Pope Francis: RCC continues to pray for unity with the Orthodox
A Vatican delegation in the Phanar. Photo: Vatican News
On 1 December 2024, Pope Francis, in his message to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, confirmed the "irreversible commitment" of the Catholic Church to pursue the path of ecumenical dialogue with the Orthodox Church, Vatican News reports.
"Living brotherhood and the testimony given by Christians can be a message for our world, which suffers from war and violence," said Pope Francis.
Speaking about the 60th anniversary of the decree “Unitatis redintegratio”, the Pontiff stated that "dialogue with the Orthodox Church remains particularly fruitful", but emphasized that full unity, manifested in shared Eucharist, has yet to be achieved. "Catholics and Orthodox must never stop praying and working for unity," he added.
Pope Francis also expressed hope for a joint celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 2025, stressing that this would be "another opportunity to strengthen the bonds" between Christians.
As in previous years, the Vatican delegation marked the Feast of St. Andrew, the patron saint of the Church of Constantinople, together with the Patriarch of Constantinople. The guests attended the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Patriarch Bartholomew at St. George's Cathedral in the Phanar.
As reported by the UOJ, the Pope said that he will visit Turkey for the 1700th anniversary of First Council of Nicaea.
Read also
U.S. congressman changes his view of UOC after speaking with Christians
Don Bacon stated on X that he does not consider the UOC to be “carrying out orders from Moscow.”
Authorities once again allow Dumenko into Near Caves of Kyiv Lavra
The head of the OCU conducted a “service” in the church dedicated to the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple.
Anniversary of UGCC creation to be included in 2026 commemorative dates
A Verkhovna Rada committee has recommended adding the anniversary of the Union of Brest to the calendar of jubilees.
UOC Social Department deliver gifts from His Beatitude to IDP children
Three hundred gifts were presented to children on the feast day of St. Nicholas.
Patriarch Porfirije discusses problems in World Orthodoxy with DECR ROC head
A meeting took place between the Serbian Patriarch and a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church led by Metropolitan Antoniy of Volokolamsk.
Persecuted UOC community in Malyi Kuchuriv marks its patronal feast
In Bukovyna, the persecuted community of St. Nicholas honored the day of his commemoration.