress towards Europe. But he also greet me but he also invited me to a meet- sovereignty and contribute to the well- points out that a fundamental issue is reli- ing with the metropolitan. It was supposed being of all the members of your society, gious freedom. "That freedom means not to take place in the next few days, but due seeking to avoid trends that favour some to only freedom of worship but also of con- to the health problems of the metropolitan, the detriment of others. To help achieve this science. Importantly, a person must be able the meeting was postponed. Nonetheless goal your country hopes to establish close to believe or not believe, or even to change we are preparing for the meeting and I am relations with the European Union. It is religion. " He explains that at a meeting looking forward to it,” said the head of the right and fitting that Moldova wishes to organized by the Marmara Foundation a Ukrainian Greek Catholics. return to the common European home, but few months ago, he emphasized these ele- Besides, Sviatoslav this legitimate aspiration can only take ments and received the praise and support noted that the UGCC actively cooperates place with respect for the positive values of from young people working in hospitality with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the your country and must not be determined and some businessmen. Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC-KP): “We are solely by the economy and material well- The nuncio also expressed a desire actively cooperating with them within the being. among Catholics in Turkey for more oppor- All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and The fact that these two elements were tunities for interaction and mixed education. Religious Organizations. We have agreed ideologized in the past is an indication of "Being a minority often leads us to live in to create the Council of Churches from the pitfalls to be avoided for they can lead isolation. Instead, it is important to have churches that stemmed from St. Vo- to a unilateral abdication from the age-old opportunities to perceive that we are part of lodymyr’s , which would help us to values of your culture. This adherence, an a whole .” – Asia News, June 6. accomplish many good things together.” – important element, will be authentic only if RISU, June 8. the European Union recognizes the specific HE HEAD OF THE UKRAINIAN GREEK contribution that Moldova can make, so as CATHOLIC CHURCH (UGCC), N JUNE 9, POPE BENEDICT XVI to be able to move on together towards a TMAJOR ARCHBISHOP SVIATOSLAV, RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE THE NEW future enriched by the identity of each na- SAID IN AN INTERVIEW TO THE MAGAZINE OMOLDOVAN AMBASSADOR TO THE tion. KORRESPONDENT THAT HE BELIEVES IN HOLY SEE, STEFAN GORDA. THIS IS THE Because of its tradition and its Chris- THE POSSIBILITY OF CREATING ONE SPEECH THE HOLY FATHER DELIVERED ON tian faith, Moldova can courageously help UKRAINIAN CHURCH. THE OCCASION: the European Union rediscover what it no According to the publication, the Ma- Mr Ambassador, longer wishes to see and even denies. jor Archbishop asserts the possibility of I am pleased to receive you this morn- Moreover, the peace, justice and prosperity communion of the UGCC with all the ing, at the moment when you are presenting of Moldova that are bound to result from Ukrainian Orthodox Churches. Then jour- the Letters accrediting you as Ambassador the realization of its European aspirations

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 12. will only be effective if they are experi- thereby further deepening the good rela- ries of the Christian era, which binds us to enced by each one of our fellow citizens in tions between both Churches. These two the Church’s origins. has traditionally the quest for the common good and with an factors are encouraging in order to find been an example of tolerance, conviviality ongoing concern for ethics. Among these other solutions to reinforce increasingly the and harmonious relations between Chris- essential values the religious values are to harmony between the Moldovan State and tians and Muslims and today their ecumeni- be found. the Catholic Church. cal and interreligious relations are good. I The harmonious diplomatic relations My thoughts go in particular to the warmly hope that this friendly coexistence between Moldova and the Holy See, estab- young Moldovans. I pray for them and I of all cultural and religious members of the lished 18 years ago, give me great pleasure. would like to encourage them. I express to nation will continue to develop for the This harmony is due to the Christian faith you my joy in knowing that 100 of them greatest good of all, thereby reinforcing a that dwells in your nation and its inhabit- will be able to take part for the first time in unity founded on justice and solidarity. ants and I pay a tribute to the Orthodox the World Youth Day next August in Ma- However, the construction of this unity Church as a whole. She has always shared drid. And, next October the Catholic can only be permanent if the centrality and with the Catholic Church the need to defend Church will be organizing the first Social dignity of the human person is recognized. the religious and cultural values against the Week. The prospect of these two events Indeed, “As one created in the image of surrounding materialism and relativism gives me great pleasure. They should in- God, each individual human being has the which calls into question the Christian con- spire your country’s pride. dignity of a person; he or she is not just tribution to life and to society. May the At the time when you are officially something, but someone capable of self- brotherly relations between the Orthodox beginning your mission to the Holy See, knowledge, self-possession, free self-giving and the Catholic faithful grow deeper. The- Your Excellency, I express my best wishes and entering into communion with others” se relations of reciprocal respect and for its success. You may be sure, Mr Am- (Message for the World Day of Peace friendship are a witness of love that over bassador, that you will always find with my 2007, n. 2). The path of unity and stability and above divisions and their consequences co-workers the attention and cordial under- for each nation therefore moves through the points out that hearts can be opened to rec- standing that your lofty office deserves, as recognition of the inalienable dignity of onciliation, solidarity and brotherhood. well as the affection for your country of the every human person. The person must The faithful of the Catholic Church in Successor of Peter. As I invoke the Virgin therefore be at the center of the institutions, Moldova are not very numerous. I greet Mary’s intercession, I pray the Lord to pour laws and actions of societies. Consequently, them through you, and especially the Bish- out an abundance of Blessings upon you, it is also essential to give priority to the op of Chişinău. I give thanks for the juridi- upon your family and upon your collabora- common good, setting aside personal or cal recognition which the Catholic Church tors, as well as upon the Moldovan people partisan interests. Moreover, the process of enjoys in Moldova, for her gradual organi- and their leaders. – Vatican website, June listening, dialogue and collaboration must zation and for the construction of new 9. be recognized as the means through which churches, including the cathedral. These the various members of society may com- facts show the excellency of the dialogue N JUNE 9, POPE BENEDICT XVI pare their points of view and thus achieve a and collaboration between the civil institu- RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE HUSSAN consensus on the truth of particular values tions and the Catholic Church. OEDIN AALA, THE NEW SYRIAN or aims. Great advantages will result from We all know that certain problems AMBASSADOR TO THE HOLY SEE, AND this for individuals and for communities (cf. inherited from a recent past have yet to be GAVE THIS SPEECH: Discourse to the , 18 April resolved. The effort to care for and heal Mr Ambassador, 2008). these wounds is another way of making a I receive you with pleasure this morn- In this perspective, the events that have positive contribution to the unity of the ing as you present the Letters accrediting occurred in recent months in which some country and to its development. May the you as Ambassador Extraordinary and countries surrounding the Mediterranean — civil authorities have the courage to find Plenipotentiary of the Syrian Arab Republic including Syria — demonstrated the desire satisfactory solutions that are right and fair to the Holy See. You have kindly wished to for a better future in the areas of economy, concerning the confiscated ecclesiastical convey to me the greetings of His Excellen- justice, freedom and participation in public patrimony, in order to allow the Catholic cy, the President of the Republic, and I life. These events also show the urgent need Church the means to fulfill her mission, not would be grateful if you would thank him for real reforms in the country’s political, only in the religious domain but also in the on my behalf. Through you I likewise wish economic and social life. It is nevertheless educational, health-care and charitable sec- to greet all the Syrian people, expressing highly desirable that these developments do tors. the desire that it may live in peace and not take place through intolerance, discrim- The Church does not ask to be granted brotherhood. ination or conflict, and even less through special privileges. She wishes to be faithful As you emphasized, Mr Ambassador, violence, but rather through absolute re- to her own goal and to serve everyone, Syria has been an important and beloved spect for truth, for coexistence, for the legit- without distinction, in accordance with the place for Christians from the time of the imate rights of individuals and groups, as mission entrusted to her by Christ. The Church’s origin. Since Paul, who was to well as for reconciliation. Such principles successful integration of Catholics into your become the Apostle to the Gentiles, en- must guide leaders while taking account of country and the excellence of relations with countered the Risen Christ on the road to the aspirations of civil society as well as of the Orthodox Church show her good will. Damascus, a wealth of great has left the international authorities. Moreover many Moldovans have moved to its mark on the religious history of your Mr Ambassador, I would like to em- European nations of Catholic tradition. country. Equally abundant is the archaeo- phasize here the positive role Christians They seek there financial stability of course, logical evidence of churches, monasteries have in your country; as citizens, they are but they also weave bonds with Catholics, and mosaics, dating back to the early centu- engaged in the building of a society where

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 13. all may find their place. I cannot fail to N THE WEEK PRECEDING PENTECOST, IN Sacrament and ritual books, as they help to mention the Catholic Church’s service in THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND preserve the identity and the Church unity the social and educational sectors, which is IUNDER THE PRESIDENCY OF HIS in the countries abroad. The additional li- appreciated by everyone. May I be permit- BEATITUDE BECHARA PETER RAI, turgical publications expected for the com- ted to offer a very special greeting to the PATRIARCH OF ANTIOCH AND ALL THE ing days will help the faithful to participate faithful of the Catholic communities, with EAST, WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF HIS in the liturgical ceremonies and gain spir- their bishops, and to encourage them to BEATITUDE AND EMINENCE NASRALLAH itual fruits. nourish the bonds of brotherhood with eve- PETER CARDINAL SFEIR, THEIR EXCELLEN- 3 – The Fathers listened to the reports ryone? Daily relations with their Muslim CIES, THE BISHOPS OF THE MARONITE presented about the Maronite seminaries compatriots shed light on the importance of CHURCH, those living in Lebanon, or in the which are: Saint Maron at Ghazir, Saint interreligious dialogue and on the possibil- within the Patriarchal territory or Antony of Padua at Karm Saddeh, Saint ity of working together — in many ways — coming from abroad: Syria, Holy Land, Augustine at Kafra and Our Lady of Leba- for the common good. May the impetus Egypt, Cyprus, Europe, USA, Canada, non in Washington. They thanked God for given by the recent Special Assembly for Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Australia , the seriousness and knowledge which those the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops met together for their yearly Synod in the in charge of them enjoy and for the strong yield abundant fruit in your country, for the Patriarchal See in Bkerkeh from 5 June to devotion in forming vocations to priesthood benefit of the entire population, and an au- June 11. Their spiritual retreat was and the necessary preparation to join in the thentic reconciliation among peoples! preached by Father Maroun Mbarak, the service of the sacraments, the word and A global solution must be found, if Lebanese Missionary, under the title “Bish- charity. They recommended that those in peace is to make headway in the region. It op of 2012.” They began with a prayer for charge of the schools strengthen coordina- must not be harmful to the interests of any the repose of the souls of late Bishops tion among themselves and intensify the of the parties involved and must be the re- Francis Zayek and Youssef Mahfouz. They missionary spirit, free giving of self and sult of a compromise and not of unilateral studied the subjects on the agenda dealing formation in the spirituality of the cross. decisions imposed by force. Force resolves specially with church questions, pastoral, Given the importance of priestly formation, nothing; it merely provides partial or uni- social or administrative and national mat- His Beatitude proposed that Wednesday 15 lateral solutions which are inadequate. ters. At the end of the synod, they issued the June be consecrated to a closer study of the Aware of the suffering of all the popula- following communiqué: situation of the seminaries with all those tions, it is necessary to proceed with a de- 1 – In the opening speech, His Beati- concerned, to increase cooperation in these liberately global approach that excludes no tude the Patriarch thanked the Fathers of schools, work at implementing the charter one from the quest for a negotiated solution the Synod, for electing him father and head of Maronite education in all schools, and which takes into account the aspiration and of the and expressed in issue recommendations on what needs to be legitimate interests of the various people their name the esteem of the Synod for His included in the formation of future priests. involved. In this manner the situation that Beatitude and Eminence Nasrallah Peter Finally, the Fathers saw the necessity of the Middle East has been experiencing for Cardinal Sfeir and the pride of all in his establishing a center to care for preparing years has led you to welcome a large num- wise and loving leadership. He asked the priests called upon to serve abroad, espe- ber of refugees, mainly from Iraq, and Fathers to seek the assistance of the Holy cially since the necessity there for generous among them many Christians. I warmly Spirit so that they may read the signs of workers is growing. All these matters were thank the Syrian people for their generosity. times properly and discern God’s will and considered during the recent visit of His As you embark on your noble mission do accordingly. Then, entrusting all of them Beatitude to the seminaries in Lebanon and as representative to the Holy See, I address to Mary’s intercession and protection, in the hoped for visit to the seminary in Wash- to you, Mr Ambassador, my best wishes for this fragile time of the region’s history, he ington in the near future. the success of your mission. You may be gave the agenda of the Synod, wishing that 4 – The Fathers listened also to reports sure that you will always find with my co- its resolutions and recommendations would about the situation of some eparchies, workers the welcome and understanding be up to the expectations and hopes set among which Jbeil, Batroun, Lattakia, the you may need. I wholeheartedly invoke upon it. Vicariates of Jebbeh and Sarba, eparchies upon you, Your Excellency, upon your fam- 2 – First, the Fathers applied them- of Haifa and the Holy Land, and Europe. ily and upon all the inhabitants of Syria an selves to study the report of the Patriarchal They were informed about the needs of the abundance of divine blessings. – Vatican committee for liturgy. They praised its work Patriarchal and took the necessary website, June 9. and expressed their satisfaction for its latest resolutions about it. achievements, the most important of which Then, the Bishops of the eparchies of N JUNE 10, 2011, THE HOLY is the ritual of the . Mexico, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Argen- FATHER ERECTED THE CHALDEAN They, hence, underlined the importance of tina, and Europe presented the situation of OEPARCHY OF CANADA WITH THE giving this sacrament its proper place in the their sons and daughters with the expecta- NAME OF MAR ADDAI OF TORONTO OF THE Church and mentioned the necessity to car- tions of these eparchies, specifically the CHALDEANS (38,000 Catholics, priests 4), ry reconciliation to the parishes and wher- hopes, sufferings and most important, the Canada. He appointed Archbishop Hanna ever they can. They also requested their achievements. They insisted upon their Zora, of Ahwaz of the Chaldeans, , as sons and daughters to return to the purity of urgent need for priests from Lebanon to first bishop of the new eparchy. – VIS, June the Gospel so that they may be effectively help them, because communities are grow- 10. among the children of the kingdom. ing and their needs increasing. The Fathers welcomed also the new 5 – Following that, the Fathers dwelt a translations into the local languages from long time upon the challenges of the the original Syriac text of the Missal, the Church abroad. They assured that the Mar-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 14. onite expansion has become international, united strategic view to move Lebanon for- remain faithful to the witness of love and efficient, interactive with most cultures and ward in its efficient conciliatory democratic unity in spite of the pressures surrounding an integral part of our Church identity. system, they appreciate the way the Leba- us. They finally request their co-citizens in While the basic challenge is in preserving nese have withstood the storms and pre- the homeland, and their sons and daughters, the identity with the inhabitants of the coun- served their present relationships. They are to never give up the national unity Pact tries where they live in witnessing to the sorry for the sharp division which still im- among themselves which is based upon faith before peoples and cooperate with prints the country’s political life and im- noble spiritual values and high moral ex- their Churches in reviving Christian life, we pairs the work of the constitutional institu- amples. For all unity, be it humanitarian, still have to improve the management of tions. This has had the consequence to mul- social or cultural is a gift from the Spirit this new situation on the organizational, tiply the daily life crises for all the groups who continually calls us to establish peace parochial and spiritual levels for the glory of the Lebanese people, harming, in partic- in our homelands and live together in love. of God and the of souls. ular, the poor and needy. They also wonder Only love builds homelands, preserves 6 - At the start of the service of our about the reasons behind the crippling de- societies, guards the good and establishes Father the new Patriarch, and in accordance lay in forming the government and do not the foundations for a just and permanent with the recommendations of the Maronite understand the continuation of the state of peace. – Press Release, Maronite Patriar- Patriarchal Synod and the paternal instruc- stagnation gripping the formation which chate, June 11. tions of His Beatitude, the Fathers reviewed increases the recession in the different eco- the suggested plan for the administrative nomic sectors. This also harms the produc- IS BEATITUDE LUCIAN MURESAN, and pastoral cadre in Bkerkeh on the theo- tion sectors directly, especially since we are MAJOR ARCHBISHOP OF FAGARAS logical bases which are summed up in ren- on the entrance of the summer season. But HAND ALBA JULIA OF THE dering efficient collegiality and commun- that which further complicates the situation ROMANIANS, ROMANIA, WITH THE CON- ion. are the fast developments around us. This SENT OF THE SYNOD OF THE ROMANIAN 7 – The Fathers dwelt upon the situa- situation affects negatively the stability of GREEK-CATHOLIC CHURCH AND AFTER tion of church tribunals, discussed the re- Lebanon and its prosperity. That is why the HAVING INFORMED THE APOSTOLIC SEE, port presented about these tribunals during Fathers appeal to all to return to their purity has, in accordance with 85 para. 2 of the year 2010 and remarked, with regret, of origin and reject their differences and the Code of Canons of the Eastern that the number of cases presented each unite their ranks out of the national basics. Churches, transferred Bishop Vasile Bizau year is increasing. This requires more pas- The country, if united, can overcome all of the Major Archbishopric Curia, to the toral efforts to preserve family unity, and crises and the Lebanese, if they want, can eparchy of Maramures of the Romanians imposes upon the faithful more sacrifice, to quickly find the solutions to all the prob- (Catholics 152,383, priests 143, religious be patient about the difficulties met in mari- lems which the small homeland is suffering 3), Romania. – VIS, June 11. tal life, and deepen their faith and its re- from, after having eliminated all the obsta- quirements so that our families remain a cles which hinder the start in the “repair HE SPRING ORDINARY SESSION OF witness of unity and love. shop” of all institutions. THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE 8 – The Fathers received also the study 10 – In the stage of history the region TROMANIAN GREEK CATHOLIC of the latest developments reached by the is going through, the Fathers remind every- CHURCH UNITED WITH ROME TOOK PLACE committee in charge of reconsidering the one of what the assembly of the last Synod, IN THE MAJOR ARCHEPISCOPAL Particular law of the Maronite Church. Af- special for the Middle East Churches, said HEADQUARTERS IN BLAJ from June 8 to 10. ter praising the efforts of those working at that violence cannot establish democratic The following members were present: it, they hoped that the result of these studies values. Democracy is a long way built brick His Beatitude Lucian Muresan, Major be implemented in the near future. after brick, so that the citizens reach, Archbishop of the Romanian Greek Catho- 9 – As for the national general ques- through it, a civil system built upon equali- lic Church United with Rome, along with tion, the Fathers valued completely the ty, similar opportunities and liberty of ex- Bishops of Oradea, Florentin Muslim-Christian summit held at Bkerkeh pression and creed. The Fathers of the Syn- Crihalmeanu of Cluj-Gherla, Alexandru and hoped for much from the new dyna- od join their voice to the voice of His Holi- Mesian of Lugoj, Mihai Fratila Auxiliary of mism which it created. They also hoped ness Pope Benedict XVI, raising prayer Alba Iulia and Fagaras, and Vasile Bizau of that much would come out of the meeting with him, so that violence stops in all its the Major Archepiscopal Curia. Bishop held recently by the Maronite leaders and aspects, specially the bloodshed, and that of St. George in Can- deputies at Bkerkeh in response to the invi- the concerned authorities initiate dialogue ton, Ohio (USA) was not able to be present tation of His Beatitude. They were optimis- with their citizens, to respond to the legiti- but participated in some of the proceedings tic about what resulted from the summit mate expectations of the rising young gen- by electronic communication. with the hopes to strengthen unity in the erations, which aim towards a promising The meeting of the Synod began in the country, the consequence of which is to and stable future. afternoon of June 8 with the celebration of a assure more stability, development and 11 – In conclusion, on the eve of the Te Deum laudamus in the Blaj Cathedral, deeply rooted constitutional life built upon Pentecost, the Fathers call upon all to real- during which Bishops Ioan Sisestean and effective democracy, the preservation of ize their responsibilities and work with all George Gutiu, both having recently passed man’s dignity and the earnest endeavor to their power to affirm security and peace. to the Lord, were commemorated. preserve Lebanon’s message and its pros- They call upon their sons and daughters to In the first part of its work, the Synod perity. raise their faces towards heaven and thank discussed subjects of an internal adminis- While the Fathers assume again the the Heavenly Father, who granted us the trative nature. Following this, the Synod necessity to return to the national basics spirit of the Son, the Paraclete, so that we addressed subjects relating to the ecumeni- and call for working towards reaching a may always follow the way of peace and cal situation as well as some decisions re-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 15. garding appointments. Thus reconfirmed in U.S.-born Bishop , 66, Catholic university, using "methods well office were Bishop Virgil of Oradea as who retired as an auxiliary of Newton in known in Soviet times." Secretary of the Holy Synod, and Father 2005, has been named bishop of Newton. However, the claim was rejected by the William A. Bleiziffer, of the Since his retirement, he has lived in War- security services director, Valeriy Archepiscopate of Alba Iulia and Fagaras, ren, Mich., and has, among other things, led Khoroshkovsky, and criticized by Bishop as notary, as well as the membership of the retreats and conferences and done research. Marian Buczek, secretary-general of Permanent Synod. Father Robert Rabbat, 51, rector of the Ukraine's Catholic bishops' conference, Other decisions included the approval Cathedral of the Annunciation in Newton, who said two months later that there was no of the Statutes for the major seminaries as a has been named bishop of St. Michael's of evidence of an anti-Catholic campaign. single document for all the superior insti- Sydney. The Lebanese-born priest has a In his Die Presse interview, Father tutes for the formation of future Greek degree in chemical engineering and math- Gudziak said current government reforms Catholic priests, and also the Statutes and ematics from Ohio State University and a were undermining university autonomy in Regulations of the Major Archepiscopate. master's in communication from Purdue Ukraine, adding that he believed other rec- In addition, it was decided to deepen University. He was ordained a priest in tors had received "visits" from the security the study of the possibility of modifying the Beirut in 1994 and has served at parishes in services and were afraid to speak out. boundaries of the church’s eparchies, and Indiana and Illinois as well as editor of So- "In view of these developments, one to organize meetings of those responsible phia magazine. He was named an archi- has to ask whether the Orange Revolution for overseeing workers in order to inform mandrite in 2005 and began serving as hasn't been ineffective," the priest said, in a them about the new regulations in the area cathedral rector in Newton. – CNS, June reference to December 2004 mass protests of labor laws. 15. that helped bring a pro-Western president, The Synod also appointed the mem- Viktor Yushchenko, to power. – Jonathan bers that will take part in the preparatory HE U.S.-BORN RECTOR OF Luxmoore for CNS, June 21. Commission to establish working princi- UKRAINE'S CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY ples and methodology for the Joint Com- TSAID HIS COUNTRY IS "LIVING IN LONGTIME FRIEND OF LEADERS IN mission for Dialogue between the Romani- DARK TIMES" AND ACCUSED STATE THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, an Orthodox Church and the Romanian SECURITY SERVICES OF PLACING HIM ACARDINAL ROGER ETCHEGARAY Greek Catholic Church United with Rome. UNDER SURVEILLANCE. VISITED RUSSIA FOR PENTECOST, inviting Also included in the Agenda were cur- "Our telephones are tapped -- the sta- the faithful to "walk by the Spirit" in better- rent matters in the life of the Church both tionary ones probably, the mobile ones cer- ing relations between the two Churches. domestic and foreign, as well as discipli- tainly. Lists of my telephone conversations Cardinal Etchegaray is vice dean of the nary and canonical issues. have been shown to colleagues, and an as- . He served as presi- It was decided that the next ordinary sistant was followed through the city," said dent of the Pontifical Councils Cor Unum session of the Synod will take place Octo- Father , rector of the - and for Justice and Peace. ber 18-20, 2011, in Blaj. – Press Release, based Ukrainian CatholicUniversity. He was in St. Petersburg June 9-15, Romanian Greek Catholic Church, June 12. "I have seen fundamental change -- beginning his visit with prayer at the tomb [trans. by RGR] some in hopeless situations -- from com- of Metropolitan Nicodemus, whom he vis- munism to an independent Ukraine, from ited in St. Petersburg more than 30 years N JUNE 14, THE HOLY FATHER growing authoritarianism to the Orange ago. APPOINTED BISHOP HLIB LON- Revolution. Although I believe we're living The 88-year-old cardinal has been a OCHYNA M.S.U., APOSTOLIC ADMIN- in dark times, I'm convinced the spirit and pioneer in Catholic-Russian Orthodox dia- ISTRATOR "SEDE VACANTE" of the apostolic human dignity will prevail," he told Aus- logue; his visit to what was then Leningrad exarchate for Ukrainian faithful of Byzan- tria's Die Presse daily June 16. was made at the invitation of Metropolitan tine rite resident in Great Britain, as apos- He said the university students and Nicodemus. tolic of the same apostolic exarchate faculty were "not a nest of radical revolu- The cardinal has also been a longtime (Catholics 10,000, priests 13, religious 3). tionaries. But we do try to be free." friend of Vladimir, the present metropolitan – VIS, June 14. The priest told the daily that other uni- of St. Petersburg. They met in the frame- versity staffers had received calls from the work of the , in HE VATICAN HAS ANNOUNCED state security services asking about his ac- which the cardinal, then a priest of the APPROVAL OF TWO NEW MELKITE tivities. French Diocese of , took part as an TCATHOLIC WHO HAD "These are the occurrences I know expert, and the future metropolitan as an BEEN ELECTED BY THE GREEK MELKITE about -- I'm also certain some UCU col- observer of the Moscow Patriarchate. SYNOD OF BISHOPS. leagues are under pressure to collaborate Cardinal Etchegaray celebrated Pente- Lebanese-born Archbishop Cyrille with the security services out of fear," said cost with the Orthodox, as the feast was Bustros, 72, was confirmed as the new Father Gudziak, whose university has marked on the same date this year by both Melkite archbishop of Beirut and Jbeil, around 1,400 full and part-time students. Churches. vacant for 13 months. Since 2004, he has In a May 2010 memorandum, Father The cardinal attended an Orthodox headed the Eparchy of Newton, Mass. Gudziak said he had identified "planned vigil for the feast, exchanging the kiss of Syrian-born Bishop Issam Darwich, actions to circumscribe civic freedom, de- peace with Metropolitan Vladimir. 66, who has headed the Eparchy of St. mocracy and the basic dignity of human The next morning, Cardinal Etche- Michael's of Sydney, Australia, since 1996, beings" in Ukraine, adding that he had "re- garay gave Metropolitan Vladimir a letter was confirmed as the new archbishop of liable testimony and audible evidence" of from the president of the Pontifical Council Zahleh and Furzol in Lebanon. efforts to intimidate staff and students at the for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 16. Kurt Koch. The letter recalled the im- lic Church.” This paper gave a theological thew. People requested the blessing of the portance of Vatican II in the development framework for the subsequent discussion. Bishop by singing “Sloosok aman.” After of relations between Catholics and Ortho- Rev. Fr. Sunny Mathew (Parish priest), Mr. the Bishop’s blessings, they kissed the dox. George James (lay person) and Dr. Jocelyn Bishop’s hand cross, singing “Krolohoon Bishop , rector of the Acade- Edathil (Youth) presented their response to Moraan.” The participants left the Assem- my of Orthodox Theology, invited the car- this paper. bly venue with a renewed sense of being a dinal to stay at the academy during his time During the morning session of the se- Church and with a deepened conviction in St. Petersburg and organized a reception cond day, Rev. Fr. George Oonnoonny pre- about their missionary call. – Malankara in his honor. sented a paper on “The Pastoral and Ca- News, June 23. At the time of the cardinal's first visit nonical Implications of the Syro-Malankara to that city, the rector of the academy was Catholic Exarchate.” This paper gave em- HE the present head of the Russian Orthodox phasis to the canonical and pastoral dimen- RELEASED THE FOLLOWING Church, Patriarch Kirill. sions of the Church’s mission in the United TCOMMUNIQUE AT MIDDAY ON JUNE Cardinal Etchegaray also celebrated States of America. All participants were 24: "This morning the Holy Father received Mass with the Catholic community of St. divided into five groups namely, Mar Base- in audience Igor Luksic, prime minister of Petersburg in the Church of St. Catherine, lios, Mar Gregorios, Mar Theophilos, Mar Montenegro. The prime minister subse- as well as visiting the seminary. Athanasios, and Mar Ephraem. Each group quently went on to meet with Cardinal Sec- He also met with representatives of gathered together thrice and discussed the retary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. who Russian culture, including Boris Borisovich given questions. In addition, each group was accompanied by Archbishop Piotrovski, former director of the Her- was also asked to chart a missionary plan Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Rela- mitage Museum, which houses numerous for the Church for the next five years. The tions with States. masterpieces of Western religious art. – summary of the discussion was presented in "The cordial discussions focused on Zenit, June 22. the general discussion that was moderated the Basic Agreement between the Holy See by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter Kochery. Then and Montenegro, which the secretary of HE HOLY FATHER HAS APPOINTED: Rev. Fr. Mathai Mannoorvadakkethil, Mr. State and the prime minister signed at the - His Beatitude Sviatoslav Alex John, Mrs. Thresiamma Nadavallil end of their meeting. The agreement con- TShevchuk, major archbishop of Ky- and Mr. Aloysius John presented their cerns, in particular, the juridical status of iv-Halyc, Ukraine, as a member of the evaluations of the Assembly. All of them the Catholic Church and of her main institu- Congregation for the Oriental Churches. shared their appreciation and proposed that tions within civil society, and confirms the - Bishop Daniel Kozelinski Netto, the momentum created by the Assembly excellent relations between the Holy See auxiliary of the eparchy of Sao Joao Batista must be continued by designing follow-up and Montenegro which have existed since in Curitiba of the , Brazil, as programs and implementing the proposed the country first gained its independence. apostolic administrator "sede vacante" of plans. There was active interaction from "The conversations between Cardinal the eparchy of Santa Maria del Patrocinio most of the participants. Bertone and Mr. Luksic also provided an in Buenos Aires of the Ukrainians, (Catho- During the concluding session Most opportunity for a fruitful exchange of opin- lics 160,000, priests 17, permanent dea- Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius offered his ions on the current international situation, cons 1, religious 95), Argentina. – VIS, final comments, his deep sense of satisfac- in the perspective of European and Euro- June 22. tion about the fruitfulness of the Assembly Atlantic integration. Attention dwelt on the and his gratitude to all the participants for commitment of the Montenegrin govern- HE ASSEMBLY OF THE SYRO- their serious and committed participation in ment to promoting peace and harmony MALANKARA EXARCHATE IN THE the Assembly. Besides the ex-officio mem- among the different peoples and religious TUSA WAS HELD ON 22 AND 23 JUNE bers, Mr. George James, Mr. Gijo Geore- confessions present in the country. The 2011 AT THE SEMINARY OF THE IMMACU- kutty (youth representative) and Mrs. parties also expressed their desire to con- LATE CONCEPTION, NEW YORK. The two- Thresiamma Nadavallil (woman repre- tinue constructive dialogue on themes of days Assembly was inaugurated by His sentative) and Mr. Mr. Francis Thazhamon mutual concern for Church and State.” – Excellency Most Rev. William Murphy, the (representing the region of Canada) were VIS, June 24. Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. elected as the members to attend the Major The inauguration meeting was presided Archiepiscopal Assembly which will be HIS MORNING IN THE APOSTOLIC over by Most. Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius, held from 21 to 23 September, 2011 at the PALACE OF THE VATICAN, THE the Bishop of the Exarchate. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Catholicate Centre, Trivandrum. Thomas THOLY SEE AND MONTENEGRO Peter Kochery welcomed the participants Mar Eusebius and Rev. Fr. Saji Mukkoo- SIGNED A BASIC AGREEMENT confirming and Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter I. Vaccari, the tumannil, the general secretary expressed and regulating certain principles in areas of Rector of the Seminary, welcomed the their gratitude to all who were instrumental shared interest. members to the Seminary. The Assembly in making this Assembly a success. Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Sessions began with an ice breaker, name- During the “Sending-out Rite” while Bertone S.D.B. signed for the Holy See and ly, all participants introduced themselves. A playing, “Go Out and Tell the Good News,” Igor Luksic, prime minister, signed for representative from each parish was asked Mar Eusebius handed lighted candles to Montenegro. to present a small report of their respective each participant, who processed in two The agreement, taking account of the parish. During the noon session Rev. Fr. lines behind the Holy Bible carried by the independence and autonomy of Church and Mathew Charthakuzhiyil presented the Proto-Syncellus. When the procession State and of their openness to mutual col- main paper of the Assembly, “The Mis- reached the Chapel, the Bishop read out the laboration, establishes a juridical frame- sionary Role of the Syro-Malankara Catho- Mission Command from the Gospel of Mat- work for their relations. Specifically, it reg-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 17. ulates the juridical status of the Catholic church and a result of the order by which it the Eastern Churches did before them. The Church in civil society, her liberty and in- lives. East is their earthly homeland. It is there dependence in apostolic activity and in mat- The Catechism, as confirmed by the that they are called today to promote, with- ters that specifically concern freedom of hierarch, is both old and new: “Old, for out distinction, the good of all mankind. worship, and her activities in the fields of faith is eternal, and new, because we pre- Everyone professing this faith must be rec- culture, education, pastoral care and chari- sent the content in such a way so that our ognised as having equal dignity and true ty. The text also concerns the administra- faithful can fully understand this tradition, freedom, thus favouring more fruitful ecu- tion of seminaries, as well as the provision so that this Catechism can speak to the menical and inter-religious collaboration.” of spiritual assistance to the armed forces modern person.” The Holy Father then continued his and in prisons and hospitals. The agreement “Until recently, there was a notion that remarks in English: "I thank you for your will come into force with the exchange of to theologize in Ukrainian was ‘uncultured’ reflections on the changes that are taking the instruments of ratification. – VIS, June – we usually translated theological works. place in the countries of North Africa and 24. Since the Catechism is a product of a the Middle East, which are a source of anx- ‘Ukrainian manufacturer,’ written in iety throughout the world. Through the OPE BENEDICT XVI HAS APPOINTED Ukrainian,” it is, according to the Major communications received at this time from ARCHBISHOP RAPHAEL MINASSIAN Archbishop, a very important matter. the Coptic-Catholic Cardinal-Patriarch and PARMENIAN ORDINARY FOR EASTERN At the press conference, Major Arch- from the Maronite Patriarch, as well as the EUROPE. HE WAS ARMENIAN CATHOLIC bishop Sviatoslav also talked about the pontifical representative in Jerusalem and PATRIARCHAL EXARCH OF JERUSALEM AND mission of the church, which includes be- the Franciscan of the Holy Land, the AMMAN PRIOR TO THIS APPOINTMENT. The coming a full-fledged participant in the Congregation and the agencies will be able of Beirut re- dialogue between the Orthodox and Catho- to assess the situation on the ground for the ported that Archbishop Minassian will now lics. Church and the peoples of that region, head the Catholic Armenians in Armenia, “We are a national church, and so we which is so important for world peace and Georgia, and Eastern Europe. are ready to be not only a bridge of under- stability. The Pope wishes to express his Archbishop Minassian succeeds Arch- standing between the Catholic and Ortho- closeness, also through you, to those who bishop Vahan Ohanian. The official ap- dox churches and to organize a meeting are suffering and to those who are trying pointment ceremony will be held at the between the Pope and Patriarch Kirill, but desperately to escape, thereby increasing Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Illuminator also to become a full-fledged member of the flow of migration that often remains in Beirut, Lebanon. the dialogue,” the church leader told the without hope. I pray that the necessary Raphael François Minassian was born press. – RISU, June 24. emergency assistance will be forthcoming, in 1946 in Beirut. He entered the Lebanese but above all I pray that every possible seminary in Rome in 1966 and was or- N THE MORNING OF JUNE 24, THE form of mediation will be explored, so that dained a priest in 1973. He was pastor of HOLY FATHER RECEIVED violence may cease and social harmony and the Catholic Armenians in California in OPARTICIPANTS IN THE ANNUAL peaceful coexistence may everywhere be 1996-2006 and was editor in chief of Avet- GENERAL MEETING OF THE REUNION OF restored, with respect for the rights of indi- aber-Verelk for 8 years. Archbishop Mi- ORGANIZATIONS FOR AID TO THE viduals as well as communities.” nassian also founded an Armenian Televi- ORIENTAL CHURCHES (ROACO). Switching to German, the Pope re- sion company in 2005, some segments of In his remarks to the group, Benedict ferred to the Special Assembly for the Mid- which have been broadcast by the Telepace XVI recalled how yesterday's celebration of dle East of the Synod of Bishops, which channel. – Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi "was a call was held last October in the Vatican and June 24. to the beloved city of Rome and to the en- which, he said, gave rise "to new signs for tire Catholic community to continue their our age.” Nonetheless, "shortly afterwards a T A PRESS CONFERENCE ON JUNE 24 journey along the difficult paths of history, number of defenseless people in the Syro- IN LVIV, THE HEAD OF THE amidst the world’s great spiritual and mate- Catholic cathedral of Baghdad, Iraq, were AUKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC rial poverty, in order to bring the charity of victims of an act of senseless violence. ... CHURCH (UGCC), MAJOR ARCHBISHOP Christ and the Church, which arises from This was followed by similar incidents SVIATOSLAV, SAID HIS CHURCH IS READY the Paschal Mystery, the mystery of love, some months later.” The Pope expressed TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ORTHODOX- the gift which generates life.” the hope that the suffering of so many peo- CATHOLIC DIALOGUE AND TO ORGANIZE A "Never forget the Eucharistic dimen- ple would be a seed to enrich the faith in MEETING BETWEEN THE POPE AND sion of your objective,” the Pope went on, those lands. PATRIARCH KIRILL. "so as to remain within the ambit of eccle- Finally he thanked all those present for The press conference took place after sial charity, which particularly seeks to their prayers for the sixtieth anniversary of the presentation of the UGCC Catechism reach the Holy Land, but also the Middle his ordination as a priest which falls this “Christ is Our Easter.” The working group, East as a whole, in order to support the year on 29 June, Feast of Sts. Peter and which is led by the Patriarchal Catechetical Christian presence there. I ask you to do Paul, Apostles. – VIS, June 24. Commission, worked on the Catechism for everything possible - also be intervening almost 10 years. The book consists of three with the public authorities with whom you IS BEATITUDE BECHARA RAI, parts: “Faith in the Church,” “Prayer of the have contacts at the international level - to PATRIARCH OF ANTIOCH OF THE Church,” and “Life of the Church.” ensure that the and faithful of Christ HMARONITES, WITH THE CONSENT According to Major Archbishop Svi- can remain in the East where they were OF THE SYNOD OF THE MARONITE CHURCH atoslav, the UGCC Catechism is a testa- born, not as strangers but as citizens who AND HAVING INFORMED THE APOSTOLIC ment to the intellectual maturity of the bear witness to Jesus Christ as the saints of SEE, HAS TRANSFERRED, in accordance

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 18. with canon 85 para. 2 of the Code of Can- Catholic education and concern for social The delegation, which delivered a ons of the Eastern Churches, Archbishop issues. message to the Holy Father on behalf of the Paul Nabil El-Sayah of Haifa of the Maro- In 1950, as Romania's new communist Patriarch, was made up of His Eminence nites, Patriarchal exarch for Jerusalem, regime attempted to break the Catholic Emmanuel (Adenakis), metropolitan of Palestine and Jordan, to the office of bishop Church's links with Rome, Bishop Scheffler France and director of the office of the Or- of the Patriarchal Curia. The Holy Father was arrested and sent to Jilava prison, near thodox Church to the European Union; His has allowed the prelate to maintain his title the capital, Bucharest, from where he Eminence Athenagoras (Yves Peckstadt), of archbishop "ad personam.” – VIS, June smuggled a message to local Catholics, bishop of Sinope and auxiliary of the met- 25. urging them to "stay faithful unto martyr- ropolitan of Belgium, and Archimandrite dom." Maxime Pothos, of the metro- CATHOLIC BISHOP FROM ROMANIA The bishop died in an underground cell politan of Switzerland. WILL BE BEATIFIED AS A MARTYR Dec. 6, 1952, after he had boiling water This is the full text of the speech the AALMOST SIX DECADES AFTER DYING poured on him in the prison shower. The Holy Father delivered on the occasion: FROM BEING DOUSED IN BOILING WATER IN location of his unmarked grave in the pris- Dear Brothers in Christ, A PRISON operated by his country's former on cemetery was recorded by an Orthodox Welcome to Rome on the occasion of communist regime. priest and fellow inmate. In 1965, his re- the feast of the Patrons of this Church, the Bishop Janos Scheffler "was a pastor mains were secretly exhumed and rein- holy Apostles Peter and Paul. I am particu- who risked everything to sustain the faith of terred in the Oradea cathedral crypt. larly pleased to greet you with the words Catholics and safeguard his church's unity In an interview with CNS June 27, that St Paul addressed to the Christians of with Rome," said Archbishop Ioan Robu of Archbishop Gyorgy-Miklos Jakubinyi of this city: “The God of peace be with you Bucharest, president of the Romanian bish- Alba Iulia said the process, all” (Rom 15:33). I thank with all my heart ops' conference. launched in 1990 after communist rule was my Venerable Brother, the Ecumenical "Having him officially recognized by overthrown in Romania's "Winter Revolu- Patriarch, His Holiness Bartholomew I, and the Catholic Church will provide a great tion," had been helped by a composer who the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriar- impulse of joy and consolation, giving us a had shared the bishop's cell and witnessed chate who have wished to send you, dear new model and new intercessor with God," his violent death. Brothers, as their representatives to take he said. Bishop Scheffler is the second Roma- part here with us in this solemn celebration. The archbishop spoke about prepara- nian bishop to be beatified as a communist- The Lord Jesus Christ, who appeared tions for the July 3 beatification of Bishop era martyr; the first was to his disciples after his Resurrection, gave Scheffler (1887-1952) in the cathedral in Szilard Bogdanffy of Ordea Mare and Satu them the mission of being witnesses of the Oradea, Romania. The bishop headed the Mare, who died in 1953 and was beatified Gospel of Salvation. The Apostles faithfully Diocese of Oradea Mare and Satu Mare. in October. carried out this mission, witnessing to faith The Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Archbishop Robu told CNS he hoped in Christ the Saviour and to love for God Angelo Amato, of the Vatican Con- beatification processes would be completed the Father until the supreme sacrifice of gregation for Saints' Causes. soon for 15 other Romanian Catholic mar- their lives. In this City of Rome, the Apos- In a June 28 interview with Catholic tyrs, including seven Eastern Catholic bish- tles Peter and Paul faced martyrdom and News Service, Archbishop Robu said the ops. since then their tombs are the object of beatification was attracting considerable More than 75 martyrs from com- veneration. Your participation in our Feast, public interest in Romania, which has 12 munist-ruled Eastern Europe have been like the presence of our representatives in Latin and Eastern Catholic dioceses serving beatified by the Catholic Church, including Constantinople for the Feast of the Apostle about 5.6 percent of the population of 21.7 29 from Ukraine and 40 from Albania. – Andrew, expresses the friendship and au- million, according to a 2002 census. The Jonathan Luxmoore for CNS, June 29. thentic brotherhood that unites the Church archbishop said the recognition of of Rome and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, communist-era martyrs was a "point of HE HOLY FATHER HAS APPOINTED bonds that are solidly founded on this faith ecumenical contact" with the country's pre- ARCHBISHOP TADEUSZ KONDRU- received from the witness of the Apostles. dominant Orthodox population. TSIEWICZ OF -MOHILEV, The profound spiritual closeness that we "All Romanians are sensitive to such BELARUS, ALSO AS APOSTOLIC ADMINIS- experience each time we meet is a cause of stories of witness and suffering, and the TRATOR "ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of the great joy and gratitude to God for me. At memory of Bishop Scheffler is still very diocese of Pinsk (area 72,700, population the same time, however, the incomplete much alive here, not only among Catho- 3,146,000, Catholics 50,620, priests 47, communion which already unites us must lics," Archbishop Robu said. religious 228), Belarus. – VIS, June 30. grow until it achieves full and visible unity. "Younger people may have trouble We follow with great attention the understanding the past epoch to which such N THE MORNING OF JUNE 28 IN THE work of the Joint Commission for Theolog- figures belonged. But the idea of martyr- VATICAN, IN A TRADITIONAL ical Dialogue between the Catholic Church dom surpasses historical periods -- it OMEETING FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF and the Orthodox Church in all its parts. speaks of the capacity for total devotion and STS. PETER AND PAUL APOSTLES, From the purely human viewpoint one risk, for the offering of life itself. These are BENEDICT XVI RECEIVED A DELEGATION might have the impression that the theolog- values which can be readily appreciated by SENT BY ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH ical dialogue is progressing with difficulty. today's young generation," he said. BARTHOLOMEW I. The Church of Rome In fact, the rhythm of the dialogue is linked Named Bishop of Satu Mare in 1942 and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Con- to the complexity of the themes discussed, and of Ordea Mare in 1948, Bishop stantinople traditionally exchange visits for which demand an extraordinary effort of Scheffler was noted for his support for the feasts of their respective patrons. reciprocal study, reflection and openness.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 19. We are called to continue on this journey the important commitment with which His greeting to my venerable Brother, Patriarch together in charity, invoking the Holy Spir- Holiness Bartholomew labors for his sub- Bartholomew I, to the Holy Synod, to the it, light and inspiration, in the certainty that jects. In our common intention and remem- clergy and to all the faithful of the Ecumen- he wants to lead us to the full accomplish- bering the beautiful example of my Prede- ical Patriarchate, assuring them of my affec- ment of Christ’s will: that they may all be cessor Bl. John Paul II, I have wished to tion and of the solidarity of the Church of one (Jn 17:21). I am particularly grateful to invite our Christian brethren, the represent- Rome which today is celebrating her Holy all the members of the Joint Commission, atives of the other religious traditions of the Founders. – Vatican website, June 30. and especially to the co-Presidents, His world and of the important figures of the Eminence the Metropolitan Ioannis of Per- worlds of culture and of science to take part HE 2011 EDITION OF “ORTHO- gamon, and His Eminence Cardinal Kurt next 27 October, in the town of Assisi, in a DOXIA,” THE COMPLETE LISTING OF Koch, for their tireless devotion, patience Day of reflection, dialogue and prayer for TTHE BISHOPS OF THE ORTHODOX, and competence. peace and justice in the world, which will ORIENTAL ORTHODOX, AND ASSYRIAN In a historical context of violence, in- have as its theme: “Pilgrims of truth, pil- CHURCHES COMPILED BY THE OSTKIRCH- difference and egotism, many men and grims of faith.” This joint march through LICHES INSTITUT IN REGENSBURG, GER- women of our time feel bewildered. It is the streets of the town of St Francis will be MANY, is now available. It includes contact precisely by the common witness of the the sign of the wish to continue on the way information and biographical details of each truth of the Gospel that we can help the of dialogue and brotherhood. bishop. It can be ordered from OKI Re- people of our time to rediscover the way Your Eminence, dear members of the gensburg at [email protected] The price is that leads them to the truth. The search for Delegation, in thanking you once again for 20 euros, postage included. the truth, in fact, is also a search for justice your presence in Rome in this solemn cir- and peace and it is with great joy that I note cumstance, I ask you to convey my fraternal

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI with the Delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, June 28, 2011.

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

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

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 188, June 30, 2011, page 20.