Pope Benedict XVI Praises Apostolic Work of the Eastern Churches

Monday, 11 May 2009 09:48

VATICAN CITY, 9 MAY 2009 ( VIS ) - This evening in the Greek-Melkite cathedral of St. George, the Holy Father celebrated Vespers with priests, religious and faithful of the Eastern Catholic Churches (Maronites, Syriacs, Armenians, Chaldeans and Latins). Also present was Archbishop Benediktos Tsikoras of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Following greetings from Greek-Melkite Patriarch Gregorios III Laham and his vicar, Archbishop Yasser Ayyach, Benedict XVI addressed some words to those present.

"The Church herself is a pilgrim people", he said, "and thus, through the centuries, has been marked by determinant historical events and pervading cultural epochs. Sadly, some of these have included times of theological dispute or periods of repression. Others, however, have been moments of reconciliation - marvellously strengthening the communion of the Church - and times of rich cultural revival, to which Eastern Christians have contributed so greatly".

"All Christians are called to respond actively to the Lord's mandate, ... to bring others to know and love Him. In fact the vicissitudes of history have strengthened the members of particular Churches to embrace this task with vigour and to engage resolutely with the pastoral realities of today".

Recalling then how many Eastern Churches trace ancient links to the Patriarchate of Antioch, and are thus deeply rooted in the Near East, Benedict XVI recalled how "also today, as small minorities in scattered communities across these lands, you are recognised as followers of the Lord. The public face of your Christian faith is certainly not restricted to the spiritual solicitude you bear for one another and your people, essential though that is. Rather, your many works of universal charity extend to all Jordanians - Muslims and those of other religions - and also to the large numbers of refugees whom this Kingdom so generously welcomes".

"Your liturgies, ecclesiastical discipline and spiritual heritage are a living witness to your unfolding tradition", said the Holy Father. "Imitating Christ and the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets, we set out to lead people from the desert towards the place of life, towards the Lord Who gives us life in abundance.

"This", he added, "marks all your apostolic works, the variety and calibre of which are greatly appreciated. ... Your presence in this society is a marvellous sign of the hope that defines us as Christian. That hope reaches far beyond the confines of our own Christian communities. So often you find that the families of other religions, with whom you work and offer your service of universal charity, hold concerns and worries that cross religious and cultural boundaries.

"This is especially noticeable in regard to the hopes and aspirations of parents for their children", the Pope proceeded, asking: "What parent or person of good will could not be troubled by the negative influences so pervasive in our globalised world, including the destructive elements within the entertainment industry which so callously exploit the innocence and sensibility of the vulnerable and the young?"

Finally the Holy Father addressed words of encouragement to candidates preparing for the priesthood or the religious life, and to all young Jordanian Christians: "Do not be afraid to make your own wise, measured and respectful contribution to the public life of the Kingdom. The authentic voice of faith will always bring integrity, justice, compassion and peace!"

PV-JORDAN/VESPERS/...

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