Pat. Bartholomew: Restoration of unity with Roman Catholics is irreversible

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: Vatican Radio archive

Patriarch Bartholomew expressed the opinion that Catholics and Orthodox will sooner or later reunite during a meeting with Archbishop Angelo De Donatis of the Roman Catholic Church at the Patriarchal residence in the Phanar, according to Vatican Radio.

"The process of restoring unity between our holy Churches, although sometimes slow and encountering difficulties, is irreversible because God desires it, and we are called to be His witnesses in the world that does not care about God," said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

During the conversation, they also discussed the possibility of Catholics and Orthodox celebrating Easter together. Patriarch Bartholomew mentioned that there would come a time when the Churches will reach a consensus on this matter. The hierarch emphasized that he sees a far-reaching agreement on most issues between him and Pope Francis.

It was previously reported that Catholic Archbishop Angelo De Donatis, leading a group of priests, is currently on a pilgrimage to holy sites in Turkey. As part of the pilgrimage, a visit was paid to Patriarch Bartholomew.

Read also

Prayers further offered for imprisoned UOJ journalists at Lavra's standing

People pray to the Lord to protect the "prisoners of conscience" from all sorrow, trouble, need, and illness.

Metropolitan Theodosiy's house arrest extended

The bishop participated in the hearing via videoconference, but opponents of the UOC were active near the courthouse.

Dumenko and Zoria discuss combating "Russian World" with Minister of Culture

Tochytskyi and representatives of the OCU discussed countering Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukraine's national identity.

Greek theologian: Religious situation in Ukraine divides Orthodoxy

According to the Greek theologian, "many Ukrainian Orthodox worshippers have been hesitant to leave the church under the Moscow Patriarchate and join the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, fearing a potential excommunication for being schismatics."  

OCU cleric blames TRC for forced mobilization and kidnapping of parishioners

It is reported that the mobilized person was helping with repair work in the church.

Greek theologian explains why Churches do not accuse ROC Primate of heresy

A professor from the University of Athens explained why no Orthodox Church had condemned Patriarch Kirill as heretic so far.