Thursday 30 August 2007

Ecumenism — getting it right!


This, from Zenit:
Benedict XVI's move to allow for wider celebration of the Roman Missal of 1962 has received a positive reaction from the Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow.

"The recovery and valuing of the ancient liturgical tradition is a fact that we greet positively," Alexy II told the Italian daily Il Giornale.

Benedict XVI's apostolic letter "Summorum Pontificum," published in July, explains new norms allowing for the use of the 1962 missal as an extraordinary form of the liturgical celebration.

"We hold very strongly to tradition," he continued. "Without the faithful guardianship of liturgical tradition, the Russian Orthodox Church would not have been able to resist the period of persecution."

When asked about the relationship between Rome and Moscow, the patriarch said: "It seems to me that Benedict XVI has repeated many times that he desires to work in favor of dialogue and collaboration with the Orthodox Churches. And this is positive."

Regarding a possible meeting between Alexy II and Benedict XVI, the patriarch said it must be well-prepared, and "be an encounter that truly helps to consolidate relations between our two Churches."

4 comments:

Phil said...

Telling, isn't it. Paul VI bends over backwards to court the Protestants and their leadership sticks up two fingers (think Archdipstick Carey ignoring the late Holy Father's letter asking him not to permit the ordination of women as priests in the CofE).

Let's now see how graciously the Orthodox churches react.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't trust that man. Look at his headgear. Makes him look like snoopy. Did someone say he was ex-KGB?
Loose the headgear then we'll talk.

WhiteStoneNameSeeker said...

Umm this could be hopeful...although I wont hold my breath. Lots of prayers though and who knows...

Insuetus said...

Surely any meeting between Benedict and Alexy must take place at Velehrad?