JERUSALEM, JANUARY 19 - 26, 2003
We have this treasure in clay jars [2 Corinthians 4:4-18]
Zenith News Agency Article - Back to Introduction 1 2
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ZENIT News Agency, The World Seen from Rome
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IN A SHIFT, ORTHODOX JOIN WEEK FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
JERUSALEM, January 24th, 2003 (Zenit.org) - The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity took a decisive step in Jerusalem this year: the end of the Greek-Orthodox Patriarchate's opposition to participation in these prayer meetings.
Archimandrite Alexandros of the Greek-Orthodox Patriarchate participated in all the meetings, Vatican Radio reported.
The archimandrite addressed the ecumenical celebration, held in the Cenacle on Thursday afternoon, to profess the common faith and proclaim the reconciliation of Christians in Christ.
"Christ is among us," he said, insisting at the same time that the Mother Church of Jerusalem has her visible expression in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and its head, Ireneos I.
Archbishop Aristarchos of the Greek-Orthodox Patriarchate told a Jerusalem newspaper that the Orthodox participated in this Week of Prayer "with reservation, but perhaps this is already a positive change in our attitude."
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FATHER ALEXANDER WINOGRADSKY'S REACTION TO THE ABOVE ARTICLE IS AS FOLLOWS:
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The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem does not participate formally and officially in any ecumenical encounter. This is clear. I remained silent throughout the week.
As mentioned in the Jerusalem Post article dated January 23rd last, Archbishop Aristarchos, Secretary General of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem explains the reason for at least a silent presence at this local event.
Personally I would never do anything without the consent of the Church. Secondly, I am not an archimandrite but a protopresbyter [archpriest]. I did not pray not even uttered the Prayer of the Lord throughout the week. Then you will of course understand that I did not "professed any common faith" with the Roman Catholics or any other Church or denomination! I just addressed a few words and not "Christ is among us" but as you know "Christ is in our midst" stressing that the Greek Orthodox Church is indeed the "Mother of All Churches of God", does exist and, because of that has to be recognised.
I am personally very careful and always act with prudence. But I am not responsible for the word confusions and misunderstandings caused in a typical Roman Catholic style. I would also like to point out that the Israeli journalist Lauren Gelfond was shocked that her plain article was incorrectly mentioned without any reference to the "Jerusalem Post", which shows a lack of professionalism and respect towards her.
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