Two interesting stories about relations between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, via the wonderful blog Eirenikon ^[1] :

Bulgarian Orthodox Leader Affirms Desire for Unity ^[2]

Archbishop Hilarion (Alfeev) on Catholic Sacraments ^[3]

Catholics might read these stories with a somewhat “ho-hum” attitude, but they are both important. It is common in the Catholic Church for us to speak of reunion with the Orthodox like it is just around the corner and to easily acknowledge the validity of Orthodox sacraments. This is not the case in the East; they are, in general, much more hesitant in their ecumenical pronouncements. But the fact that Orthodox bishops are publicly desiring reunion “as soon as possible” and are acknowledging the validity of Catholic sacraments is a necessary step in the right direction. I still believe that reunion won’t occur for a long time (most likely long after I’ve left this place of exile), but it will only occur if we are moving in the right direction: towards each other instead of away from each other.