Russian Orthodox spokesman says Pope Benedict should meet with Patriarch Kirill
May 20, 2010
A leading spokesman for the Russian Orthodox Church has said that Pope Benedict XVI should meet with the new Russian Patriarch Kirill I.
Metropolitan Hilarion Afleyev of Volokolamsk, who is in Rome for a series of events saluting Russian Christian heritage, said that while there are no plans currently underway for such a "summit meeting," he thought the prospects were promising because "times have changed" and relations between Rome and Moscow have improved markedly in recent years.
The Russian prelate added that the Orthodox Church has special confidence in Pope Benedict, and Patriarch Kirill-- who was the chief ecumenical officer for the Moscow patriarchate before his election as Patriarch-- is favorably disposed. So he suggested that "a meeting should be held between Kirill and Benedict XVI in particular, rather than some Patriarch and some Pope."
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: Chestertonian -
May. 20, 2010 7:24 PM ET USA
This is wonderful news. What grace would come of restoring the Orthodox churches to union with Rome! We must continue to pray the Rosary.
-
Posted by: jeremiahjj -
May. 20, 2010 7:10 PM ET USA
The more meetings like this, the sooner there will be a reconciliation. We must join forces in order to resist the Islamic forces of evil that threaten world peace and the Christian faith.
