Patriarchy Alexy II Will Meet Pope Perhaps
His Holiness Patriarchy Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia said he might meet with Rome Pope Benedict XVI in future but certain conditions should be observed at first.
This meeting calls for thorough preparation, the Primate of Russian Orthodox Church made clear, emphasizing the need to overcome difficulties encountered starting from 1990s at first. The end purpose of missionary activities of Catholic monks and nuns in Russia, Alexy II went on, has been proselytism amid the Orthodox. The Patriarchy pointed out they cannot agree with the statements of some Catholic bishops and missionaries regarding Russia as missionary territory for the Catholic Church.
If ever happened, the meeting with Pope, Alexy II said, should not be used as mere occasion to show up before cameras or TV, but rather give rise to really definite moves to improve mutual relations. According to Alexy II, the Orthodox and Catholics have lots of common tasks to be jointly tackled, including society’s secularization, strengthening family and immorality that captured the youth in many states.
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All the Article in Russian as of Sep. 14, 2007
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