Rome & Constantinople: Pope Paul VI & Metropolitan Meliton of Chalcedon

"This extraordinary little book by His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasios of Helioupolis and Theirai throws light on a fascinating, solemn and inspiring event of ecclesiastical diplomacy. It shows how authentic ecumenical action points out the way to authentic Christian rapprochement between Eastern and Western Christianity."



The picture depicts: "In an unprecedented gesture of humility, Pope Paul VI kissed the feet of Metropolitan Meliton of Chalcedon, envoy of Patriarch Demetrios I, who was head of the Eastern Orthodox Church, during a Mass at the Sistine Chapel in Rome in 1975. The two men were commemorating the 10th anniversary of the lifting of excommunications that the churches of Constantinople and Rome had conferred on each other during the 11th century. Taken aback by the pontiff's dramatic action, Meliton attempted to kiss the Pope's feet in return but the Pope prevented him from doing so. Meliton instead kissed his hand."

This is now one of the many books on my to-read list. =)

Thank you for highlighting it!

Terry