JERUSALEM, JANUARY 19 - 26, 2003
We have this treasure in clay jars [2 Corinthians 4:4-18]
Jerusalem Post Article - Back to Introduction 1 2
Greek Orthodox Church Takes Hesitant Goodwill Step For Christian Unity Week
Thursday, January 23rd, 2003 � The Jerusalem Post - By Lauren Gelfond
After 15 years of division from other local churches, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem said Wednesday it is taking hesitant steps towards reconciliation as a gesture of good will during Christian Unity Week.
�We participate in unity week with reservations because we don�t recognize all denominations, but maybe this is a positive change in attitude,� said Archbishop Aristarchos. �We send an official representative to attend even though he won�t participate in communal prayers.�
Since 1971, when many members and leaders of the 13 major churches in Israel participated in the eight days of ecumenical prayers, the Greek Orthodox Church has been noticeably absent. It has had theological and political disagreements with the other churches over the last decades, and in 1987 made an official split. Despite the divisions, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate holds the most power over the other churches, as it guards most of the holy sites, is the largest landowner, and was Israel�s official spokesperson and representative for the Christian communities.
But since the election of Patriarch Irineos I in August of 2001, a representative of the Patriarchate has been sent to the unity week activities.
�The Greeks don�t pray with the other churches and never used to come to unity week. This shows a development in the Greek Church towards more unity,� said Lutheran Minister Rev. Dr. Petra Heldt at a unity service in the Old City of Jerusalem Tuesday that drew more than 200 worshipers.
Father Aleksandr, representing the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, has not joined the representatives of the other Jerusalem patriarchates this week who stand at the end of each evening�s prayer service to offer a communal blessing.
Though he is restricted from joining ecumenical prayers and blessings, he attends the ceremonies and plans to address a Thursday gathering on the subject of spirituality. It will be the first time in recent history that a member of his community has spoken publicly before the other churches.
�There are so many disputes between the Christian churches, plus we are all stuck between the Muslims and the Jews. But we are not here for properties � we are here for spiritual purposes,� he told The Jerusalem Post, �It sounds strange, but the fact that we can all shake hands this week is almost something of a miracle.�
Though many of the area churches continue to clash over theological differences, control for holy spaces, language, and concern over prostelytization from one church to another, they set aside their differences every year for Christian Unity Week.
Some local events, however, have been limited this year because of the security situation. �Curfews have limited church life,� said Catholic priest Father Madros of Bethlehem. He added that he is hopeful about the Greek Orthodox Church. �It�s a first and important step that they even show up. Division is the biggest shame of Christendom.�
Though Irineos has not yet been recognized by the State of Israel, he has been slowly making changes within the Church that are perceived as more modern. In addition to initiating new dialogues within the Christian community, the patriarchate has become an active member in the World Council of Churches, which it previously shunned.
Please continue to Zenith News Agency Article of Friday, 24th, 2003
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