Pope’s visit to Turkey sparks disagreement among Orthodox hierarchs – media

Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: vimaorthodoxias

The meeting between the heads of the Roman Catholic Church and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, announced for the end of this year in Turkey, has caused concern and debate among Orthodox hierarchs.

According to the Greek outlet Vima Orthodoxias, some representatives of the Church of Greece regard the initiative as an attempt by the Vatican to advance the idea of “union” between East and West, while others view it as a chance for theological dialogue.

The encounter between Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople is scheduled for November in the ancient city of Nicaea (modern İznik, Turkey) – the site of the First Ecumenical Council of 325. The event is dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the Council and is seen as a symbolic gesture in the ongoing development of relations between East and West.

At the same time, Orthodox circles are increasingly voicing concern that such gestures may pave the way for institutional rapprochement. “Unity cannot be built on diplomatic gestures and photo opportunities. Orthodoxy needs truth and repentance, not symbolism that confuses the faithful,” one hierarch of the Church of Greece told Vima Orthodoxias.

Despite these concerns, some theologians emphasize that dialogue between the Churches remains necessary. “Orthodoxy is not afraid to speak with the other, as long as the conversation does not undermine the truth of the faith,” said a professor from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Meanwhile, sources close to Patriarch Bartholomew have stated that the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s participation has not yet been confirmed, and that any such initiatives must first be discussed at the synodal level.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the heads of the Catholic and Anglican Churches are expected to pray together for the first time in five centuries.

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