Phanar bishop: Orthodox Christians have no problem accepting Rome’s primacy
Pope Francis and Archbishop Job (Getcha). Photo: catholicoutlook.org
The Orthodox have no problem in recognizing the primacy of Rome, the only question is how this primacy will be realized, said the hierarch of the Phanar, Archbishop Job (Getcha) of Telmessos at the online conference "Challenges and Prospects of the Orthodox-Catholic Theological Dialogue" dedicated to finding ways of unity between Orthodox and Catholics.
In addition to the Archbishop, the conference was attended by the Head of the Eastern Bureau of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity Hyacinthe Destivelle, Professor Petros Vasiliadis and a number of other Greek theologians.
During the ecumenical dialogue, the Phanar hierarch said that in order to achieve full unity between Catholics and Orthodox, it is very important to educate a new generation of theologians who are not only well aware of the traditions of their Church but also open to the traditions of another Church. Therefore, according to Archbishop Job (Getcha), Orthodox students should study at Catholic educational institutions, and Catholics – at Orthodox ones.
Commenting on Destivelle’s words about the role of the Pope in the future united Church, the Phanar hierarch stated that “the Orthodox have no problems with the primacy of the Roman Church since this Church, according to patristic and canonical traditions, presides in love ... Therefore, from the Orthodox point of view, the primacy of Rome is not a problem ... The question is how this primacy will be implemented in practice."
According to Getcha, in the united Church, Catholics should not demand that the Orthodox recognize more of the rights of Rome than it was in the first millennium.
Earlier Patriarch Bartholomew said that the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which will take place in 2025, is a reason for uniting Christians.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.