Glory to IC XC!
Recently, I've been thinking about the differing attitudes of monastics in the East and West towards Orthodox-Catholic relations.
By and large, Orthodox monastics have the reputation for being anti-ecumenist; while this is definately not true all the time, Orthodox monastics tend to be on the more conservative end of the spectrum, including their attitudes towards Orthodox-Catholic relations.
On the other hand, Catholic monastics, often ones with conservative leanings, tend to look more favorably on Orthodox-Catholic relations, and desire dialogue and cooperation between the churches, and especially among monastics of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. There are even communities, like Chevetogne, that explore the monastic traditions of the West and East (albeit under Rome) in a joint community; I doubt such a thing could exist in Orthodoxy.
Any insights into why this is the case? I have some ideas, but I'd like to hear what others think.
Also, has any sort of Orthodox-Catholic Monastic Dialogue ever been attempted? I know that individual communities often have exchanges, but has there ever been something tried at a national or international level?
I think this is a great place for this discussion, since two of the moderators of this section are hieromonks!
Dave
