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A Message of Unity on the Feast of Saint Andrew
On the Feast of Saint Andrew, patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, Pope Francis extends warm greetings and heartfelt good wishes to His Holiness Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople.
The Pope reflects on the rich relationship between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, a bond continually strengthened by dialogue. This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the “Decree on Ecumenism” issued by the Second Vatican Council, a defining moment when the Catholic Church formally entered the ecumenical movement.
“The liturgical commemoration of the Apostle Andrew…offers me an appropriate opportunity to express, on behalf of the entire Catholic Church, cordial good wishes to you, Your Holiness, to the Members of the Holy Synod, to clergy, monks and all the faithful gathered in the Patriarchal Cathedral of San Giorgio al Fanar,” Pope Francis writes.
Pope Francis acknowledges the fruitful dialogue between the churches, seeing it bear witness to a renewed brotherhood on both sides. He emphasizes that the ultimate goal of this dialogue is full communion, sharing the one Eucharistic goblet. Although this unity has yet to be achieved, particularly with the Orthodox Church, the Pope reminds us that this delay is not surprising given the depth and age-old nature of these divisions. This journey towards unity, he reminds us, also holds an undeniable eschatological dimension, implying that the path towards unity aligns with the salvific journey of humanity.
He reaffirms the commitment of the Catholic Church to continued dialogue, witnessed recently through a synodal assembly held at the Vatican. Pope Francis praises the openness and mutual listening that marked this gathering, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds to engage in a shared direction. This fruitful meeting embodied the spirit of the recent Vatican synod on synodality, which aims to promote deeper communion between the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
Pope Francis goes on to celebrate an upcoming milestone – the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. He expresses his deep desire to participate in the commemorative celebration, destined to strengthen the ever-growing communion among all Christians baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This Upcoming anniversary invites All Churches to recommit their witness in today’s world, remembering that the brotherhood experienced by Christians is above all a message of peace. The Pope joins Bartholomew in praying for an end to the ongoing violence and wars.
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“I express the hope,” Pope Francis writes, “that this event, which concerns not only the two ancient Sees that took part in the Council but all Christians who profess their faith with the words of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, will be an opportunity to strengthen existing bonds and encourage all Churches to give a renewed witness in today’s world.” This, he emphasizes.
While the path toward full communion continues, Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew remain steadfastly committed to the journey. Pope Francis reiterates his deep respect and fraternal affection for Bartholomew, praying for the continued success of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its followers. He evokes the shared intercession of Saints Peter and Andrew as they both continue to work towards the common goal: a unified Christian Church.
How has the relationship between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches evolved since the Great Schism of 1054 AD?
## A Message of Unity on the Feast of Saint Andrew: An Interview
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**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing the recent message of unity from Pope Francis on the Feast of Saint Andrew, patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. To help us understand the significance of this message, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Carter, a theologian specializing in interfaith relations. Dr. Carter, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Pope Francis’ message extended warm wishes to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Can you tell us a little bit about the relationship between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches?
**Dr. Carter:** The relationship between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches is complex and multifaceted. While they share a common origin and many of the same beliefs, they split in the Great Schism of 1054 AD. Despite this historical division, both churches recognize the importance of dialog and strive for greater unity. [[1](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-11/pope-christian-dialog-can-be-a-model-for-today-s-world.html)]
**Host:** The Pope’s message highlighted the 60th anniversary of the “Decree on Ecumenism” from the Second Vatican Council. What was the significance of this decree?
**Dr. Carter:** The ”Decree on Ecumenism” was a landmark moment, marking the Catholic Church’s official entrance into the ecumenical movement. It signaled a commitment to dialog and reconciliation with other Christian denominations, including the Orthodox Church.
**Host:** Pope Francis emphasized the importance of dialog and the ultimate goal of full communion. What are some of the challenges in achieving this unity?
**Dr. Carter:** There are indeed many historical and theological differences that need to be addressed. Issues such as the primacy of the Pope, the nature of the Holy Spirit, and the role of tradition are just some of the points of contention. However, the ongoing dialog shows a willingness on both sides to find common ground.
**Host:** The Pope also mentioned the “eschatological dimension” of this journey towards unity. What does he mean by that?
**Dr. Carter:** The “eschatological dimension” refers to the belief that the path towards unity is connected to the ultimate goal of salvation for humanity. This journey towards reconciliation is seen as part of God’s plan for the world.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for providing such insightful analysis of Pope Francis’ message.
**Dr. Carter:** You’re welcome.
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