Ecumenism, forward slowly

In addition to the well-established occasions of encounter between Catholics and Orthodox 2014 has been positively marked by three meetings between Pope Francis and the ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Their fraternal embrace, accompanied by strong messages, have given renewed thrust to ecumenical dialogue. In the meantime, in the Orthodox world, preparations are under way for the forthcoming pan-Orthodox Synod. On the occasion of the ongoing Week for Christian Unity (until January 25), Iva Mihailova interviewed for SIR Europe Orthodox expert Marko Nikolic, researcher at the Institute of International Politics and Economy in Belgrade, author of a book on ecumenism in Serbia. Doctor Nikolic, we have witnessed the creation of a special relationship between Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew, gestures were followed by significant messages for ecumenical dialogue. What is your opinion? “These meetings, along with the significant gestures of the two religious leaders have shown that Christian Churches want to be seriously committed in dialogue. The Pope’s Statement, for whom “to reach the aspired goal of full unity, the Church does not intend to impose any demand” is crucial. Indeed, only by seeking unity based on the same faith is it possible to achieve concrete results. However, it’s a commendable point of departure for future dialogue. Their closeness represents a strong message to contemporary secularised world. And their determination in the promotion of peace is very important today, when in some world countries religions are manipulated for political and ideological goals”. What has been the echo of the Patriarch’s meeting with the Pope in the rest of the Orthodox world? “Without question, the Patriarch of Constantinople’s approach towards ecumenical and interreligious relations has a strong impact on the entire Orthodox world. However, at the same time, each local Church within the Orthodox Church has its own position that depends on a number of factors, some of which are not ecclesial in nature. For example, Moscow’s Patriarchate did not recognize the joint statements between the Pope and the ecumenical patriarchate, motivated by the fact that Barthomew failed to consult with the Russian Church first”. The great pan-Orthodox Synod is scheduled for 2016: what are your expectations to this regard? “It will be an historical event, not only for the Orthodox Church, but also for the rest of the Chrisitian world. We have been looking forward for this council for at least fifty years. In fact, for the past centuries: the latest valid council for the Orthodox Church dates back to one thousand years. It is expected that the pan-Orthodox Synod will provide a precise formulation on the position of the Orthodox Church vis a vis ecclesiastic and missionary issues. On the decisions that will ensue will depend also the future and the direction of relations with the Catholic Church, as well as ecumenical and interreligious dialogue”. The work of the mixed theological commission proceeds at a very slow pace, with several stumbling blocks along the way. How do you envision the immediate future of the dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches? “Indeed, it is already marked by a dialogue of charity, mutual understanding and by a common approach, and this is important. Unfortunately, theological dialogue is still far from obtaining serious results. It may appear paradoxical, but today we feel a great need for the dialogue of truth, while at the same time the inability to do so. Without an explicit agreement on the truth of faith from a theological perspective, it’s hard to imagine a leap forward in mutual relations, although all those involved feel there is a great need for it”. There has been talk of the Pope’s visit to Serbia for many years. This requires the green light from Patriarch Irinej. Do you consider it possible? “It’s a very important question for Serbia. It’s implementation depends on various factors. In general, the development of relations between the Catholic Church (that in Serbia includes the Holy See as well as the Catholic Church in Croatia) and the Orthodox Church of Serbia was linked to local problems in the Western Balkans, as well as to century-long unsolved issues as different positions in the recent conflicts. Unfortunately, I believe that the time has not yet arrived…. We must act with caution, every false move could be counterproductive. From the Orthodox perspective the consensus of the Holy Synod is needed, but in order not to damage relations with other Orthodox Churches their consensus would also be sought”.