SEIA NEWSLETTER On the Eastern Churches and

______Number 182: November 30, 2010 Washington, DC

The Feast of Saint Andrew at sues a strong summons to all those who by HIS IS THE ADDRESS GIVEN BY ECU - The Ecumenical God’s grace and through the gift of Baptism MENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLO - have accepted that message of salvation to TMEW AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE renew their fidelity to the Apostolic teach- LITURGY COMMEMORATING SAINT S IS TRADITIONAL FOR THE EAST F ing and to become tireless heralds of faith ANDREW ON NOVEMBER 30: OF ST. ANDREW , A in Christ through their words and the wit- Your Eminence, Cardinal , ADELEGATION , LED BY CARDINAL ness of their lives. with your honorable entourage, KURT KOCH , PRESIDENT OF THE PONTIFI - In modern times, this summons is as representing His Holiness the of CAL COUNCIL FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN urgent as ever and it applies to all Chris- senior and our beloved in the UNITY , HAS TRAVELLED TO TO tians. In a world marked by growing inter- Lord, Benedict, and the Church that PARTICIPATE IN THE CELEBRATIONS for the dependence and solidarity, we are called to he leads, saint, patron of the Ecumenical Patriarchate proclaim with renewed conviction the truth It is with great joy that we greet your of . Every year the Patriar- of the Gospel and to present the Risen Lord presence at the Thronal Feast of our Most chate sends a delegation to Rome for the as the answer to the deepest questions and Holy Church of Constantinople and express Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul Apostles, on 29 spiritual aspirations of the men and women gratitude to our brother in the Lord, Pope June. of our day. Benedict XVI, who sent you here, for his This morning the Holy See delegation If we are to succeed in this great task, gracious fraternal gesture through you to attended a divine liturgy presided by His we need to continue our progress along the participate in this festive celebration of the Holiness Bartholomew I, at the Church of path towards , demonstrat- sacred commemoration of the founder of St. George at Fanar. At the end of the cer- ing that we have already united our efforts the Church in Byzantium, St. Andrew the emony Cardinal Koch delivered a special for a common witness to the Gospel before First-Called of the Apostles. It is many Message to the Patriarch from Benedict the people of our day. For this reason I years now since the establishment of an XVI. This is the full text of the Message: would like to express my sincere gratitude exchange of formal delegations at the re- to Your Holiness and to the Ecumenical spective patronal feasts of our two To His Holiness Bartholomew I Patriarchate for the generous hospitality Churches as an indication of the brotherly of Constantinople offered last October on the island of Rhodes bonds of love and honor among us, and we Ecumenical Patriarch to the delegates of the Catholic Episcopal rejoice that this wonderful tradition is pre- It is with great joy that I write this letter to Conferences of Europe who came together served once again this year. you, to be delivered by my Venerable with representatives of the Orthodox We especially salute the presence of Brother Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of Churches in Europe for the Second Catho- Your Eminence among us for the first time the for the Promotion of lic-Orthodox Forum on the theme "Church- as representative of His Holiness, congratu- Christian Unity, on the occasion of the State Relations: Theological and Historical lating you on assuming the high post of the Feast of Saint , brother Perspectives.” presidency in the Pontifical Council for the of and Patron of the Ecumenical Your Holiness, I am following atten- promotion of Christian unity, as well as on Patriarchate, in order to wish Your Holi- tively your wise efforts for the good of Or- your recent elevation to the position and ness and the Members of the Holy Synod, thodoxy and for the promotion of Christian honor of Cardinal. We deeply appreciate the clergy, the and all the faithful an values in many international contexts. As- the broad theological knowledge and no- abundance of heavenly gifts and divine suring you of a remembrance in my prayers bility of Your Eminence’s character, to- blessings. on this Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle, I gether with your attention to the sacred On this joyful feast-day, in union with renew my good wishes for peace, well- cause of the promotion of Christian unity. all my Catholic brothers and sisters, I join being and abundant spiritual blessings to And we look forward to your cooperation you in giving thanks to God for the wonders you and to all the faithful. with our Ecumenical Patriarchate for the he has worked, in his infinite mercy, With sentiments of esteem and spiri- further enhancement of the fraternal rela- through the mission and martyrdom of Saint tual closeness, I gladly extend to you a fra- tions between our Churches to the benefit Andrew. By generously offering their lives ternal embrace in the name of our one Lord of the promotion of unity, for which our in sacrifice for the Lord and for their breth- Jesus Christ. Lord prayed to His Father immediately ren, the Apostles proved the credibility of From the Vatican, 30 November 2010 to His passion. the Good News that they proclaimed to the BENEDICTUS PP XVI – Vatican We note with particular joy that this ends of the known world. The Feast of the website. year marked the completion of fifty years of Apostle, which falls on this day in the litur- life and activity for the Pontifical Council gical calendars of both East and West, is- for Christian unity, over which Your Emi- nence now presides. Our thought turns to joint presidency of Your Eminence and our The Eastern Orthodox Churches the late Pope John XXIII, who founded this most venerable brother and coworker, His Council in 1960 originally in the form of a Eminence Metropolitan John of Pergamon, N OCTOBER 28, 2010, SEVENTY - Secretariat, together with the convocation revealed the existing difficulties but also the EIGHT CHRISTIAN GRAVES WERE of the , whose bold disposition and decision of all members of OBRUTALLY DESECRATED IN THE historical decisions paved the way for the the Commission to overcome these difficul- GRAVEYARD OF PANAGIA (M ERKEZ OR participation of the Roman ties with love as well as with faithfulness to IMROZ ), THE CAPITAL OF THE ISLAND OF in the effort toward the reconciliation of the doctrine and life of the Church transmit- IMVROS (G OKCEADA ), IN TURKEY . Imvros Christian unity. Among the fruits of this ted to us from the first millennium in order is home to approximately 200 Greek Or- historical initiative on the part of the late to advance to their resolution. thodox Christians and the birthplace of both Pope, the development of fraternal relations In today celebrating the sacred memory His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bar- between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic of St. Andrew the First-Called of the Apos- tholomew and the late Archbishop Iakovos Churches retains a prominent place. These tles, we also turn our attention to his broth- of America. relations were forged by the great ecclesias- er, St. Peter, chief of the Apostles. These The Greek Orthodox populations of tical leaders, the late Pope Paul VI and our two brothers were not just related by blood Imvros and nearby Tenedos were largely own predecessor Ecumenical Patriarch but especially by the infinitely more signifi- forced to abandon the islands in the 1960's Athenagoras, while they were further sus- cant bond with Christ and communion in and 1970's due to a policy of systematic tained and strengthened by their successors, Christ. And they preserved this bond of ethnic cleansing by the Turkish State. De- Pope John Paul II and Ecumenical Pa- communion in Christ unimpaired for an spite recent improvement in the situation triarch Dimitrios. Thanks to the tireless entire millennium, while the Churches that for the few indigenous inhabitants remain- endeavors of your Council for Christian derived from the preaching and martyrdom ing, acts such as this one serve as a stark unity, and in particular of its deceased pio- of these Apostles, namely the Churches of reminder of the intolerance and intimidation neer presidents, Cardinals Augustino Bea Rome and Constantinople, are obliged once by certain individuals and groups that pers- and Johannes Willebrands, assisted by such more to regain this bond of communion in ist on the islands. specialists in the history and life of the Or- order to prove ourselves worthy successors The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Af- thodox Churches as the late Bishop Pierre of their deposit. fairs quickly condemned the desecration in Duprey and Mgr Eleuterio Fortino, rela- In the gospel reading proclaimed dur- a statement issued on October 31st, stating tions among our Churches were cultivated ing today’s Divine Liturgy, we heard that "we regret that many grave-stones in a still further through mutual respect and Andrew personally encountered Christ and cemetery belonging to our Greek Orthodox brotherly love. The same relations were hastened to introduce Him to Peter as well. citizens in Imvros were damaged on the enriched with due care by the predecessors Philip does the same with Nathaniel, broa- night of October 28, 2010. We strongly of Your Eminence in the presidency of the dening in this way the circle of those in condemn it." The Ministry statement further Council, Cardinals and communion with Christ, until the apostolic noted the following, "Upon notification of , supported by their capable message reaches all people. Thus, the the incident by the Imvros Metropolitan to coworkers. To all of these, we express our Church of Christ is demonstrated “apostol- the Public Prosecutor's Office, an imme- fervent thanks for everything that they ic,” conveying Christ from generation to diate investigation was launched in order to achieved in toil for the restoration of full generation and from place to place “that the catch the perpetrators and bring them be- communion among our Churches. world may believe” (John 17.21) in Him as fore justice. Necessary measures to prevent The context of these fraternal relations redeemer and savior. any recurrence of such an event are being saw the creation and continuation over the Even today, facing manifold impasses, taken by the relevant authorities." – Archon last thirty years of the theological the world seeks redemption and salvation. News, Nov. 2. dialogue between our Churches. This is However, those who preach Christ in sepa- because unity in love is of no benefit unless ration from one another cannot persuade E MET HIM AT HIS OFFICE IN THE it is simultaneously a unity in faith and the world that “we have found the Messiah, PHANAR AREA OF ISTANBUL ON truth. Therefore, “speaking the truth in which is interpreted as the Christ.” (John WA CLOUDY SATURDAY MORNING . love,” according to the exhortation of the 1.42) Faithful to the authentic and authori- THIS WAS THE FIRST COMMON INTERVIEW Apostle (Eph. 4.15), we maintain this theo- tative message of the Apostles, we are FOR CAFEBABEL AND CAFEBABEL logical dialogue by the unanimous decision called “with one mouth and one heart” to ISTANBUL . WE WERE A BIT ANXIOUS ; WE of all Autocephalous Orthodox Churches in transmit this message to the contemporary KEPT LOOKING AT THE QUESTIONS TO - order to examine, in love and sincerity, the world, discerning the concerns and embrac- GETHER WITH OZCAN AND ANGELINA . We theological matters that both unite and still ing the problems of the world. didn’t know what to expect. We were divide, “until we all arrive at the unity of With these thoughts, we welcome you stunned that the Ecumenical Patriarch was faith,” according to the exhortation of the as representatives of senior Rome with love about to give an interview to Cafebabel. same Apostle. (Eph. 4.13) and esteem, and once more thank His Holi- Interviewing the ''Eastern Pope'', the spiri- In following with increased interest the ness, our brother, who sent you, for “the tual leader of more than 350 million Ortho- development of this theological dialogue labor of love” (1 Thess. 1.3) that guided dox didn’t seem very easy. All this agony from our Ecumenical Patriarchate, we pray your steps here. passed when he welcomed us. He was smil- for its success, especially during its present “To our God and Father be the glory to ing, and offered us traditional sweets and phase when controversial subjects, which the ages of ages. Amen.” – Website of the coffee. ''It’s like interviewing your grandfa- in the past have caused acute conflict Ecumenical Patriarchate. ther'.” He spoke about everything: from among our Churches, are being discussed. Halki and the environment to European The recent plenary meeting of the di- youth, science and Chris Spyrou.. alogue Commission in , under the Question: The head of the Roman

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 2. Catholic Church, the Pope, recently visited the closing of the School. We are ready to rights. the United Kingdom, and much earlier the operate immediately in order to accommo- Q: What does the Orthodox faith and Phanar. Given that the Ecumenical Patriar- date students from Turkey and abroad, just testimony offer to the youth of Europe? Is it chate was the first to lead the dialogue be- like in the past. We will be able to train our easy for a Western European with a Catho- tween Christian Churches being one of the clergy at all levels necessary for the func- lic / Protestant background to embrace Or- founding members of the World Council of tioning of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, thodox concepts and values? Churches, do you regard a Union of the which, as you know, has dioceses in many A: As I said earlier, all issues are in- Churches feasible? parts of the world, such as the United tertwined with each other – socially, eco- Answer: From the time of my prede- States, Western and Eastern Europe, Aus- nomically, and ideologically. Young people cessors Athenagoras and Dimitrios, the tralia, Korea, Hong Kong, Central and feel unsafe. The Orthodox Church has to Ecumenical Patriarchate has been leading South America, and so on. offer the original faith as it existed during the dialogue between Christian denomina- Q: Turkey seems to gradually realize the first ten centuries of our common road tions. Indeed, we take the lead in what is that the Ecumenical Patriarchate is not just with the West. That is to say, the faith and called “ecumenical movement.” During the the local diocese of the Greeks of Constan- the Church as the true body of Christ. Be- Pope’s visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, tinople, but a universal institution, and that fore the Great Schism of 1054, all of Eu- we signed a joint declaration and he recited by not restricting, but rather by supporting rope was Orthodox. Therefore, what the the “Pater noster’’ during the Orthodox its activities Turkey has much to gain. Do Church is called to offer is the simplicity service. Furthermore, the Ecumenical Pa- you share this view and you have evidence and authenticity of the Christian faith. We triarchate participates in the Conference of that the Turkish state is changing its policy? teach authenticity, ascetic morality and spi- the European Churches. We support the A: Look, we can summarize the posi- rituality. All these are missing from the dialogue, although the gap of division is tion to date of the Turkish government in a Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. large, since we have been separated for ten single word: counter- productive. The West was cut off from these val- centuries. Now we are discussing the issue It is counter-productive not only for us ues, and this is precisely what justifies the of the primacy of the Pope, examining what but first and foremost for the national inter- nostalgia that is manifested today. In recent it looked like in the first millennium of our ests of Turkey itself. However, the current years, more and more liturgical books of common fate and why this has changed. developments are positive. It is understood the Orthodox Church have been translated Along with the filioque , this is the most that we do not have and never had, either and published in foreign countries. Apart difficult issue that divides us. The road to- now or in the future, any political aspira- from the theological books, one may find ward union is long, but we are not discou- tions or interests. At times, some not very spiritual guides in such books as the Philo- raged. On the contrary, we do all that we serious arguments have been expressed, kalia, which is of great interest also to non- can to bridge the gap. namely that we are trying to create a second Orthodox people. Furthermore, in the Or- Q: In August you made the historic Vatican in Phanar. Let anyone come and thodox faith, there is much attention to de- Liturgy at Soumela Monastery close to show us what these attempts have been. votion and worship; and there is greater Trabzon, and a few weeks ago, liturgy was These arguments are not serious. emphasis on the heart than on the intellect. held in the Armenian Church of the Holy The fact is that we see a change in This is why Orthodoxy may be said to Cross in Lake Van in Turkey. Do you be- attitude, and the new Law for Minority comprise tradition, experience, and con- lieve that such actions help mutual under- Foundations also underlines this direction. densed wisdom. – Cafebabel, Nov. 22. standing and respect for religious freedoms It does not solve all of our problems, but it in the country? The next step may be reo- certainly gives more freedom of movement HE ORTHODOX ECUMENICAL pening the Theological School of Halki to minorities. Recently, a Rum Orthodox PATRIARCHATE CELEBRATED ITS (Heybeliada)? (i.e. a Turkish citizen of Greek origin) was TFOREMOST FEAST DAY TODAY , THE A: We are very pleased with these elected as a member in the State Commis- DAY OF SAINT ANDREW , THE APOSTLE OF developments, both for the Soumela Mo- sion for the Administration of all Vakif CONSTANTINOPLE , BUT IT ALSO MARKED nastery (Trebizond) and for the Armenians. (Foundations) in Ankara, which meets THE SUCCESSFUL END OF A LEGAL BATTLE It reveals a change in the attitude of Turkey. every fortnight. These are unprecedented WITH THE TURKISH STATE OVER THE What happened at Panagia Soumela proved developments for us here, and we are very BUYUKADA ORPHANAGE . The Ecumenical that the place (which officially is a mu- pleased about them. In addition, our Prime Patriarch Bartholomew I, after meeting seum) can also once a year serve as a place Minister Erdogan visited the Greek Orpha- with a delegation from the Holy See led by of worship, as is indicated by the official nage in Büyükada before the ECHR an- newly appointed Cardinal Kurt Koch, the permission we received. This is something nounced its decision, which justified our new president of the Council for Christian beneficial for all. The Turkish state under- rights to the property. This was a brave Unity, expressed his emotions in an inter- stands that we are not a threat but, on the political move by the Prime Minister, full of view with AsiaNews. contrary, that we love and work for the potent symbolism. “Today is a great day for our Great good of our country. Beyond the material You know, the authority of the Ecu- Mother Church. The orphanage on Princes benefits for the country resulting from the menical Patriarchate in the Orthodox Island (Buyukada) has been given back to pilgrims, such actions are evidence that church worldwide is immense, something us. What we inherited from our ancestors respect of religious freedom is growing in that is beneficial for Turkey. Our efforts to has also been returned to us. We could not Turkey. This is a matter of principles and build peace and promote respect among tolerate the injustice done to us. We first values in relation to basic human rights. peoples of every faith is well known, and turned to Turkey’s courts. Since we lost all In terms of the Theological School of this is confirmed by the fact that every poli- of our cases, we turned to the European Halki, we are very optimistic. We believe tician who comes to Turkey always visits Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, that the issue will be resolved in the year the Ecumenical Patriarchate. We are opti- which gave us justice,” the Patriarch said. 2011, with the completion of 40 years since mistic, then, and we insist upon these The implications of the return to the

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 3. Patriarchate of the ‘Tapu’ (title deed) are of among us” were exchanged. The meeting "I am very sad because Bishop Mark is great significance. “The Turkish govern- was arranged through the White House a very good bishop. He was educated at St. ment did not appeal against the court’s rul- Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Vladimir's Seminary and I remember him ing, starting instead the procedures to re- Partnerships, with which the Archdiocese as a seminarian. I remember him as a dea- turn us the orphanage,” Bartholomew said. of America maintains an ongoing relation- con and as a priest, and he's very good, very “I want to stress the tapu by Turkish au- ship, and the National Council of Churches good. I have nothing against him." thorities is issued in the name of our Pa- of Christ USA, of which the Archdiocese But he said he felt compelled to act triarchate, as Rum Patrikanesi. This means has been a member since it founding in because of the "deteriorating situation" in not only the return of the orphanage but 1950. – Press Release, Greek Archdi- the Midwest, evident by declining atten- also the official recognition of our Patriar- ocese, Nov. 3. dance at annual Life Conferences. chate as a legal person. This is a positive "We have 50 parishes in the Midwest step.” HE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX and I lived in the Midwest. I lived in De- “Our struggle must teach us never to CHRISTIAN CHURCH IS THRIVING troit, I went to school in Detroit, and then I put down our spiritual tools and always TEVERYWHERE IN NORTH AMERICA was a pastor of St. George, Cleveland. And trust Divine Providence, which knows EXCEPT THE MIDWEST , ACCORDING TO THE I remember when we used to have our con- when and how to overcome human ob- ARCHDIOCESE 'S LONGTIME LEADER , vention, we used to have a minimum of stacles and weaknesses,” the Ecumenical METROPOLITAN PHILIP SALIBA . 1,000 people at the Parish Life Conference. Patriarch said. And that was the sole reason for a con- And in Livonia, [Mich.,] one time we had Ioannis Ktistakis, one of the lawyers troversial decision, announced last month, 1,500 people. And last year in Cincinnati that represented the Phanar (the Patriar- to transfer Bishop Mark Maymon, bishop we had about 250 people, and this year in chate) in the case, spoke to AsiaNews of Toledo and the Midwest, to the Pacific Toledo we had less than 400 people. And about the case after the Ecumenical Pa- Northwest. Toledo is in the heart of the Midwest." triarch received the tapu. Bishop Mark refused the move and The struggling economy could not be “We fought to re-establish civil rights instead is joining the Orthodox Church in blamed, he said, because Toledo is within in Turkey. Our struggle was first about America. driving distance from anywhere in the dio- rights, and only secondarily about a title "I told our local synod when we met cese, which cuts convention expenses. Ra- deed. It was about re-establishing rights in Oct. 22 in Jacksonville, Fla., that perhaps ther, he said, the poor attendance shows "a this country as in any other country since we put the wrong man in the wrong place," lack of participation, a lack of interest, a the rights of a centuries-old institution like Metropolitan Philip said Monday in an in- lack of inspiration." the Ecumenical Patriarchate had been vi- terview from his Englewood, N.J., head- Metropolitan Philip personally will olated.” -- AsiaNews , Nov. 30. quarters. "And I wanted to transfer His preside at the next Parish Life Conference Grace, Bishop Mark, to the Northwest, in the diocese, set for June 15-19, 2011, in RCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS OF AMERI - where he can do a much, much better job." Cleveland. "You will see a tremendous CA , ON NOVEMBER 1, JOINED WITH Unlike many religious groups, trans- crowd there, contrary to last year and this ALEADERS OF THE MAJOR CHURCH ferring is virtually unheard of in the year," he vowed. ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF Antiochian Orthodox Church. Some clergy He said the diocese's "deteriorating THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF and longtime members said they believe the situation" had nothing to do with recent CHRIST (NCCC) FOR A SUBSTANTIVE announced transfer of Bishop Mark was church thefts. In Toledo, a police report FORTY -FIVE MINUTE MEETING WITH unprecedented. It also is exceedingly rare filed in March alleged that the treasurer of PRESIDENT OBAMA in the Roosevelt Room for an Orthodox bishop to leave one juris- St. George embezzled $145,000, of the White House. diction for another. and another theft was reported last year at a As the senior church leader, Archbi- But months before Bishop Mark's Troy, Mich., parish. shop Demetrios opened the meeting after transfer, the global church's ruling body - "No, no. Those parishes are handling the introductions by NCCC President Peg the Holy Synod of - announced that the situation and they have been in touch Chamberlain and NCCC General Secretary all North American bishops were not bi- with me. I have been advising them, you Michael Kinnamon. Speaking on behalf of shops, but auxiliary bishops - "subordinate know, to solve everything peacefully, not to the Church leaders, the Archbishop told the to their spiritual point of reference, the met- go to courts," the metropolitan said. President .”.. it is not only an honor to be ropolitan." He did fault, at least in part, Bishop with you here today, Mr. President; it is a The combination of a demotion fol- Mark and St. George's priest, the Rev. Basil joy.” cited the Scriptural lowed by a cross-country transfer led to the Koory, for not keeping a close enough passage from Acts 10:38 in the original abrupt departure of Bishop Mark, who was watch on church funds. Greek and then in translation, in which not available for comment. Metropolitan Philip said he overruled Saint Peter declares that Jesus Christ Metropolitan Philip said the Holy Syn- Bishop Mark's plan for external audits at all passed his earthly life doing good and heal- od initiated its review of the status of bi- parishes in the Midwest because it would ing. shops because there was "confusion" over have been too expensive, and that he is The Archbishop went on to share with the issue - "and I don't like confusion." confident church-appointed committees can the President that the purposes of the reli- He added that "there have always do a good job with internal audits. gious bodies of the NCCC were precisely been" auxiliary bishops in the church, and "Being the archbishop of this archdi- “to do good and to bring healing,” and he some biblical scholars view Timothy and ocese for 44 years, I never felt that there thanked the President for his own efforts to Titus in the Bible as auxiliary bishops to St. was anything wrong with our finances. … I do the same. Throughout the meeting, is- Paul. am very, very convinced that everything in sues of social concern, justice, education, The metropolitan said he was sorry to this archdiocese is like an open book," he religious liberty and care for “the least see Bishop Mark go. said.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 4. A native of Abou Mizan, Lebanon, The central website of our Patriarchate N NOVEMBER 1, 2010, METROPOLI - Metropolitan Philip studied in Lebanon, www.-Patriarchate.info, accord- TAN HILARION OF VOLOKOLAMSK , Syria, and London before coming to the ing to the posted welcoming message, aims OHEAD OF THE PATRIAR - United States in 1956. at «the presentation of those Holy Places CHATE ’S DEPARTMENT FOR EXTERNAL The Antiochian Orthodox Church has where the immaculate feet of the Lord CHURCH RELATIONS, READ A LECTURE ON grown exponentially during his tenure, both paced and of the people who are set as RELATIONS BETWEEN ORTHODOXY AND through Arab church members immigrating guardians of them». The website was CATHOLICISM AT MOSCOW THEOLOGICAL to the United States as well as American created with the decision of the 6th Holy ACADEMY AND SEMINARY as part of the Christians converting to the church. Synod on October 10, 2006 becoming op- course on External Church Relations taught Bishop Mark is one such convert. A erational on June 1st 2007 initially in Greek by DECR staff beginning from this academ- native of Indiana, he grew up in a Roman and later in English and , and is con- ic year. Catholic family, became an evangelical tinuously being enriched since then with His Eminence pointed to the priorities Protestant, and taught Bible classes at Oral new material. It contains, amongst others, in relations between the Russian Orthodox Roberts University before converting to the descriptions and historical notes regarding Church and the Roman Catholic Church at Orthodox faith. the Most Holy Venerable Sites as well as the time of Vatican II. Metropolitan Philip said he sees no their full contact information, the adminis- ‘As you know, East and West made up evidence of reports surfacing within the trative organization of the Patriarchate and one Church for the first ten centuries of church of tension between immigrants and a multitude of pictures. in spite of the fact that there converts, or that such tensions were partly Subsequently the website of the Non were certain differences in theology and to blame for Bishop Mark's downfall. Governmental Organization “Romiosini” liturgical practice. The Church in East and "I am the only Orthodox bishop in www.romiosini.org.gr was constructed. West was united. The developments which America that has welcomed converts with This website, which acts synergistically took place in the mid-11th century led to a open arms. You know that," he said. "And with the central website of the Patriarchate, sad division between Christian East and converts have contributed so much spiri- aims at the presentation of the Holy Vener- Christian West. Those were events of ec- tuality to our church in this country, and so able Sites worldwide. clesio-political nature, but there were also a much discipline. I love converts because Finally, on November 21 of last year, number of other factors including disa- they are so pious. And they never gave me the News Portal of the Patriarchate greements on various points in the doctrine any problems." www.jp-newsgate.net was activated and church practice. In the subsequent al- Noting that he will turn 80 in June, the through which the current state of events most ten centuries of our separate exis- metropolitan said he wants to retire but the and the communiqués and press releases of tence, these differences grew considerably Holy Synod of Antioch rejected the request. the Patriarchate are made public, not only and today they are quite substantial in vari- "The Patriarch [Ignatius IV] said to in Greek but also in Arabic and English. ous areas of theology and church life’, he me, 'Look at me, I am 90 years old and I am It is true that the aforementioned three said. still working.' World Wide Web ventures owe their exis- During the second millennium up to "Another bishop said, 'I am 88 years tence to Your benediction and personal the mid-20th century, the key point in rela- old and I am still working.' Another bishop care, and rightly for all of the above we tions between Orthodoxy and Catholicism said, 'I am 86 years old and I am still work- hereby express and offer You the acknowl- was the notion of heresy, the DECR chair- ing.' And another bishop said, 'I am 84 edgment, appreciation and credit for this. man said and explained, ‘The Orthodox years old and I am still working.' They em- It is also true that with Your personal looked at the Catholics as heretics, and the barrassed me! And they said, 'We're not benediction and support we have further Catholics looked at the Orthodox as heret- going to accept your retirement at all.'" enhanced the presence of our Patriarchate ics. Therefore, any talk on cooperation and – David Yonke for The Toledo Blade, Nov. on the Internet with three further Internet the rule of co-existence in a particular terri- 6. ventures, the “Romiosini Radio,” the “Ro- tory was out of the question’. miosini TV” and the web [electronic] pres- A stable improvement in the relations N NOVEMBER 22, DR. CHRISTOS entation of the journal of the Patriarchate between the two Churches has become NICOLAOU , GENERAL MANAGER OF “New Zion.” Through these new Internet visible in recent years with the election of OTHE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE ventures which, with God’s help, will come Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. According to PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM , DELIVERED into operation in the coming year, the litur- the DECR chairman, there is a need today THIS ADDRESS ON THE OCCASION OF THE gical life of our Patriarchate and the rest of for dialogue between the Russian and the 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PATRIARCH ’S its activities will be more readily visible Roman Catholic Churches for defending ENTHRONEMENT : both to its flock as well as to its friends Christian values in the secular world. Both Your Beatitude, around the world. the Orthodox and the Catholics seek to Five years have passed since the as- Due to all of the above, on behalf of defend traditional views on the family, sumption of Your duties on the Throne of the more than 20 associates that engage bearing and raising children and to protect the Mother of Churches. During the time of themselves for the dignified and respectable the integrity of marriage. They believe Your Patriarchy our Directorate of the Pa- presence of our Patriarchate around the abortion to be a sin and euthanasia unac- triarchate’s Website was created which world via the Internet, I wish You good ceptable. ‘We should develop this coopera- now includes more than 20 associates who, health and a long life for the glory of our tion regardless of successes and failures of though they are dispersed in 6 different Trinitarian God. – Press Release, Jerusalem the theological dialogue’, Metropolitan cities, collaborate harmoniously having as Patriarchate, Nov. 22. Hilarion believes. – Press Release, Moscow their goal the respectable presentation of Patriarchate, Nov. 2. the work done by our Patriarchate on the World Wide Web via the Internet.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 5. HIS INTERVIEW OF HIS EMINENCE tual collaboration. This does not mean that N 13 NOVEMBER 2010, RUSSIAN METROPOLITAN OF VOLOKOLAMSK all the problems have been solved. We for PRIME MINISTER VLADIMIR PUTIN , THILARION WAS GIVEN TO THE example have not yet come to an agreement OWHO WAS ON A VISIT TO BULGARIA , GREEK JOURNALIST PEGGY DOKOU FOR on the situation in Estonia which provoked VISITED THE CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY THE LOCAL OMEGA TV CHANNEL ON a deep crisis between the two AND RIGHT -BELIEVING PRINCE ALEXAN - RHODES : in 1996. But we are commonly working DER NEVSKY IN SOFIA , Prime Minister’s · Your Eminence, I should first wel- towards solving this problem. And I think press service reports. come you to Greece. It is very big honor for in any event the collaboration between the Mr. Putin came to the cathedral to- all of us that you are on Rhodes although it first Orthodox Patriarchate and the largest gether with the Bulgarian Prime Minister is not an official visit. What brings you Orthodox Patriarchate is essential for the B. Borisov. The head of the Russian gov- here? benefit of the entire Orthodox Church. ernment lit a candle and venerated shrine Here, in Rhodes currently there is an Therefore we are glad to note that there has with the of St. John, Prophet and Orthodox – Catholic Forum which brings been this considerable improvement in the Baptist of the Lord. together participants from all European situation and we are also glad to work to- The shrine was found last summer in Orthodox Churches as well as from various gether for the preparation of the Great and archaeological excavation of an ancient Churches and Organizations in Europe. The Holy Council of the Orthodox Church church on St. John Island near Sozopol idea of the creation of this Forum initially which, following what Patriarch Bartholo- located on the southern Black Sea coast of belongs to Cardinal Erdö of Budapest and mew has said, will take place within two or Bulgaria. On November 12, the shrine was to me. The idea is that we should informally three years. brought to the cathedral by the decision of discuss various questions of common inter- · Your Eminence, what do you think the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox est. The first Forum, which took place in about the problem of the succession of the Church of Bulgaria. Trento () two years ago, discussed fam- Ecumenical Patriarch? What is the position Prime Minister Putin met with His ily issues such as marriage, procreation, of the Moscow Patriarchate about this? We Holiness Patriarch Maxim of Bulgaria at abortion, the value of human life and so on. still do not know what will be done “the day the sanctuary. The of the Bulgarian This meeting is dedicated to the relations after” regarding the succession of Ecumen- Orthodox Church wished Mr. Putin good between the church and the state in various ical Patriarch Bartholomew. health, many years and God’s help in his European countries. I think that this is a problem which has work for the good of people. · In Greece there are still problems in to be discussed between the Ecumenical His Holiness asked Mr. Putin to con- these relations. Certainly, things are differ- Patriarchate and the Turkish authorities. I vey his best wishes to His Holiness Pa- ent in your country. Do you think that a understand that in recent years a number of triarch Kirill of Moscow and All . constructive relation is necessary for both hierarchs living outside of Turkey have Vladimir Putin said it was a great hon- sides to coexist? been given Turkish passports. And I think or to meet with you and visit the cathedral, In Russia over the last 20 years we this will allow them to participate fully in which is a bright symbol of the spiritual and have developed very good and constructive the work of the Holy Synod. Of course with historical closeness of our nations, and we relations between the church and the state. regards to the succession it is a very deli- thank the Bulgarian authorities for good They are based on two principles. One is cate issue and I don’t think we can discuss maintenance of the cathedral. The Prime the mutual non-interference of either the it publicly but I can assure you that if the Minister assured His Holiness Patriarch church in state affairs or the state in internal is asked to help Maxim that he would convey his good church affairs. And another principle is in one way or another it will do so. wishes to the Primate of the Russian Ortho- collaboration in all fields in which such · Your Eminence I would like to thank dox Church and presented and made a gift collaboration is necessary and welcome. you for giving me this interview. What of a replica of the Kazan of the Mother And we believe that the harmonious appli- would you like to say to the Greek people of God to Patriarch Maxim. – Press Re- cation of these two principles will secure who will watch your interview on TV and lease, Moscow Patriarchate, Nov. 14. good relations between the church and the read it on the internet? state and will help to solve many problems I would like to say that Greeks should N 15 NOVEMBER 2010, HIS that exist currently. keep, protect and cherish the Orthodox HOLINESS PATRIARCH KIRILL OF · Let’s talk about the relations between faith. If the Greeks go in the same direction OMOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA MET the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Mos- as some other European countries by expel- WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE cow Patriarchate. We see that they have ling Christianity from the public sphere and REPUBLIC OF LEBANON , SAAD HARIRI , AT improved considerably in recent years. Do by being afraid to express their Orthodox THE PATRIARCHAL RESIDENT IN CHISTY you find it essential not only for the rela- faith because of so-called tolerance or polit- SIDE STREET . tions between the Patriarchates but also for ical correctness, they will lose their coun- His Holiness Patriarch Kirill cordially the Orthodox people –especially in the Bal- try; it will no longer be Greece. Greece is greeted the Prime Minister of Lebanon and kans? unimaginable without Christianity. And I said that that the Russian Orthodox Church The relations between the Ecumenical think every Greek person, whether a strong has maintained good relations with the Le- Patriarchate and the Moscow Patriarchate believer or less strong believer, should do banese for many years, and that these rela- have improved quite considerably in recent everything to protect Orthodox Christianity tions were developing. years and even months. This was due to the and to make sure that it is transmitted from “I recall my predecessor, Patriarch efforts of both Patriarch Kirill of Moscow the present generation to future generations. Aleksy’s meeting with the Lebanese par- and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constanti- – Press Release, Moscow Patriarchate, liamentarians, with your father and with nople. They simply decided that we should Nov. 3. you. I also recall my visits to Lebanon be- move from a situation of competition and fore the civil war and after it. I remember confrontation to a situation of trust and mu- the blossoming Beirut and Beirut in ruins

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 6. that could be compared with Stalingrad. tants, and mixed marriages are a very im- Churches. Present at the service was We know how great was the damage that portant factor in our relations.” Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovich the civil war caused to Lebanon and highly The Primate of the Russian Orthodox and other as well as numerous appreciate the Lebanese leadership’s efforts Church noted that the Patriarchate of Anti- representatives of public organizations and to solve the problems that provoked the och that cares for the Orthodox Christians non-Orthodox Christian Churches. murderous conflict.” in Lebanon also cares for the Russian- In spite of the heavy rain, a multitude Having acknowledged the important speaking people living in the country. Be- of people came to participate in a common part played by Rafik al-Hariri, a renowned sides, there is an Orthodox parish in Beirut. prayer for Metropolitan Vladimir. political leader and father of the incumbent “We believe that good relations with the After the liturgy, Patriarch Kirill ad- Prime Minister, in ordering peaceful life in Orthodox Church of Antioch and the pres- dressed Metropolitan Vladimir, presenting Lebanon, His Holiness Kirill said: “Our ence of the Russian Orthodox in Lebanon him with a pectoral icon and a cross made Church was full of indignation against the are factors that contribute to the develop- by Ural craftsmen. President Yanukovich terrorist killing of your father in 2005, and ment of relations between our countries and extended congratulations to the metropoli- we welcome the United Nations Special nations,” His Holiness Patriarch Kirill em- tan and handed him the Order of Freedom Tribunal for Lebanon investigating this phasized and expressed his hope for the in acknowledgement of his ‘great personal crime.” visit of the Prime Minister of Lebanon to services for the establishment of peace and The Primate of the Russian Orthodox serve this noble goal. social accord and long-standing zealous Church is convinced that both Lebanon and The Prime Minister of Lebanon helped work to revive the spirituality and national Syria are multireligious and multiethnic the Primate of the Russian Orthodox and cultural identity of the Ukrainian countries. Therefore, achievements in the Church for warm reception. Saad Hariri people’. field of interreligious and interethnic rela- told him that the Muslim and Christian His Beatitude Vladimir spoke in re- tions in both countries are of great impor- communities take part in ordering life in sponse and then accepted congratulations tance for the entire world that has entered Lebanon. “We believe that co-existence of from participants in the celebrations, the an epoch of globalization. Muslims and Christians is absolutely neces- Patriarchal Press Service has reported. – His Holiness Patriarch Kirill unders- sary for Lebanon, as it is the only means Press Release, Moscow Patriarchate, Nov. cored that interreligious cooperation is im- thanks to which our country would not col- 23. portant on both regional and local levels as lapse and bury the entire nation beneath the well as on international level, including that ruins.” HE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH of international organizations. UNESCO, Saad Hariri underscored the impor- HAS REJECTED PROTESTS BY THE being a special UN organization, could be tance of dialogue among religions and civi- TCOUNTRY 'S ROMAN CATHOLIC an important base for dialogue. “Some lizations, saying that current problems are ARCHBISHOP AFTER GOVERNMENT well-known religious leaders launched an political ones rather than interreligious… AUTHORITIES IN THE KALININGRAD EN - initiative to have a consultative body at Unfortunately, there are many people who CLAVE GAVE THE LOCAL ORTHODOX DIO - UNESCO to help solve issues related to do not understand religion and consider CESE OWNERSHIP OF A SOVIET -CONFIS - interreligious relations both in hot spots of political problems as religious ones. We CATED CATHOLIC CHURCH . the planet and in the entire world.” think that extremism is permitted only in "The way the Catholic Church is deal- The Primate of the Russian Orthodox the matter of forgiveness. ing with this challenge today reveals its Church dwelt on the Middle East conflict, The Prime Minister of Lebanon called many inherent contradictions," said Dmitri saying, “Lebanon is located in the place the participation of the Russian Orthodox Sizonenko, the Moscow Patriarchate's act- with a vivid Biblical tradition. This is a Church in the process of settlement of the ing secretary for inter-Christian relations. Biblical land, and we call it the . Middle East conflict very important. "Catholics are divided internally, and be- Therefore Christian believers feel particu- He thanked His Holiness for his sup- having in an unjustified way as an injured larly sad, as peace and justice have not yet port of justice in the investigation of his religious minority, and are issuing declara- prevailed on this land. Efforts of both reli- father’s murder. Rafik al-Hariri personified tions in the name of a church which counts gious communities and the state are very aspirations for truth in most of the Arab more than a billion believers worldwide." important for the solution of problems that world. The Orthodox church official was feed the Middle East conflict.” His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Mos- reacting to a 4 November statement by Speaking about Russian-Lebanese cow and All Russia mentioned his plan to Archbishop Paolo Pezzi, the Italian head of relations. His Holiness said that the pil- visit Lebanon during his visit to the Ortho- Russia's Moscow-based Catholic Mother of grims from Russia heading for the Holy dox Church of Antioch. – Press Release, God archdiocese. Pezzi had condemned the Land have laid the foundation of these rela- Moscow Patriarchate, Nov. 15. ruling by Kaliningrad's district duma, or tions. It is well known that the Imperial council, that 15 non-Orthodox places of Society, which supported the pil- N NOVEMBER 23, 2010, THE 75 TH worship in the Baltic port city should be grims, actively worked in Lebanon and BIRTHDAY OF HIS BEATITUDE handed over to the Orthodox church. rendered assistance to the local population OMETROPOLITAN VLADIMIR OF KIEV In a 16 November interview with the in education and health care. AND ALL UKRAINE , THE DIVINE LITURGY Russian Interfax news agency, Sizonenko His Holiness continued to say, “There WAS CELEBRATED AT THE STS ANTHONY cited in particular the Holy Family church are some five thousand people in Lebanon AND THEODOSIUS REFECTORY CHURCH IN saying the local Catholic community had who belong to the Russian Orthodox THE KIEV LAURA OF THE CAVES . neglected it for many years, and that it had Church. Some of them are descendants of The celebrant, His Holiness Patriarch required renovation by the council in the Russian families that were famous in Rus- Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, was as- early 1970s. He noted that the church had sia even before the Revolution. Some Or- sisted by a great assembly of bishops and later been turned into a concert hall by the, thodox Christians married the local inhabi- clergy representing Local Orthodox "joint effort of all citizens" in Kaliningrad,

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 7. and should now be regarded as their "com- NOVEMBER 25. As to the relations with the triarchate, Nov. 28. mon heritage.” Patriarchate of Constantinople, he said: "The Russian Orthodox Church has “The achieved level of mutual understand- N 30 NOVEMBER 2010, HIS always sought to decide such delicate mat- ing is rather high. Both sides are trying to HOLINESS PATRIARCH KIRILL OF ters in a way suitable for all," Sizonenko enhance this level in order to move from OMOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA MET told Interfax. competition and mistrust to mutual trust WITH H.E. RICARDO ALARC ΌN DE The enclave of Kaliningrad, formerly and the system of regular consultations. We QUESADA , PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL the German Konigsberg, was ceded to the believe that the present problems and dif- ASSEMBLY OF PEOPLE ’S POWER (P ARLIA - Soviet Union in 1945, and serves as the ferences should be resolved in peaceful MENT ) OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA . The military base, between Poland and Lithua- fraternal dialogue between the two meeting took place at the Patriarch’s work- nia, for Russia's Baltic fleet. Churches. This dialogue is being main- ing residence, Chisty side street. In July 2009, Archbishop Pezzi closed tained.” The Primate of the Russian Orthodox down the Catholic Church's Kaliningrad Also discussed was the ecclesiastical Church addressed the President of the Na- vicariate, which included 23 parishes, as a problem in Estonia. Metropolitan Hilarion tional Assembly of People’s Power of Cu- goodwill gesture to the Orthodox church, said that no substantial progress has been ba, saying: “Your , I am happy despite complaints from Catholics. made in this sphere, though the agreements to welcome you in Moscow where you met In its ruling, the district duma said it with the Estonian government reached in twice with my predecessor, His Holiness had now decided to place 15 "buildings of 2002 are a considerable step towards nor- Patriarch Aleksy II. I know that you have religious purpose" at the disposition of the malization of the situation. visited the Laura of the Holy Trinity and St. Orthodox diocese of Kaliningrad and Smo- “We hope the Patriarchate of Constan- Sergius, the spiritual centre of our Church lensk, which was headed until January tinople and the Estonian State will make and our country. Not so long ago, when I 2009 by the current Russian Patriarch, Ki- further steps. First of all, we consider it was a metropolitan, I visited Cuba and con- rill I. necessary to resolve, once and for all, the secrated the Church of the Kazan Icon of Still, Archbishop Pezzi protested problem of property used by the Estonian the Mother of God in Havana. I retain a against the move, and said the Duma ruling Church of the Moscow Patriarchate on a good memory of this event.” His Holiness had been issued, "in line with lobbying long-term rent basis. The Church is not a added that the church was built with active techniques and in secret.” He added that the full owner of many objects, for instance, the participation of the Cuban leadership, say- inclusion of the Holy Family church would Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Tal- ing: “We are grateful for this important act cause, "incomprehension and pain" after linn, or the Pühtica Convent, whereas the as an important gesture to the Orthodox Roman Catholics had attempted to secure ecclesiastical structure in the jurisdiction of Christians.” its repossession for two decades. the Patriarchate of Constantinople is the full His Holiness Patriarch Kirill described "This is the poisoned fruit of the fraud, owner of the objects it uses. This situation the level of relations between the Moscow distrust, xenophobia and pseudo-patriotic is unacceptable from our point of view. We Patriarchate and Cuba as a high one and mythology copiously spread by secular and shall carry on a dialogue with the Estonian underscored that these relations are a church media in the 1990s," said the arch- state authorities and with local authorities priority of the Russian Orthodox Church in bishop, who had faced criticism from some in the cities where the Estonian Orthodox the countries of America and the Ca- Russian Catholics after taking office in Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has ribbean. He noted a substantial contribution 2007, being accused of having an over- parishes and try to have the real estate to the development of relations made by the accommodating attitude to Russian Ortho- transferred to church ownership.” Embassy of Cuba in Moscow and by H.E. dox leaders. "Local Catholics will neverthe- Metropolitan Hilarion elaborated on Juan Valdez Figueroa. less defend their rightful interests and civic the two forms of ownership. There are His Holiness said further that the dignity with all the means provided for churches, which the Estonian state owns, people of Russia and Cuba have been good them by international legal norms, and by and there are churches on the asset register friends for a long time. Diplomatic relations the constitution and existing legislation of of local authorities. The transfer of the latter between Russia and Cuba were established the Russian Federation." into ownership of the Estonian Orthodox in the early 20th century, almost at the same Orthodox-Roman Catholic relations Church of the Moscow Patriarchate de- time as the independent Cuba came into have faced periodic tensions in Russia due pends on local authorities of the cities. As being. Cuban public of the 20th century to Orthodox accusations of proselytizing by to the former, it depends on the state au- was well acquainted with Russian culture Catholics, something they deny. Things thorities. “Estonian state authorities are thanks to the tours of theatres and musi- worsened after the February 2002 creation prepared to consider this problem provided cians. “However, special relations have of four Catholic dioceses in Russia. Still, that the church structure of the Patriarchate been established between Cuba and the both churches have repeatedly pledged to of Constantinople would not raise objec- USSR after the Revolution of 1959. After a work together on social and moral issues, tions as it has done up to now. So, we shall cool down of the 1990s, they were re- and established a joint working group in carry on a dialogue.” established on a new level. The Orthodox 2004 to settle outstanding points of dispute. Metropolitan Hilarion told the journal- church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of – Jonathan Luxmoore for ENI , Nov. 24. ists of his recent visit to Estonia, his meet- God in Havana is a symbol of friendship ings with Metropolitan Korniliy of Tallinn between the Russians and the Cubans.” ETROPOLITAN HILARION OF and Estonia and representatives of state His Holiness mentioned two major VOLOKOLAMSK , THE DECR authorities, including the Tallinn mayor and common features that create an affinity be- MCHAIRMAN , ANSWERED QUES - leaders of some other cities, and expressed tween them, such as the Christian founda- TIONS OF THE JOURNALISTS DURING PRESS his opinion, saying: “A readiness seems to tion of their national cultures and an en- CONFERENCE HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT be there to make steps to normalize the hanced sense of social justice. FOR EXTERNAL CHURCH RELATIONS ON situation.” – Press Release, Moscow Pa- The Primate of the Russian Orthodox

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 8. Church told his guests of the Annual Ad- tery of the Holy in Rakovica Vicar Bishop Teodosije of Lipljana as the dress to the Federal Assembly delivered by near , at which Patriarch Irinej new Bishop of Ras and Prizren. the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev officiated, A parastos was served afterward The plan for restructuring the dioceses and expressed his profound satisfaction for the repose of the soul of Patriarch Pavle was completed as much as was possible with his main emphasis on a human person, of blessed memory on the occasion of the during this session: parts of the Diocese of mainly children and the youth. “This notion one year anniversary since his falling as- Nis, Zica, Sumadija and Branicevo will is very close to that of the Church. I believe leep, the cross was blessed at his grave site form a new diocese, of Krusevac headquar- that our common commitment to the idea of and the invocation of the Holy Spirit for a tered in Krusevac, and it was accepted that social justice give us a platform for close blessed and God-pleasing Assembly ses- the largest diocese of the Serbian Orthodox cooperation.” His Holiness is confident that sion took place. Afterward, in his introduc- Church, the Archdiocese of Belgrade- cooperation serves to common good. tory comments His Holiness, as the presi- Karlovci, be broken up into two more dio- The Russian-speaking diaspora is an dent of the Assembly, evoked memories ceses. Also, the bishops active in America important driving force of the Russian- once again of the person and spiritual me- were entrusted with the task of examining Cuban relations. “Several thousands of our rits of his predecessor Patriarch Pavle of the possibilities of restructuring the dioces- compatriots live in Cuba, having come blessed memory as well as the newly de- es there, and the issue was raised of form- from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Bela- parted Metropolitan Christopher of Liber- ing a separate diocese for Austria, with rus… They are our parishioners, and I am tyville-Chicago, and indicated the need of a headquarters in Vienna, taking into consid- happy to see that the Orthodox church built dignified and responsible approach to the eration the realistic needs and the magni- in Havana is not only a place for worship, issues on the agenda of the Assembly tude and large number of faithful of the but also unites all these people. “Russian through brotherly dialogue in the spirit of current Diocese of Central Europe. House” was set up at the church for con- the spiritual maxims of Patriarch Pavle that The Assembly received with joy the tacts among the Russian-speaking people,” our words be mild and our proofs strong. news of the unanimous decision of the Dio- His Holiness said. Before beginning with its work, the cesan council of the Diocese of Australia He mentioned difficulties that the Cu- Assembly reacted to the news of the cap- and New Zealand and the Church-laity as- ban people encounter because of the eco- ture of the Archbishop of Ohrid and Metro- sembly of the New Gracanica Metropolita- nomic blockade. “We have stated several politan of Skoplje Jovan at the border in nate of Australia and New Zealand at their times that blockade was an unjust action Kalotin between Bulgaria and by recent extraordinary meeting regarding the against Cuba and does not conform to polit- Bulgarian border police, and his detention establishing of full church-administrative ical and economic realities of the 21st cen- on the basis of a warrant for his arrest is- unity. tury. This is a vestige of the cold war, and it sued by Macedonian police. The Assembly After learning all the relevant facts and is very important to remove it from rela- reacted first through their prayer to God for exhaustive discussions, the Holy Hierar- tions between the states as soon as possible. their brother in distress, then with a public chical Assembly, with much sadness, but Cuba has proved to the entire world that it protest for the unjust persecution of Arch- decisively standing in defense of the holy could survive in spite of the blockade. Yet, bishop Jovan following the legal farce and salvific unity of the Church, in light of it has the right to live as other states, having against him in the Republic of Macedonia, evidence of the most serious canonical an opportunity to trade with them and de- and finally an Assembly appeal for his re- transgressions which he himself has con- velop contacts with the world.” lease to both the head of Serbia as well as firmed - serving while under suspension, H.E. Ricardo Alarc όn de Quesada, the president of the Republic of Bulgaria, refusing obedience to the Assembly, creat- President of the National Assembly of Mr. Georgi Parvanov. ing a schism and forcefully occupying some People’s Power of the Republic of Cuba, On the agenda at this Assembly were monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox thanked the Primate of the Russian Ortho- two major issues and a few smaller ones. Church in the Dicoese of Ras and Prizren, dox Church for the meeting and kind The two major issues were regarding the even with the participation of armed indi- words. restructuring and filling of vacancies in viduals and physically endangering the mo- His Holiness asked H.E. Ricardo some of the dioceses of the Serbian Ortho- nastics in those monasteries - the Assembly Alarc όn de Quesada to convey his heartfelt dox Church, and solving the situation in the has stripped the retired Bishop Artemije of regards and good wishes to Fidel Castro Diocese of Ras and Prizren which is bur- Ras and Prizren of the episcopal dignity and Raul Castro. – Press Release, Moscow dened with many troubles. Added to these and returned him to the status of . Patriarchate, Nov. 30. are the uncanonical actions of the former The Assembly, among other things, Bishop of Ras and Prizren Artemije and of made decisions with regards to the upcom- HE SECOND REGULAR MEETING OF his sect made up of his followers and sup- ing commemoration of the 1700 Anniver- THE HOLY ASSEMBLY OF SERBIAN porters, which culminated during the meet- sary of the Edict of Milan (313-2013), by TORTHODOX BISHOPS WAS HELD ing of the Assembly when he arbitrarily left which Emperor Constantine the Great BETWEEN NOVEMBER 17-20, 2010 AT THE Monastery Sisatovac in Srem, resolutely granted freedom to the Christians of the PATRIARCHATE IN BELGRADE UNDER THE refusing obedience to the Assembly, expli- Roman Empire and established the founda- PRESIDENCY OF HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH citly not accepting the decisions of the As- tions of Christian Europe, as well as deci- IRINEJ . All diocesan bishops took part in sembly and attempting to forcefully take sions regarding the establishment of mili- the work of the Assembly, with the excep- over monasteries and other property of the tary chaplains in the Serbian Army. tion of the head of the autonomous Archbi- in and The Assembly appeals to all faithful of shopric of Ohrid, His Beatitude Jovan and , as well as the usurpation of hie- the Serbian Orthodox Church that, in spite Bishop Konstantin of Central Europe. rarchical authority in the Diocese of Ras of the difficult economic crisis which is The work of the Holy Assembly of and Prizren. affecting us, we continue to help the reno- Bishops began with the conciliar serving of The vacant diocese of Ras and Prizren vation of the monastic dwelling of Monas- the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy at the Monas- was filled with the election of the current tery Hilandar on , destroyed in

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 9. a fire a few years ago, as well as the reno- ceived news of the bishop's "attempted relations was also emphasized in order to vation of homes and other buildings in forcible appropriation of church power" avoid the distorted and tendentious inter- Kraljevo and the surrounding areas, de- with "great regret and concern," and called pretations when dealing with the relations stroyed or damaged during the recent on Artemije and his "straying accomplices between the Orthodox and some other earthquake. – Press Release, Serbian Pa- and supporters" to "show penance and re- Christian confessions. triarchate, Nov. 20. turn to church unity.” His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel unders- "The whole activity of Bishop Artemije cored the fact that the dialogue and co- SERBIAN ORTHODOX BISHOP is invalid from a canonical point of view operation between various Churches should ACCUSED OF FINANCIAL MISMAN - and deprived of God's grace," the synod not be a dogmatic or ethical compromise, AAGEMENT HAS REFUSED TO ACCEPT said. "We call on the faithful not to accept but the manifestation of the Christians’ co- A DEFROCKING ORDER BY HIS CHURCH 'S lies and sectarian manipulation by the bi- responsibility in solving some urgent social GOVERNING SYNOD AND HAS SAID HE WILL shop's supporters." issues as secularization, poverty, states of REMAIN IN CHARGE OF HIS DIOCESE . However, in his newspaper interview, conflict, etc. – Press Release, Romanian "The decision to defrock me is uncons- Artemije said there had been no evidence Patriarchate, Nov. 9. titutional - it is uncanonical and has no of his wrongdoing presented. He said synod bearing on me, and I'm still what I was be- members deserved to be defrocked for un- N MONDAY , 29 NOVEMBER 2010, fore," said Artemije Radosavljevic, a 75- canonically naming his successor. HIS BEATITUDE DANIEL , PATRI - year-old bishop who previously headed the Muslims make up most of the 2.2 mil- OARCH OF THE ROMANIAN ORTHO - church's Raska-Prizren diocese in Kosovo. lion inhabitants of Kosovo, whose mostly DOX CHURCH , RECEIVED HIS EXCELLENCY "I've respected the ban on performing ethnic Albanian inhabitants were placed MR. HAMLET GASPARIAN , AMBASSADOR religious rituals so as not to give them under UN and NATO supervision after a OF THE ARMENIAN REPUBLIC IN BUCHA - cause for further actions, and I expected the 1998-9 war with Serbia. Its independence REST , at the beginning of his diplomatic Holy Assembly of Bishops to resolve this has been recognized by 69 countries, in- mission in Romania. Rev. issue," said the bishop. "However, their cluding the United States and Britain, but Zareh Baronian was also present on behalf non-canonical decisions and sanctions have not by Serbia and its ally, Russia. -- Jona- of the Armenian Church in Romania. continued." than Luxmoore for ENI , Nov. 26. Ambassador Hamlet Gasparian under- He was speaking after the 19 Novem- lined the very good relations between the ber Belgrade church synod declared he had ODAY , 9 NOVEMBER 2010, HIS two peoples and mentioned the fact that the been deposed and defrocked. BEATITUDE DANIEL , PATRIARCH OF Romanians are appreciated in Armenia for In an interview with Serbia's Vecernje TTHE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX the friendship and hospitality they have Novosti daily newspaper on 22 November, CHURCH RECEIVED , AT THE PATRIARCHAL always shown to the Armenian community Artemije said he had accepted previous RESIDENCE , THE VISIT OF HIS EMINENCE in Romania during over eight centuries of synod decisions for the sake of church uni- METROPOLITAN GHENADIOS OF SASSIMA , peaceful cohabitation. The Armenian Am- ty, but added that he had not been invited to CO -MODERATOR OF THE CENTRAL COM - bassador in Bucharest made a short presen- attend the latest session. He said he had MITTEE OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF tation of the history of the Armenian people notified the synod he would not comply CHURCHES (WCC), accompanied by Mr. and of the traditional relations of political, with its ruling until his case is heard by a Georges Lemopoulos, deputy Secretary economical and cultural cooperation be- church court. General, and by Rev. Dr. Daniel Buda, tween Romania and Armenia. His Excel- Bishop Artemije was strongly critical Executive Secretary of the respective insti- lency emphasized especially the important of NATO's 1999 intervention in Kosovo, as tution, as the Press Office of the Romanian contribution of the Catholicos of all Arme- well as the province's February 2008 inde- Patriarchate informs. The visit took place in nians of pious remembrance Vasken I, born pendence declaration. the context of the conference that WCC in Bucharest, for having kept alive the faith He was stripped of his post and barred organized, from 10 – 12 November 2010, of the Armenian people during the period from officiating at services in May when he in Sibiu, in co-operation with the “Andrei of the communist regime. was accused of financial mismanagement, aguna” Faculty of Orthodox Theology of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel empha- and ordered to remain in an Orthodox mo- Sibiu, with the theme The Ecumenical sized the relations of friendship between the nastery at Sisatovac. Movement in the Theological Education Churches of the two peoples, with a long In a letter to the synod, supporters de- and in the Life of the Orthodox Churches. rich Christian tradition, who share common nied wrongdoing by the bishop and claimed On this occasion, His Eminence Met- values in today’s multicultural context of the charges were politically motivated. ropolitan Ghenadios of Sassima conveyed a Europe. In this sense, the Patriarch of Ro- However, on 19 November, the synod said message of salute on behalf of His Holiness mania expressed his hope to intensify the it had now appointed Bishop Artemije's Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of traditional bilateral relations through the former auxiliary, Teodosije Sibalic, as head Constantinople, who appreciated the dy- mutual exchange of scholarships, pilgrims of the Raska-Prizren diocese. namics of the church life in the Romanian and organization of manifestations for bet- A diocese statement on 21 November Patriarchate after his recent visit to Buchar- ter knowing the history, cultural and church said the bishop had "attempted to carry out est (26 – 29 October 2010). life of the two peoples. – Press Release, a coup" by occupying other monasteries as The discussions tackled themes con- Romanian Patriarchate, Nov. 29. well, including those of Devine Vode and cerning the challenges present in the con- Crna Reka. It added that the sites were now temporary society and the pastoral- RCHBISHOP CHRYSOSTOMOS II OF "freed and under the control of the diocese," missionary efforts of the Orthodox CYPRUS WOULD RATHER SEE and said Artemije's "schismatic group" was Churches in order to solve the issues the AAPOSTOLOS ANDREAS COLLAPSE "not supported by the Serbian people.” local churches are faced with. The need to THAN LET RESTORATION OF THE HUGELY In its ruling, the synod said it had re- explain the purpose of the inter-church IMPORTANT MONASTERY LEFT IN THE

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 10. HANDS OF THE MUSLIM RELIGIOUS ENDOW- Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan gave went to court to contest the will of a monk MENT EVKAF . the go-ahead to conserve and restore the who had bequeathed all his possessions to Speaking to the state broadcaster monastery following nearly four decades of his siblings. CyBC yesterday, the Archbishop said the neglect. The structure threatens to collapse The parents went on to recount the US Ambassador had personally taken on in on itself if the restoration plans fail to monasteries’ manipulation techniques. board the issue of the dilapidated monas- come to fruition. More often than not, the recruiters target tery’s restoration in the occupied area of Apostolos Andreas, on the island’s young students when they are vulnerable, Rizokarpazo. northeastern tip, is one of the most impor- for example right after they have failed an “The whole matter is in the hands of tant religious monuments for Greek Cypriot exam or are experiencing some problem in the UNDP (United Nations Development pilgrims. -- Stefanos Evripidou for The their personal life. Program). We had a meeting the other day Cyprus Mail , Nov. 2. After the initial contact, the young men and are ready to invite tenders,” he said. are introduced to an “elder,” who is pre- “One issue was raised which we re- HREE HIGH -RANKING CLERICS IN sented as a “mentor” or “prophet” who then jected immediately, that Evkaf apply to the CYPRUS AND GREECE ARE BEING proceeds to extol the virtues of monastic UNDP to take on and coordinate the resto- TSUED FOR DECEIVING AND life. The “mentor’s” job is also to introduce ration of Apostolos Andreas. We said that MANIPULATING YOUNG MEN INTO the young men to Church writings. the owner of Apostolos Andreas is the BECOMING MONKS . Gradually, the prospective monks are Church, not Evkaf and to leave all that be- The lawsuits, filed by parents of sons invited to spend a few days at a monastery. hind. In fact, I was very categorical that I who became monks, have been filed against The candidates are encouraged to fast and would rather see Apostolos Andreas col- abbot Epifanios of Maheras Monastery, to keep vigils – although the parents prefer lapse, and will never accept that this mo- Limassol bishop Athanasios and chief the term “sleep deprivation.” Through these nument belongs to Evkaf,” he added. monk Efraim of the Monastery in methods, the parents say, the young men Evkaf represents Turkish religious Greece. are weakened both physically and emotion- foundations on the island. They stand accused of running an op- ally. In time, the candidates’ indoctrination The primate said EU ambassadors had eration aimed at brainwashing young men, is complete. also got involved in the matter of urgent isolating them from their families and secu- The prospective monks sever all family restoration work needed for the deteriorat- lar way of life and finally recruiting them at and social ties, often on the advice of their ing monastery. monasteries. elders. “I consider the matter closed. They The first hearing in one of the lawsuits The parents have procured the person- won’t insist on this because they realized takes place next month, and more court al diaries of young men, in which the latter our categorical refusal. It has also been cases are in the pipeline. describe such-and-such priest as telling arranged that the Bishop of Karpassia will Meanwhile, five families have jointly them to resist contact with the outside go and conduct services there for the first filed a group recourse with the European world because it is a “distraction” and a time. That problem has been overcome. All Court of Human Rights in which they make “temptation.” will run smoothly,” said Chrysostomos. similar allegations against the priests but The young men are also encouraged to The archbishop will meet with Presi- also accuse the Republic for failing to take lie if necessary. In one diary, a young man dent of the Parliamentary Assembly of the action to stop this “brazen recruitment.” described how a priest told him to lie to his Council of Europe (PACE) Mevlut Cavu- Earlier this week, a group of concerned parents if necessary so as to conceal his soglu today, in a round table meeting along parents spoke to MPs during a behind- monastic activities. with Turkish Cypriot religious leader closed-doors session in parliament. The “Just tell them that you are going to Mehmet Emin Yeltekin at the Ledra Palace parents demanded the establishment of an study with a friend. It is not a sin, because it hotel in the buffer zone. independent commission of inquiry to in- is not acted upon.” Chrysostomos said he would discuss vestigate their claims of “illegal recruit- In another diary, as quoted by Politis, the issue of preserving religious monu- ment,” intellectual terror and “enslave- an elder monk advises a candidate: “You ments in the north. ment” of their children. should spend more time studying the books “There are many issues to discuss The parents accuse the three clerics in of the Fathers. So what if your [school] (with Cavusoglu), and given that he hails question of running a recruitment opera- grades drop a little? Afterward God will from Turkey and is Turkish, a further rea- tion, where young men – usually students in help you, my son, do not worry…” son is (for him) to learn the real facts about Cyprus and Greek universities – are ap- And elsewhere: “Parents usually react. Cyprus. proached. The “targets” are preferably But this does not last long and can be han- “I’m considering raising the issue of young men studying for a degree in eco- dled. Don’t tell them everything. This is not the restoration of Apostolos Andreas as nomics. a sin.” well as the return of the abbot of Apostolos According to the parents, men with To prove the extent of the recruitment Varnavas with his escort to resume services degrees in economics are a prime target, operation, the parents cite especially the and for us to be allowed to fix all our Chris- because upon being converted they will be case of Vatopedi Monastery, which started tian monuments because one after another more than capable of running the monaste- out as a small outfit with just a handful of are collapsing.” ries’ financial affairs – and for free. elders but today numbers around 80 monks. He added: “We don’t want them to fix Moreover, the recruiters prefer men The monasteries in question are said to them but just to allow us to get inside and who are financially well-off, in the hopes espouse the more fundamentalist tendencies fix them up ourselves.” that the prospective monks will bequeath of the Christian faith, with a heavy empha- Last March, the archbishop crossed the all their possessions to the monasteries, sis on mysticism. island’s divide for the first time since 1974 which then get to increase their holdings. In Asked to comment on the allegations, to visit Apostolos Andreas after Turkish one case, the parents said, a monastery Archbishop Chrysostomos told Politis he

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 11. did not see how a 25-year-old could be new methods. We would like to cooperate In response to certain canonical and “misled” in this way, arguing that adults are and … exchange notes," he pointed out. ecumenical issues that are arising in the free and capable to choose their way of life. The also public recently, the Holy Synod of the As- The parents say that although in pri- met with Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens syrian wishes to address vate the Archbishop acknowledges a prob- and All Greece at the latter's office at the a matter of grave importance. Recent lem does exist with the recruitment me- Archdiocese. statements by certain clergy, particularly in thods of certain monasteries, he does not The two religious leaders had a brief the United States, have distorted the facts repeat these views in public. -- Elias Hazou discussion in the presence of bishops and regarding the synodical decrees of the for The Cyprus Mail , Nov. 27. priests of both Christian Churches. Church of the East. It has been claimed by Archbishop Ieronymos expressed his some Chaldean Catholic clergy in Califor- HE HOLY SYNOD OF THE CHURCH joy over the visit of the head of the Church nia that the deposed bishop Ashur Soro has OF GREECE HAS ORDERED AN of England, adding that in him "we see an only been suspended by the Holy Synod of TINSPECTION OF 145 CHURCHES TO excellent professor of patristic theology, a the Assyrian Church of the East. DETERMINE HOW THEIR FINANCES ARE sincere friend of Orthodoxy and a scholar of The fact remains that the ex-bishop BEING MANAGED and is also considering the Orthodox doctrine." Soro was suspended by the Holy Synod of bringing in auditors if the statistics pro- The Archbishop of Canterbury under- the Assyrian Church of the East on No- duced by individual church councils prove lined the common points shared by the two vember 11, 2005; this synod was convened less than convincing, Kathimerini has Churches, stressing that "the Church has and presided by His Holiness Mar Dinkha learned. played an important role in the history of IV, Catholicos-Patriarch, in Chicago, Illi- The initiative – the first of its kind by both countries." – Athens News , Nov. 25. nois (USA). Further, the Holy Synod the Church of Greece – aims to inform the which was convened in Dohuk, , in country’s Orthodox faithful about how their URING THE OPENING SESSION OF October of 2008 formally and permanently donations to their local church’s collection THE FALL MEETING OF THE HOLY excommunicated Ashur Soro in its decree boxes are being utilized. “The goal is to DSYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE of October 31, 2008. This means, canoni- draft a comprehensive overview of the ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA , WHICH cally, that Ashur Andrious Soro has been management of Church finances and record OPENED AT THE CHANCERY IN SYOSSET , utterly deposed from the episcopal rank and the problems and challenges being faced by NEW YORK , on Tuesday morning, Novem- laicized from all sacerdotal faculties. The parishes following the onset of the financial ber 16, 2010, Priestmonk Matthias [Mo- text of the Synodical Decree reads: “ The crisis,” a spokesperson for Archbishop riak] was canonically elected to the vacant suspended bishop Ashur Andrious Soro is Ieronymos told Kathimerini. See of Chicago and the Midwest. hereby pronounced entirely excommuni- According to sources, the country’s Following a lengthy search process, cated and stripped of the episcopal office churches owe around 500,000 euros to the Father Matthias was nominated from a slate and of all priestly dignity which he had Archbishopric. – KED , Nov. 22. of three candidates by delegates at a special received in the Assyrian Church of the Assembly of the Midwest Diocese con- East. From henceforth, he is utterly lai- HE CONVICTION THAT ANY ISSUES vened at Saint Mary Cathedral, Minneapo- cized and retains absolutely no canonical THAT MAY EXIST BETWEEN THE lis, MN on Wednesday, October 6, 2010. or spiritual right or privilege of any other TAUTOCEPHALOUS ORTHODOX His name was then submitted to the Holy sort in the Assyrian Church of the East.” CHURCH OF GREECE AND THE CHURCH OF Synod for canonical election. He is current- This matter has been brought to the ENGLAND WILL BE SETTLED WAS EX - ly under the omophorion of His Grace, Bi- fore recently due to the fact that the Synod PRESSED BY GREEK PRESIDENT KAROLOS shop Michael of New York, and serves of the attempted PAPOULIAS , who received visiting Archbi- Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery, Otego, NY. to convene in Rome on October 25, 2010, shop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, In addition to the address of His Beati- under the presidency of His Beatitude Mar on Thursday at the presidential mansion. tude, Metropolitan Jonah, and reports by Emmanuel III Delly, Chaldean Patriarch. It Dr Williams was later received by the Church's officers -- Archpriest Alexan- was expected that the Chaldean Synod Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou der Garklavs, Chancellor; Archpriest Eric would discuss the matter of receiving and for a 40-minute meeting. G. Tosi, Secretary; and Melanie Ringa, fully recognizing Ashur Soro as a bishop in During his talks with Papoulias, the Treasurer -- the Holy Synod's agenda in- the Chaldean Catholic Church. According latter said he is closely following the work cludes a variety of items concerning exter- to the canons of the Assyrian Church of the performed by the Church of England in a nal affairs, financial and legal matters, OCA East, once a cleric (whether in the episcop- period with many social problems "and departmental ministries, 2011 priorities, the al or sacerdotal ranks) has been deposed, with people who suffer, particularly those Strategic Plan, the All-American Council, excommunicated and/or laicized, he may seeking a better future.” and related issues. – OCA Press Release, never validly administer the sacraments, "I am pleased that relations with the Nov. 16. and he remains a simple layman. We urge Church of Greece are very good. We have the Chaldean faithful, therefore, to beware certain issues that need to be solved and I The Assyrian Church of the East of attempting to receive the sacraments am certain that our representatives will from the deposed cleric Ashur Soro, or any solve them," Papoulias said. HE HOLY SYNOD OF THE HOLY of his equally deposed priests. Out of On his part, the head of the Church of APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN Christian charity, we further urge our England stressed that the timing of his first TCHURCH OF THE EAST ISSUED THE brother bishops of the Chaldean Synod to visit to Greece is very important, consider- FOLLOWING STATEMENT OF CLARIFI - be cautious of receiving an excommuni- ing the problems with which both countries CATION ON NOVEMBER 11, UNDER THE cated and deposed bishop among their are faced. "The Church of Greece is facing SIGNATURE OF MAR AWA ROYEL , ranks, as this will naturally have both ca- poverty and other social problems using SECRETARY : nonical and ecumenical implications. –

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 12. Assyrian Church News, Nov. 11. Assembly consider electing a Patriarch been a history of ‘living martyrdom’. They Coadjutor, and prepare articles addressing have witnessed their faith through their The Oriental Orthodox Churches canonical issues. He directed His Eminence participation in their societies living the Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, as Chair- message and values born in Bethlehem. IS HOLINESS KAREKIN II, SUPREME man of the meeting, to chair a committee What is happening today is a continuation PATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF that will address this section of the by-laws. of the same journey, continuation of Chris- HALL ARMENIANS , ISSUED PONTIFI - It is the wish of His Beatitude, that the ar- tian witness in the Middle East.” CAL DIRECTIVES APPOINTING NEW CLERGY ticles of the by-laws be ratified by March of Question 2: How do you explain what ASSIGNMENTS to the Monasteries and the 2011. is happening to Christians in some coun- Seminaries of the Mother See of Holy The General Assembly of the Brother- tries of the Middle East? Etchmiadzin. hood concluded with a positive and encour- Answer: “It is important to approach His Grace Bishop Sahak Mashalian aging spirit. The General Assembly of the this question from the right perspective. has been relieved as Dean of the Gevorkian Brotherhood concluded its 19th session Fundamentalism in Islam is not only a Theological Seminary of the Mother See of with singing of the hymn of the Holy See threat to Christians, but also to Islam itself. Holy Etchmiadzin, as he will be returning and the prayer read by the Patriarch. – It is a serious threat to security in the re- to the Armenian Patriarchate of Constanti- Press Release, Holy Etchmiadzin, Nov. 18. gion. I am sure that many Muslims will nople for permanent service. share this understanding with me. We, Very Rev. Fr. Gevorg Saroyan has N SUNDAY 31 OCTOBER 2010, therefore, need a common strategy. Chris- been appointed as Dean of the Gevorkian AFTER THE HOLY LITURGY , tian-Muslim dialogue and cooperation is Theological Seminary begining December OTHROUGH A PONTIFICAL ENCYCLI - the best strategy. I would like to remind you 10. Father Gevorg previously served as the CAL , HIS HOLINESS ARAM I raised Bishop that Muslim political and religious leaders Dean of the Vaskenian Academy at Lake Dirayr Panossian, Director of the Library of were the first to condemn the attack and Sevan. the Catholicosate of Cilicia, and Bishop massacres in the Church in Baghdad.” Rev. Fr. Shnork Sargsian has been Nareg Alemezian, Director of Ecumenical Question 3: How do you assess the relieved as Abbot of the Geghard Monas- Relations, to the rank of Archbishop. current status of Christian-Muslim dialo- tery and was assigned to serve as Dean of In his remarks, Catholicos Aram I said: gue? the Vaskenian Academy at Lake Sevan “On the occasion of the beginning of the Answer: “Christian-Muslim dialogue beginning November 15. month of ‘Armenian Culture and Litera- is not new, but in the past ten years it was Rev. Fr. Kiuregh Davtian was ap- ture” established by the our Catholicosate, I given a new emphasis and a new orienta- pointed to serve as the Abbot of the Shog- decided to honor Bishops Dirayr and Nareg tion. While I welcome these new initiatives, hakat Monastery. – Press Release, Holy because of their service to the Church and I would like to see the following happen: Etchmiadzin, Nov. 15. their commitment to promote Armenian First, political leaders should be actively culture and literature …. I also wanted to engaged in these dialogues, for in the end HE NINETEENTH SESSION OF THE reaffirm the vocation of the Armenian Ca- political and social structures should GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ST. tholicosate of Cilicia as guardian of the change as a result of the dialogue. Second, TJAMES BROTHERHOOD OF THE written Armenian word. – Press Release, the agenda of dialogue meetings should ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM , Catholicossate of Cilicia, Nov. 2. include issues that affect the daily lives of CONVENED ON NOVEMBER 15-18, 2010 the people. Third, dialogue meetings should UNDER THE PRESIDENCY OF HIS BEATI - IFTEEN JOURNALISTS FROM CANADA be regular and not be held merely to re- TUDE ARCHBISHOP TORKOM MANOOGIAN , AND THE UNITED STATES , REPRE - spond to specific situations. Finally, dialo- the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, with FSENTING DIFFERENT TYPES OF gues should lead to cooperation on common the participation of 28 members of the Bro- MEDIA , MET WITH HIS HOLINESS ARAM I IN projects.” He then added, “as a result of therhood. ANTELIAS . In his welcome speech, Catholi- globalization, people of different faiths are His Eminence Archbishop Khajag cos Aram I talked of how the ancient local living together as neighbors. People are Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese churches of the Middle East, which have involved in existential dialogue. Our task is of the Armenian Church of America was been deeply rooted in the region for over 17 to help people discover their neighbors, elected as the co-Chairman of the Assem- centuries, have contributed to its economic, learn to respect them and build mutual bly, and conducted it with efficiency. intellectual, and cultural development.” He trust. Only through such a process will we During the meeting various issues and went to note that “the roots of Christianity build sustainable relations.” proposals of interest to the Brotherhood are in the Middle East, and that from the Question 4: In another question His concerning real estate, finances, and bylaws beginning, the Church Fathers have contri- Holiness Aram I was asked to assess the were discussed, and an election was held to buted to the theological discourse on Chris- Special Synod for the Middle East held at replace members of the Executive Council tian faith and on ways to witness their faith the Vatican last October. whose terms had expired. in the context of the other monotheistic Answer: “The Synod was a ‘wake-up’ During the meeting, His Beatitude the religions.” call to the churches in the Middle East, as Patriarch presented a written Memorandum His Holiness then responded to ques- well as to Muslims and Christians all over to the officers of the Assembly, and in ac- tions raised by the visitors. the world. As I mentioned in my response cordance with the wishes of His Beatitude, Question 1. What are the challenges to the Vatican invitation, such a call is ad- the Chairman of the Assembly read the that Christians in the Middle East are facing dressed to all churches of the region, for we Memorandum. In summary, the Memoran- today? are facing the same concerns. Christian dum stated that taking into consideration Answer: “Christians in the Middle East unity is an important challenge not only to the state of his health and the future of the have always lived with challenges. The all Christians, but specifically to the Church, His Beatitude suggested that the history of Christians in the Middle East has churches in the Middle East. I strongly be-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 13. lieve that churches in the Middle East, Statement by Bishop David bia. The country could have avoided this while safeguarding their specificity, should and the Priests frustrating violence if there was a clear, fair work together on the basis of their common of the USA’s North East and uniform policy for the construction of Christian values and convictions.” We have come today, Friday, November houses of worship for those in need of a He then added, “Christians and Mus- 26, 2010 to the Egyptian Consulate in New place to pray. We also demand that Copts lims have lived and worked together for York, in consideration that all loyal Egyp- who had their homes and businesses burned many centuries and the current challenges tians worldwide are partners in the moral be compensated accordingly. require that they continue working together. responsibility for the image and reputation -- We reject the policy of coerced I welcomed the final statement of the meet- of Egypt before the world community. In meetings and forced reconciliation that rid ing because the Synod invited Muslims to our efforts to ensure the peace and safety of people of their rights, and we request the face common challenges together with our dear homeland Egypt, which we now avoidance of biased balances that are Christians.” He then continued, “Although see has had its global image shaken in re- against truth and justice and that this will be we have different perceptions of the ‘truth’ cent times as a result of successive events, achieved and take its course through the of our faiths, different sources of identity, we therefore wish to declare the following:- power and supremacy of the law. We await we must learn to respect our differences -- We deplore and condemn the angry with great concern a just ruling in the case and face the same problems. On the other demonstrations that took place in various of Naga Hammadi on December 18, 2010, hand, since we share common moral and areas on Fridays over the past weeks, where without any further adjournment, since we ethical values, we should make an effort to insults were hurled at the church with have waited long for its final verdict. build common strategies. Christians in the curses and emotional provocation, enticing -- The current events in the areas of Middle East can help build bridges in Muslim enmity towards the Christians. Talbia and Omranieh in Giza explicitly Christian-Muslim relations in other parts of Boundaries were crossed when hurtful show, for the first time in Egyptian history, the world.” And finally, he said, “I appre- comments were made against our Father, the confrontation with live ammunition and ciated very much that the Muslim repre- His Holiness Pope Shenouda III - Pope of tear gas of unarmed youth seeking to pray sentative at the Synod in the Vatican ac- Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint and worship, despite the fact that these se- knowledged the constructive role of Chris- Mark in Egypt, Africa and the rest of the curity forces are trained to face worse crises tians in building Middle East societies.” Diaspora - that are not befitting of, what is with wiser methods. This heavy-handed In his conclusion, Catholicos Aram I acclaimed by all, this great and wise cha- approach ended in the death of two Coptic reminded his audience that “the Church is racter. Everybody acknowledges that His youth, tens of injuries and the arrest of 156 ‘God’s mission’ and not an institution, and Holiness the Pope is an Egyptian icon Coptic youth. To make matters worse, the this is what unites the churches even if they whose positions on the national issues are official media coverage inverted the truth express their mission in different forms. For well known and esteemed by both Muslims and turned the victim into the culprit, which example, the advocacy work of the and Christians alike. Furthermore, we are contributed in creating deliberate falsehood churches in the west regarding Christians in amazed by the disengaged attitude por- about the church and its clergy. We demand the Middle East, and their humanitarian trayed by state officials who have not acted a swift calming of the turmoil and a clarifi- assistance to the churches in the Middle or expressed any outrage in response to cation of the facts with truthfulness. There- East are expressions of God’s mission those reckless outlaws who care neither for by preserving the future of these Egyptian through the Church. The ‘wake up’ call of the security and peace of Egypt, nor its rep- youth, who are not criminals, but are simply the Vatican was an invitation to all utation in the world community. We are asking for a place to worship. churches in the world and specifically to astonished at the absence of any official -- Our thanks to the moderate and wise churches in the Middle East to re-envision condemnation or denouncement of these Muslim brothers whose voices rose to con- their presence and witness in the Middle despicable and degrading statements and demn these events. Thank God they are not East and all over the world in accordance their escalation. These statements have few. with ‘God’s mission,’ with which they have lately led to the loss of dozens of lives dur- Our presence today at the Egyptian been entrusted.” – Press Release, Catholi- ing the recent terrorist attack on The home in New York is an expression of our cossate of Cilicia, Nov. 16. Church of Salvation in Baghdad, Iraq, and continued confidence in the possibility of threats to the Coptic Church of similar ac- internally containing these situations when N NOVEMBER 26, 2010, HIS GRACE tions!! These deliberate lies about the Cop- serious, fast and effective steps are taken. BISHOP DAVID OF THE COPTIC tic Church and His Holiness the Pope could This is in tune with what President Hosni OORTHODOX CHURCH WENT TO THE have been prevented from spreading if gov- Mubarak has always confirmed, that there EGYPTIAN CONSULATE IN NEW YORK ac- ernment officials were intent on denying is no distinction between citizens of one companied by nineteen priests from the and refuting them by revealing the truth, country because of creed or religion. USA’s east coast, to present an official calming the enraged souls, preventing the In spite of living abroad, we feel that statement to the Consul General Mr. Yous- newspapers and the media from the pro- our love for Egypt is still within us, and as sef Zada, expressing the feelings of resent- vocative handling of the news, and the pu- His Holiness Pope Shenouda III says, ment towards the current events. The meet- nishment of those who stir up violent emo- “Egypt is not a country we live in, but a ing was characterized by complete honesty, tions. country that lives in us.” where all attendees expressed their feelings -- We express our astonishment at the Finally, we pray that God blesses clearly towards these events, and the suffer- security policies currently used, which we Egypt, America and the entire world, and ing of the Copts in Egypt. His Excellency, hope will be wiser, impartial and swift in that safety and peace prevail in every place, the Consul General, understood all these the treatment of matters before they esca- in order for everyone to live in peace and feelings and promised to transmit a com- late, so that we do not reap deaths, injuries, tranquility. – Nov. 26. plete picture to the Egyptian authorities. fires and destruction, as has happened re- The statement is as follows: cently in the events of Abu Tisht and Tal-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 14. HE INSTALLATION OF BASELIOS The Catholic Churches fore delivering the opening address at a MARTHOMA PAULOSE II, THE Christian-Muslim meeting at the WCC TEIGHTH CATHOLICOS OF THE EAST HE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES headquarters in Geneva, taking place from FROM MALANKARA , TOOK PLACE AT GENERAL SECRETARY , THE REV . 1-4 November. – Peter Kenny for ENI , PARUMALA . TOLAV FYKSE TVEIT , HAS JOINED Nov. 1. Newly installed Catholicos, Baselios POPE BENEDICT XVI AND OTHER Marthoma Paulose II is the eighth Catholi- RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN CONDEMNING THE SRAEL 'S FIRST FULLY ACCREDITED cos since the Catholicate of the East was "CRIMINAL ACT OF TERROR " IN BAGHDAD ARAB -CHRISTIAN COLLEGE , THE relocated to India and 91st Catholicos in the when gunmen took hostages in a city INAZARETH ACADEMIC INSTITUTE , lineage of Catholicoi of the East in the church, resulting in the deaths of nearly 60 OPENED ITS DOORS ON NOVEMBER 1, apostolic throne of St. Thomas. He is also people. OFFERING A "NEW MODEL " FOR HIGHER the 21st of the "The World Council of Churches EDUCATION IN ISRAEL that offers both church. strongly condemns the criminal act of terror equal opportunity education and peace stu- At 6.30 am all the Metropolitans ce- that took place on Sunday in the Sayyidat dies. remoniously accompanied the Catholicos al-Najat Church in Baghdad and expresses Formerly located in Ibillin, near Haifa, into the Church and the day’s event began. its deep sympathy and solidarity with those the Nazareth Academic Institute (NAI) Metropolitan of Chengannur Diocese Tho- who lost their loved ones and prays for a served as branch campus of the University mas Mar Athanasius celebrated the Holy speedy recovery for the injured," said Tveit of Indianapolis. Then, in March 2009, after Qurbana. Catholicos Baselios Marthoma in a 1 November statement. years of working to adapt to the Israeli aca- Didymus I was the chief celebrant for the Earlier in an address to mark All demic system, both the Council of Higher consecration ceremony. Saints Day, the Pope told pilgrims in St Education, as well as the Israeli govern- “At the inception of Catholicate in Peter's Square, "I pray for the victims of ment, recognized and accepted the school Malankara the first Catholicos was named this absurd violence, all the more ferocious as an Israeli private college, the institute as Paulose I. Now at the centenary of the in that it struck defenseless people united in reported in a press statement. Catholicate the Catholicos is again being the house of God, which is a place of love During his May 2009 visit to the Holy called Paulose, precisely Paulose II. This is and reconciliation." Land, Benedict XVI blessed the corner- not a coincidence, but a great plan of God,” Iraqi television stations said assailants stone of the new college after celebrating said the Principal of Orthodox Theological wearing suicide vests from the Islamic State for Arab Christians. Seminary, Fr. Dr. K.M. George. of Iraq, an al-Qaida-linked group, stormed As of Nov. 1, the curriculum for both The new Catholicos readout and put the church in Baghdad's Karrada district the Department of Chemistry and the De- his signature on his confession of faith during an evening service. Hostages and partment of Social Communications has (Amalogia), which the new Pontiff himself police officers were killed when security been approved. Other departments that are piously submitted to the Catholicos Base- forces raided the Baghdad church to free being considered for approval by the Coun- lios Marthoma Paulose II. the more than 100 Iraqi Catholics who had cil of higher education are computer Thereafter the reigning Catholicos been captured. science and occupational therapy; the latter declared that the new Pontiff is worthy to In East Jerusalem the group known as is working in conjunction with the French be elevated to the Catholicate and to the Islamic and Christian Religious leadership Hospital in Nazareth. In the planning stages throne of St. Thomas. This led to reading of released a statement to ENInews which are programs for environmental studies, the Gospel, with Metropolitans carrying the said, "All of us are responsible when food and nutrition science, tourism and throne, on which the new Catholicos was people, children of the one God are killed theology. sitting. This was to symbolize the authority in a house of God." It noted in its statement, Students in each field of study will be of the new Catholicos over the Church of "No religion or religious person can hide required to take a course in the Peace Stu- God. Staff for the new Catholicos was also behind the word of God and justify what is dies and Leadership Program, focusing on handed over in a similar fashion, where happening in Iraq. We from Jerusalem con- such issues as "how to advance and secure nine Metropolitans held their hands below sider those who stand behind this murder- the peaceful coexistence and cooperation in the hand of the New Catholicos, which was ous act as outside of any religion of God." a multiethnic and multireligious region, guided to the top by the reigning Catholi- In his statement Tveit said that the such as the Middle East." cos. WCC's 349 churches representing more "NAI believes peace is possible and Concluding the ceremony, litanies than 500 million Christians have been that it can begin in the classroom," the insti- were read out, which were prayers for and deeply troubled "by the continuous suffer- tute wrote. "For that to happen, students divine felicitations to the new Pontiff. ing of Christians in Iraq and continue to must learn how to function in society, not Newly installed Catholicos Baselios stand in solidarity with all churches as they just in the workplace, so NAI builds its Marthoma Paulose II completed the Holy pass through turbulent and challenging education around a core curriculum in Qurbana to mark the end of ceremony. times amidst hatred and aggression.” peace studies. Around 25 Metropolitans attended the The WCC leader stated, "This is not "Required of all students, this peace event. A number of priests and thousands of the first time that such attacks have targeted core encourages students to evaluate re- faithful witnessed the historical ceremony. Christian communities in Iraq. All those gional issues from multiple perspectives -- Orthodox Herald , Nov. 1. responsible need to be brought to justice, and conflicting cultural narratives. It also and governmental authorities should take fosters the skills in critical thinking, negoti- their responsibility to bring safety and secu- ation and conflict resolution students need rity to all citizens and particularly to those to identify solutions and build consensus in in vulnerable situations." a diverse society." Tveit made his comments shortly be- "Students discover not only why coex-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 15. istence matters but how they can create it in regarding the possibility of U.S. military All Souls Day, which followed the dreadful their personal and professional lives," the intervention in Iraq and warned of “unpre- events of 31 October. statement added. dictable consequences.” The decimation of We have repeatedly highlighted the The founder of NAI is Melkite Catho- the Christian community in Iraq and the plight of Christian minorities in Iraq, and lic Archbishop Elias Chacour of Akka, continuing violence that threatens all Iraqis the need for them to enjoy a dependable Haifa, Nazareth and All of Galilee. – Zenit , are among those tragic consequences. freedom of conscience, religion and wor- Nov. 2. Our troops have served with bravery ship, to flourish as minority communities, and distinction, and we welcome the end of and to contribute to the common good of OLLOWING THE OCTOBER 31 U.S.-led combat in Iraq; however, the Iraqi society from the riches of our Chris- ASSAULT ON THE SYRIAN CATHOLIC United States has so far failed in helping tian heritage and faith. FCATHEDRAL IN BAGHDAD AND SUB - Iraqis to develop the political will needed to But the killing of worshippers at Our SEQUENT VIOLENCE , CHICAGO CARDINAL deploy effective strategies to protect the Lady of Salvation Church in Bagdad has FRANCIS GEORGE , OMI, PRESIDENT OF THE lives of all citizens, especially Christians demonstrated a new low point of Christian UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATH - and other vulnerable minorities. More must vulnerability in the country. This slaughter OLIC BISHOPS , URGED PRESIDENT OBAMA be done to help ensure that refugees and of unarmed people gathered in church to to “take additional steps now to help Iraq displaced persons are able to return to their worship God is a shocking and disgraceful protect its citizens, especially Christians homes safely. Having invaded Iraq, our act that should be utterly condemned by and others who are victims of organized nation has a moral obligation not to aban- people of all faiths and none. attacks.”The full text of the letter follows. don those Iraqis who cannot defend them- We commend those who were killed to Dear Mr. President: selves. God's grace and mercy, and our prayers are The October 31 attack on the Syrian The murderous attack on innocent with all those who survived the attack, their Catholic cathedral in Baghdad that killed Christians gathered for worship witnesses families, and all others in Iraq who mourn 58 and wounded 75, together with the re- to the need for the United States to re- the loss of loved ones. We pray too for all cent wave of bombings in Iraq’s capital, are double its efforts to assist Iraq as our en- Iraqi Christian communities elsewhere in grim evidence of the savage violence and gagement enters a new phase. At a mini- the world who rightly feel passionately for lack of security that has plagued the Iraqi mum, our country must strengthen its work the safety of our Christian brothers and people, especially Christians and other mi- with Iraqis and the international community sisters there, and with all those in Iraq who norities, for over seven years. Some reports to: enable the Iraqi government to function will live in greater fear not only because of even indicate that the October 31 attack for the common good of all Iraqis; build the this appalling event but also because of the may have been more extensive and the fail- capacity of Iraq’s military and police to continuing threats directed against them all. ures of security more egregious than origi- provide security for all citizens, including We hope and pray with all our hearts nally thought. Enclosed you will find a minorities; improve the judicial system and that there may be an end to this kind of sa- press release by the Most Reverend Yousif rule of law; promote reconciliation and the crilegious butchery and to all intimidation Habash, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady protection of human rights, especially reli- and violence against Christians and other of Deliverance of Newark for Syrian Catho- gious freedom; rebuild Iraq’s shattered minorities in Iraq. lics. economy so that Iraqis can support their + Rowan Cantuar In the recent Synod of Bishops on the families; and assist refugees and internally Press Release, Nov. 12 Middle East in Rome, the bishops from Iraq displaced Iraqis. spoke of the terrifying situation facing To meet its moral obligations to the HE ANNUAL MEETING OF EUROPE ’S Christians and other minorities in that Iraqi people, it is critically important that EASTERN CATHOLIC BISHOPS TOOK country. They recalled murders, kidnap- the United States take additional steps now TPLACE IN SOFIA FROM 5-7 NOVEM - pings, bombings, and naked threats that to help Iraq protect its citizens, especially BER 2010, ALSO MARKING THE CELEBRA - have forced many Christians from their Christians and others who are victims of TIONS FOR THE 150 TH ANNIVERSARY OF homes and businesses. Ironically, just two organized attacks. Thank you for your kind THE UNION OF BULGARIA ’S EASTERN weeks before the October 31 attack, Arch- consideration of this urgent request. CATHOLIC CHURCH WITH ROME . The bishop Athanase Matti Shaba Matoka of the Sincerely yours, event, at the invitation of the of Syrian Catholic Church in Iraq, whose ca- Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. Sofia, Mgr Christo Proykov, and sponsored thedral was the site of the October 31 at- Archbishop of Chicago for the second time by CCEE, saw the par- tack, addressed the Synod: “The invasion of President – USCCB Press Release, Nov. ticipation of Cardinals Péter Erd ı, CCEE Iraq by America and its allies brought to 10. President, and , Prefect of Iraq in general, and especially to its Chris- the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, tians, destruction and ruin on all levels. … HE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY along with 35 bishops representing differ- Seven years have passed and Christianity is HAS ISSUED A MESSAGE TO CHRIS - ent Eastern Catholic Churches from various still bleeding. Where is the world con- TTIANS IN IRAQ , FOLLOWING RECENT parts of Europe, from Russia to Cyprus, science? All the world remains a spectator KILLINGS IN BAGDAD AND THE APPEAL OF from Slovakia to Greece. Also present were before what is happening in Iraq, especially SENIOR CATHOLIC BISHOPS IN IRAQ . The some representatives from Vatican dicaste- with regards to Christians.” full text of the message is below: ries: from the Congregation for the Oriental Archbishop Matoka’s strong words Dear Brothers and Sisters Churches and the Pontifical Council for the remind us of the moral responsibility that May the peace and grace of our Lord Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant the United States bears for working effec- Jesus Christ be with you. People. Liturgical celebrations were an tively with the Iraqi government to stem the We read with deep emotion the heart- integral part of the rhythm of the meeting, violence. Prior to the war, our Conference felt appeal of our brothers the Syrian and which also included visits to Sofia and of Bishops raised grave moral questions Chaldean Catholic in Iraq on Plovdiv, two symbolic cities in Bulgaria’s

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 16. Christian history, as well as a series of talks Catholic Church was almost wiped out. He HE ASSEMBLY OF THE CATHOLIC on the main theme of the meeting: “The recalled how at the celebrations of that jubi- HIERARCHY IN SYRIA MET AT ecclesiological criteria of the Eastern Cath- lee, as a young he himself had TALEPPO UNDER THE PRESIDENCY OF olic Churches and the reality today.” The served Mass, along with the bishop and PATRIARCH GREGORIOS III OF THE outcome of the meeting demonstrated that only priest still alive and not imprisoned in MELKITE GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH , to the criteria of ecclesiology of the Eastern that period. discuss matters arising from the recent Catholic Churches is found in their full Two other talks were held on Saturday Special Assembly for the Middle East of communion with the of Pe- 6 November, that of Mgr Cyril Vasil, Sec- the Synod of Bishops in Rome. ter. retary of the Congregation for the Oriental The Assembly was first concerned The commemoration of 150 years of Churches, and that of Mgr Demetrio Sala- with the problems of Caritas trying to deal this union was marked in the Exarchate of chas, Apostolic Exarch in Greece. Mgr with the difficulties of Iraqi refugees in Sofia on 4 November with two presenta- Vasil spoke about “The relations of the Syria. tions on the history of the Byzantine-Slavic Congregation for the Oriental Churches It went on to consider the matter of the Rite Catholic Church. This special celebra- with the Eastern Churches in Europe and personal statute in legislation. tory moment, under the presidency of the their future.” Mgr Salachas, on the other The Assembly also discussed the Sy- Exarchate of Sofia, was attended by Car- hand, spoke about the theme “The Eastern rian President’s initiative to hold an inter- dinal Péter Erd ı, CCEE President, the Catholic Churches in the light of the official national Christian-Muslim Congress in Apostolic to Bulgaria, as well as theological dialogue between the Catholic December 2010 to examine the impact of representatives of the Bulgarian govern- Church and the Orthodox Church as a the Synod’s recommendations on Middle ment and the President of the Republic. whole.” Both talks gave rise to a lively de- Eastern countries. The real work of the meeting began on bate between the participants. In the after- The Assembly also discussed the date the morning of 5 November. After the ini- noon there was a visit to the national mu- of Pascha, when next year (as this year) tial welcomes, there was a brief celebration seum, housing testimonies and works of art once again Eastern and Western calendars of the Byzantine Slavic Office for the Dead, on the history of Bulgarian antiquity and coincide. There was a desire among the in memory of the late Eleuterio Christianity, where a number of the mu- participants to continue to work, in order to Fortino, who died on 22 September and seum’s artefacts were shown and presented have in future unified Christian witness in who would have opened the meeting with a to the participants. Afterwards, the group the Middle East’s predominantly Muslim talk on “The ecclesiological criteria of the went to the monastery of the Eucharistine countries. Eastern Catholic Churches on the basis of Sisters. In a church dedicated to Blessed On the final day, the Synod was at- the Vatican II documents and recent papal John XXIII, built on land he acquired dur- tended by representatives of other documents.” On the basis of the outline ing the time when he was papal representa- Churches, including the Greek Orthodox, prepared by Mgr Fortino himself, and other tive in Bulgaria, the Exarch of Sofia gave a the Syriac Orthodox, and the Armenian previous works of his, the talk was given by presentation on the history of the Exarchate, Orthodox Churches and Protestant Archimandrite Fr Manuel Nin, Rector of recalling the key moments from its founda- Churches. They also support the unification the Pontifical Greek College in Rome, try- tion, through martyrdom up to the present- of the date for celebrating Pascha. – Press ing to highlight the eccelsiological criteria day re-birth. Subsequently, the Divine Li- Release, Melkite Patriarchate, Nov. 18. of the Eastern Catholic Churches in the turgy was celebrated in the presence of a thought of someone who was for many very large number of the faithful; in his IS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI years Undersecretary of the Pontifical homily, Cardinal Sandri emphasized the DELIVERED THIS ADDRESS WHEN Council for the Promotion of Christian Uni- faithfulness to Christ and the Apostolic See HHE RECEIVED IN AUDIENCE THE ty. The talk was followed by a useful debate of the predecessors in the Exarchate and PARTICIPANTS IN A PLENARY OF THE among the bishops present. The second exhorted those present to give an authentic PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR PROMOTING morning talk was given by Mgr Antonio witness of faith to young people. Before the CHRISTIAN UNITY ON NOVEMBER 18: Maria Vegliò, President of the Pontifical final blessing, the Apostolic Nuncio, Mgr Your Eminences, Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants Bolonek, read the letter which the Cardinal Venerable Brothers in the Episcopate and Itinerant People, on the theme “Pastor- Secretary of State, , had and in the Priesthood, al structures for Catholic migrants from the sent, on behalf of the Holy Father, to Car- Dear Brothers and Sisters, Eastern Churches, on the basis of the In- dinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Con- It gives me great joy to meet you on the struction Erga migrantes caritas Christi.” In gregation for the Oriental Churches, on the occasion of the Plenary Assembly of the his talk, Mgr Vegliò highlighted the reality occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian of the pastoral welcome given to Eastern Eastern Catholic Church in Bulgaria. The Unity, during which you are reflecting on Catholic migrants and the problems of find- celebration ended with a concert given by the theme: “Towards a new stage in the ing or creating pastoral structures which the Ioan Kukuzel Orthodox Choir. ecumenical dialogue,” In addressing my enable the development and continuity of On Sunday 7 November, the final ses- cordial greeting to each one of you, I also their Christian life in the diaspora. In the sion was held and the Divine Liturgy was wish to thank in particular your President, afternoon the Exarch Christo Proykov pre- celebrated in the church of the Exarchate in Archbishop Kurt Koch for his warm words sided over the celebration of the Divine Sofia. The next meeting of the Eastern bi- expressing your sentiments. Liturgy in the Assumptionist Church in shops will take place in Oradea, in Roma- Yesterday, as Archbishop Koch men- Plovdiv. In the celebration the Greek Cath- nia, on the theme: You will be my wit- tioned, you celebrated with a solemn com- olic martyrs of the Communist persecution nesses: the evangelization in Europe’s memorative Act the 50th anniversary of were commemorated. Movingly, the Exarch Catholic Eastern Churches. – Press Re- your . On 5 June 1960, on the eve recalled the previous jubilee: that of the lease, Nov. 16. of the Second Vatican Council which iden- 100th anniversary in 1960 when the Greek tified ecumenical commitment as central for

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 17. the Church, Bl. John XXIII created the cal formation of the new generations and what already unites us and working to con- Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity the further fragmentation of the ecumenical solidate and increase it. In the end, also on which in 1988 was given the name of “Pon- scene. It is essential to become aware of the ecumenical journey it is a question of tifical Council.” This Act was a milestone these changes and to identify ways to pro- leaving to God what is his alone and of on the ecumenical journey of the Catholic ceed effectively in the light of the Lord’s exploring, with seriousness, constancy and Church. In the course of 50 years great desire: “that they may all be one” (Jn 7:21). dedication, what is our duty, bearing in headway has been made. Also with the Orthodox Churches and mind that the binomials of acting and suf- I would like to express deep gratitude the Ancient Churches of the East, we share fering, of activity and patience, of effort and to all those who have devoted their service the “closest intimacy” ( Unitatis Redinte- joy are part of our commitment. to the Pontifical Council, recalling first of gratio , n. 15). The Catholic Church is ea- Let us trustingly invoke the Holy Spirit all the successive Presidents: Cardinal gerly continuing the dialogue, seeking se- so that he may guide us on our journey and Agostino Bea, Cardinal Johannes Wille- riously and rigorously to deepen the com- that everyone may feel with fresh vigor the brands, Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy; and mon theological, liturgical and spiritual call to work for the ecumenical cause. I I am particularly pleased to thank Cardinal patrimony in order to face with serenity and encourage all of you to continue in your Walter Kasper, who has led the Dicastery commitment the elements that still divide work; it is help that you offer the Bishop of in the past 11 years with competence and us. With the Orthodox she has reached a Rome in the fulfillment of his mission at the enthusiasm. I thank the members and con- crucial point in comparison and reflection: service of unity. As a sign of affection and sultors, officials and collaborators, those the role of the Bishop of Rome in the gratitude, I warmly impart to you my Apos- who have contributed to bringing about the Church’s communion. And the ecclesiolog- tolic Blessing. – Vatican website. theological dialogues and ecumenical meet- ical issue is also the centre of the dialogue ings and all those who have prayed to the with the Ancient Churches of the East: de- HE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR Lord for the gift of visible unity among spite many centuries of misunderstanding PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY JUST Christians. and distance, it is joyfully noted that a pre- TMARKED ITS 50 TH BIRTHDAY . THE These are 50 years in which a true cious common patrimony has been pre- COUNCIL 'S PRESIDENT SAW THIS AS AN knowledge and greater esteem has been served. OPPORTUNE MOMENT to look at what acquired with the Churches and Ecclesial Dear friends, even in the presence of progress has been made in five decades of Communities, overcoming prejudices crys- problematic situations or difficult points for dialogue and prayer. tallized by history: we have grown in theo- the dialogue, the goal of the ecumenical Cardinal Kurt Koch presented a report logical dialogue and in the dialogue of char- journey remains unchanged, as does the last week at the council's plenary assembly ity; various forms of collaboration have firm commitment to pursue it. However, it called "Harvesting the Fruits." developed, among which, in addition to is not a commitment in accordance with The first fruit, he said, is within the those for defending life, for safeguarding political categories, so to speak, in which Church itself. creation and for combating injustice, colla- comes into play the ability to negotiate or Ecumenism "is no longer a foreign boration in the field of ecumenical transla- the greatest skill in finding compromises reality" in the life of parishes and dioceses, tions of Sacred Scripture has been impor- through which we as good mediators might the cardinal affirmed. "This 'ecumenism of tant and fruitful. expect, after a certain time, to reach agree- life' is of fundamental importance, as with- In recent years, then, the Pontifical ments acceptable to all. Ecumenical action out it, all the theological efforts directed to Council has been involved, among other has a dual movement. reaching a lasting agreement on basic is- things in an extensive project, called the On the one hand there is the con- sues of faith between the different churches Harvest Project, in order to draw up a first vinced, passionate and tenacious search to would be in vain." estimate of the goals achieved in the theo- find full unity in truth, to conceive of mod- Cardinal Koch admitted, however, that logical dialogues with the principal Eccle- els of unity, to throw light on disagreement although the Catholic Church is irreversibly sial Communities since the Second Vatican and obscure points in order to attain unity. committed to the search for unity, in some Council. And this takes place in the necessary theo- respects the problem is still the same as it This is valuable work that has hig- logical dialogue but especially in prayer was at "the point of departure," at the hlighted both the areas of convergence and and penance, in that spiritual ecumenism Second Vatican Council. those in which it is necessary to continue to which constitutes the vibrant heart of the In this regard, he spoke of the crux of deepen reflection. whole journey: the unity of Christians is and the issue being ecclesiology -- the concept As I thank God for the fruits already remains prayer, it dwells in prayer. of the nature of the Church. gathered, I encourage you to persevere in On the other hand, there is another Cardinal Koch noted how ecumenism your commitment to promoting a correct active movement that stems from the firm and ecclesiology are intimately connected: assessment of the results achieved and to awareness that we do not know the time of "Ecumenism was an important theme of the make known exactly the present state of the the fulfillment of unity between all Christ’s renewal of the Catholic Church herself and theological research at the service of the disciples and we cannot know it, because it of her self-understanding," he said. He journey towards unity. Today some people is not “we who can decide it,” God “de- pointed to one of the key issues of the think that this journey, especially in the cides” it. It comes from on high from the council: the relationship between the uni- West, has lost its impetus; therefore the unity of the Father with the Son in the di- versal Church and the local Churches. urgent need to revive ecumenical interest alogue of love which is the Holy Spirit; it is But in the realm of ecumenism, the and to give fresh purpose to the dialogues is a participation in the divine unity. And this prelate explained, the plural "churches" felt. must not diminish our commitment; indeed refers not to local Churches, but to the ec- Moreover we are presented with un- it must make us ever more attentive to un- clesial communities not in communion with heard of challenges: the new anthropologi- derstanding the signs and times of the Lord, the Catholic Church. cal and ethical interpretations, the ecumeni- knowing and recognizing with gratitude The ecumenical problem "consists in

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 18. pointing out how the Catholic Church can OPE BENEDICT XVI HAS IN COM - office as an "ecumenically acceptable and must conduct herself in face of this MENTS MADE IN A NEWLY-PUB - spokesman of the world's Christians," Be- plural 'churches,' which exist outside of PLISHED BOOK SAID THAT HE HOPES nedict refers also to Anglicans, "who have her," he said. This issue arises both in the FOR A MEETING "IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT said they could accept a primacy of honor dialogue with the Orthodox Churches as FUTURE " WITH PATRIARCH KIRILL I OF THE on the part of the Pope of Rome -- That is, well as, though in a different way, in the RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH . of course, already a significant step." dialogue with the communities of the Re- The book, "Light of the world,” was Already, he notes, it is also true "that formation. presented on 23 November to international when the Pope takes a position on major In regard to the Orthodox, Cardinal media at the Vatican. It is the text of an ethical issues, the world regards him as Koch explained: "The definition that is extended interview with the pontiff con- speaking with the voice of all Christians.” most adapted to Orthodox ecclesiology is ducted in July by German journalist Peter Still, after referring to relations with 'Eucharistic ecclesiology,' a concept devel- Seewald. Protestants, Benedict says, "We are not oped above all by exiled Russian theolo- Benedict's predecessor, Pope John going to bring about full unity in the fore- gians in Paris after World War I, in clear Paul II, spoke repeatedly about his dream of seeable future." opposition to the centralism of the papacy visiting Russia, but met resistance from the The First Vatican Council of 1870 of the Roman Catholic Church." Moscow Patriarchate, which had accused defined two dogmas - the universal primacy This concept "stresses that the Church the Vatican of aggressively seeking con- of the Pope in the Church, and on papal of Jesus Christ is present and realized in verts among Russian Orthodox faithful. infallibility when the bishop of Rome each particular Church gathered around her In the book, Benedict recalls that the speaks "from the cathedra [chair], as pastor bishop, in which the Eucharist is celebrat- first visitor whom he received after his and doctor of all Christians in matter of ed," he said. election as Pope in 2005 was Kirill, who faith and of ethics.” Hence, the cardinal continued, for the was then chairperson of the Moscow Pa- Still, Benedict XVI notes, "It goes Orthodox, with the exception of an ecu- triarchate's department for external church without saying that the Pope can have pri- menical council "there can be no other visi- relations. vate opinions that are wrong." ble principle of unity of the universal "We immediately got along. He has In the book, the Pope also refers to Church, to which are attributed juridical such a joy about him, such a simple faith - Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch Bar- powers, such as those the Catholic Church the simplicity of the Russian soul, you tholomew I, a key leader for the world's recognizes in the Petrine ministry." might say - but also its determination and 300 million Orthodox Christians, whom he According to Catholic ecclesiology, warmth. So we understood each other visited in Turkey 2006. however, the Church is fully present in the well," the pontiff says. The Patriarch, says Benedict, "practic- concrete Eucharistic communities, but one Seewald asks the Pope if, due to the es ecumenism as much more than a cold Eucharistic community alone "is not the dialogue going on between Rome and Mos- duty; there is a real friendship and sense of Church in her fullness," he explained. "Be- cow, he thinks that a meeting with Kirill, brotherhood between us." cause of this, the unity between each Eu- who became Moscow Patriarch in 2009, Another question is about the 2000 charistic community united in turn with her "could take place while you are still Pope.” declaration "Dominus Iesus,” which states own bishop and with the Bishop of Rome is The Pope answers: "That depends on that Protestant denominations "are not not an external ingredient to Eucharistic how much life the good Lord grants me, but churches in the proper sense.” ecclesiology, but its essential condition." I hope so. Nevertheless, Orthodox public Benedict, who was then Cardinal Jo- The heart of the ecumenical problem opinion in Russia has to be prepared for a seph Ratzinger, signed the text as the Vati- between the Catholic Church and the Or- meeting of this kind. There is still a certain can's Prefect of the Congregation for the thodox Church lies in the fact that "an ec- fear of the Catholic Church. We need to Doctrine of the Faith. clesiology linked to the national culture and wait patiently." "A Church, in the proper sense, as we a Catholic ecclesiology oriented to the con- "A meeting between Rome and Mos- understand it, exists where the episcopal cept of universality find themselves one cow in the not too distant future is within office, as the sacramental expression of before the other, up to now, in disagree- the realm of possibility?" asks Seewald. "I apostolic succession, is present - which ment," Cardinal Koch stated. would say that, yes,” the pontiff answers. also implies the existence of the Eucharist Cardinal Koch noted that Pope Paul VI Answering questions about ecumen- as a sacrament that is dispensed by the bi- saw this issue as the "greatest obstacle" for ism, the search for church unity, Benedict shop and by the priest," says Benedict is reaching full communion with the Ortho- speaks about the role of the Pope, one of response to Seewald's question. dox. However, the prelate said, Benedict the key issues that divide Christians. Therefore, the Second Vatican Council XVI has also detected in this issue an op- Seeing the bishop of Rome as being in 1964 used the term "ecclesial communi- portunity for union. "First among equals would be immediately ties" to "indicate that such communities According to the thought of the present acceptable by Orthodoxy,” says Benedict, embody a different mode of being a Pope, he said, "without primacy, the Catho- noting "It [Orthodoxy] acknowledges that church,” the Pope says. lic Church would also have disintegrated a the bishop of Rome is the 'protos', the first, "As they themselves insist it is precise- long time ago in national and as is laid down already by the Council of ly not the same mode in which the Churches, which would have confused and Nicaea [in A.D. 325].” Churches of the great tradition of antiquity complicated the ecumenical landscape." But, he states, "the question is precise- are Churches -- The term [ecclesial com- The council president affirmed that ly whether the Pope has specific tasks or munity] is an attempt to capture what is ecumenical dialogue between Catholic and not.” distinctive about Protestant Christianity and Orthodox has taken "encouraging steps," Asked about the suggestion of the to give it a positive expression," the Pope even if more work remains to be done. – German Lutheran Bishop Johannes Frie- states. Zenit , Nov. 23. drich of a limited recognition of the papal Asked whether a Pope can offer an

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism , n. 182, November 30, 2010, page 19. alternative definition of the Church, Bene- ber open letter he had promised to donate dated last September 13 and published by dict responds, "He has no authority over the church to the Orthodox after determin- the Adista news agency, Bagnasco writes to that. The Second Vatican Council is bind- ing it could no longer be maintained by its Archbishop Lucian Muresan, primate of the ing on him." – Luigi Sandri for ENI , Nov. declining congregation, and would other- Romanian Greek Catholic Church, that the 23. wise have had to be closed and sold. Italian Bishops’ Conference, “after having The move had faced protests by local carefully examined the question also in the HE HEAD OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC Catholics, including a large group of Poles light of statistics regarding the size of the CHURCH IN AUSTRIA HAS DENIED and their priest, the Rev. Tadeusz Cichon, ethnic communities coming from Eastern TBEING "ANTI -POLISH " AFTER MEM - who rejected Cardinal Schonborn's expla- Europe and the situation of the clergy in the BERS OF POLISH CONGREGATIONS IN nation and accused him of an "act of un- Italian dioceses, holds the position that, VIENNA PROTESTED AGAINST HIS DECISION friendliness towards Poles.” generally speaking at the present time, there TO OFFER ONE OF THE CITY 'S CATHOLIC In his letter, the cardinal noted that the does not exist a ‘just and reasonable cause’ CHURCHES TO SERBIAN ORTHODOX number of Christians of other denomina- that would justify the granting of a dispen- CHRISTIANS . tions had been growing rapidly. "We must sation.” According to church law, married "In recent weeks, many stormy events help them in Christian solidarity, among priests from the Eastern Churches cannot have taken place around a church in the other things by transferring places of wor- exercise their ministry outside the historical Neulerchenfeld district," said Cardinal ship to them," said Schonborn. territory of their Church – a limit that the Christoph Schonborn, the chairperson of "I am aware that this is a painful deci- bishops had also protested against last the Austrian Catholic Bishops' Conference. sion for people connected with this place. month in the Vatican during the Synod on "Untruths and simplifications have But the churches we own were built in oth- the Middle East. been spread, filling me with great sadness," er times and in the expectation that there “The suitability of protecting clerical said the cardinal. "It has gone so far that I would be more Catholics," he stated. "We celibacy,” Bagnasco also explained, “and have been accused of deliberately acting cannot preserve such a large number of of preventing the possible upset of the against Polish Catholics, and this informa- churches forever. – Jonathan Luxmoore for faithful because of a larger number of mar- tion has even circulated in southern Poland. ENI , Nov. 29. ried priests prevails over the need, even if I must assure you the truth is quite differ- legitimate, to guarantee for Catholics of the ent." HE PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN Eastern rite the celebration of the liturgy by Schonborn was reacting to protests by BISHOPS ’ CONFERENCE , CARDINAL ministers who speak their language and local Polish Catholics against news that the TANGELO BAGNASCO , HAS TURNED come from their own countries.” Out of city's Our Lady of Sorrows church would DOWN A REQUEST TO ALLOW MARRIED about a million Romanians in Italy, the be handed over in June 2011 to members of CATHOLIC PRIESTS OF THE ROMANIAN Greek Catholics number about 800 thou- the 160,000-strong Serbian Orthodox GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH TO COME TO sand. [trans. by RGR] – ASCA News community. ITALY to work with the immigrant Roma- Agency , Nov. 30. The cardinal had said in a 19 Novem- nian community in our country. In a letter

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with Cardinal Kurt Koch at the Phanar, November 30, 2010

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. 182, November 30, 2010, page 20.