Pontiff wants to speed up day of "unified Eucharist" between East and West
The private audience at the Vatican on 11 November 2024. (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto)
On 11 November, Pope Francis held a meeting with delegates from the Sacred Synod of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, who were visiting the Vatican for the first time on an official trip, reports vaticannews.
During the meeting, the Pontiff highlighted the important role of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in inter-Christian dialogue, calling it a "bridge" between the East and the West. Pope Francis entrusted this initiative to the Holy Spirit and expressed hope that it would "speed up the day when we can celebrate the unified Eucharist, fulfilling the Lord's prophecy" (cf. Matthew 8:11).
The Pontiff quoted the Orthodox theologian John Zizioulas to the representatives of the ancient Eastern (non-Chalcedonian) Church from India, who said that the final date for Church unity would be the day after the Last Judgment, and "until then, we must walk together, pray together and work together".
As earlier reported, Pope Francis urged people not to lose heart due to failures and to promote peace.
Read also
Papal Nuncio in Kyiv: War is from the devil, it makes no sense
Visvaldas Kulbokas believes the Church's mission is to call for the urgent need to end the war.
UOC hierarch: The Lord will lead us through trials and grant relief
Metropolitan Theodosiy encouraged believers to endure trials and expressed hope for their return to the cathedral in Cherkasy, seized a month ago.
Vatican Cardinal: 'We cannot resign ourselves to the inevitability of war!'
Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated that "even though the signals are not positive, a negotiation is always possible and desirable for anyone who rightly values the sacredness of human life."
Metropolitan Evlogy expresses condolences to victims of Sumy shelling
Special prayers will be offered in all churches and monasteries of the Sumy Eparchy.
Former UOC metropolitan delivered a new notification on suspicion
Metropolitan Elisey is accused of justifying Russia's armed aggression and the occupation of parts of Ukraine.