A few weeks ago I wrote about the rumors of a possible reunion ^[1] between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches (rumors which were started by the overenthusiastic comments of a Catholic bishop in Russia). I was very skeptical about the possibility and I later wrote that a forced reunion right now could be disastrous ^[2]. Well now someone much more qualified than I is saying the same thing: Metropolitan John of Pergamon, a bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church, who is well-known as one of the most ecumenical Orthodox bishops (and who is also, quite simply, brilliant), states quite clearly that no reunion is imminent ^[3]:

the ongoing theological Dialogue has yet to span an extremely long course, because the theological differences that have accumulated during the one thousand years of division are many; and secondly, that the Committee for the Dialogue is entirely unqualified for the “signing” of a union, given that this right belongs to the Synods of the Churches

Yet Metropolitan John also criticizes those Orthodox who so quickly condemn any possible reunion with Rome as being prima facie illegitimate and undesirable. It is true that reunion is far off, but both Catholics and Orthodox should desire it deeply and ask for the Lord’s mercy in the face of our continued division.

A division, I might add, that is still quite strong in certain segments of the Catholic world, if this comment on the linked blog is any indication:

Patriarchs Bartholomew and Kiril should catch the next flight to Rome, crawl to St Peter’s on their blooded knees, kiss the Sacred Feet of the Supreme Pontiff, then kiss his ring.

After which, they can beg mercy and forgiveness for a thousand years of schism.

After which, they can prostrate themselves while the Holy Father pronounces absolution, with both his feet resting on their necks.

Then, and only then, will there be reunion.

Hey, a Papophile can dream, can’t he?

Clearly, this was written by someone who never subscribed to the “What Would Jesus Do?” movement.