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Statement of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on the Death of Pope John Paul II
April 2, 2005

We participate in the sorrow of the Roman Catholic Church during this difficult time of the departure of Pope John Paul II, and we join the world in offering prayers knowing that he is now in the world of eternal rest.

The Pope, who began his papacy in October 1978, has guided the Roman Catholic Church through transforming years, remaining firm on traditional values while offering love, compassion, and forgiveness. He touched many people with his gentle manner and his openness to people of other religions.

During the tenure of Pope John Paul II, the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church has improved significantly. In a most recent relevant event last November, Archbishop Demetrios, spiritual leader of 1.5 million Greek Orthodox Christians in America, had the opportunity to visit and be with the Pope in a special occasion at The Vatican. This was a ceremony during which the Pope, responding to the request of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, returned the Holy Relics of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Gregory the Theologian, two of the most prominent Fathers of the undivided Church. The Holy Relics now rest at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople.

We, as Orthodox Christians, will always remember, among other instances, this expression of a desire for reconciliation and unity as we pray for the repose of his soul.

Aloha Alice.... thanks for the update... very much mahalo...I hope we can move forward towards unity and brotherly love. I wonder if the rest Orthodox Churches in the US share the same sentiment... but this is a very good start for unity. Greek Orthodox Church are now our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Dear Randy,

I think of all the Orthodox churches, the Greek church is closest to the desire of unity.

In Christ,
Alice

Hmmm Mahalo ...I mean thanks .

That is good .... I hope that in our lifetime... we seen progress toward unity and brotherly love. I pray that its got to be in our lifetime otherwise ... it will not serve the purpose of one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Praise God!

I think if the Greek Orothodox and Roman Catholics come into union the others will follow. Look at the Antiochian and the Melkites, though they are not there, they are still talking. That would also be a bridge to unity with the Orthodox and Rome.

Pani Rose

Pani Rose, CHRIST IS RISEN! I agree with you...but I am often reminded of something one of my Roman priest-friends always says to me when this subject is brought up, (first he always laughs) and then says, "Oh you Orthodox can't even get along with each other yet...how are you even going to talk about communion with us?!" At which point, I always have to sadly agree. Still we pray and work toward that day...because it IS the command of Christ Himself, " That all be one, as the Father and I are One! " God grant the successor to the late Holy Father be a man made of the same 'stuff'!

In the Risen Lord Jesus,
+Fr. Gregory

I agree....we just to pray that the day for unity is upon us. I do think that there should have a Pan Orthodox Council so that they can have one representative to have dialogue with the Catholic. I think that is very hard to have dialogue when many are becomming an independent church and no longer under Constantinople.... but
everything is possible in God. We need to pray ... that the day for unity is upon us.. in our generation.

Dear Father Gregory,

I know this may sound controversial, but here is a thought... maybe we (Orthodox) will all get along with each other when we FIRST come into spiritual communion with our brother, the first among equals, the Bishop of Rome?

Many were the times in early Church history that the Bishop of Rome was called upon to settle matters for the other Patriarchs in the first millenium church.

Perhaps the older brother is needed in order for the younger brothers to get along, just like in many families? It isn't working any other way, is it?

Just some off the cuff thoughts and introspection. I ask forgiveness if I am offending or scandalizing any one.

With great hope that ALL things are possible with God,
Alice

I am reminded of the reunion between Joseph in Egypt and his brethren. It would be wonderful if a reconciliation between East and West could occur. If ever there was someone who tried to make it happen in our time it was Pope John Paul II.

Alice,

I think we may be putting the cart before the horse here. As much I would love to see the talks and eventual reunification begin and come to a resolution that would be satisfactiry for all, we are missing a key factor. That is at the moment a Pontiff that can lead and engage in these talks. We are all in a wait and see game, looking towards who will be the next spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. If he is anything like the previous one who has just reposed, the day may be coming soon (in Orthodox time, not in secular time). Until that, everything is stopped for now.

I agree that maybe the best equipped for these talks on our (Orthodox) side is the Greeks under the Ecumenical Patriarch, and long as Archbishop Stylianos of Australia is not a part of them. I eluded to him in a previous post.

All we can do is pray, pray that the Holy Spirit is present in the choice of a new pontiff, pray that the Lord through His all-Holy Mother can soften the hearts of men, and pray that we be strengthened by a united church with different expressions of the same faith.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Dear Father Anthony,

Forgive my jumping ahead. Actually, I guess I was feeling as if John Paul II was still with us. As in most deaths, one doesn't fully accept the passing of the person right away.

Also, in some Orthodox theology, it is believed that the spirit of the deceased is still with us for forty days.

Anyway, as for everything else you said: Amen, amen, and amen. Prayer is something that has not been utilized enough and is very, very powerful, as I have also said on other posts today.

Kissing your right hand,
Alice

My apology on this thread for being rude. I just think that there should have Pan Orthodox Council so that it easy to find someone to have dialogue with. Everytime there is an Orthodox moving toward unity ... they called that schismatic or heretic. But, we need to forgive all the time and work more toward braddahood and sistahhood.

Anyway, we need to pray more ...everyday...the Christians immitate the leadership and example of our Great Pontiff.

Thanks Alice, for posting this. If all Catholics and Orthodox shared your love of unity we would be one at last.

Aloha monday,

Amen Alice Amen.... Let There be Peace on Earth.

I think such a thing would be destined to failure. The Orthodox churches need to work out their internal divisions, for more reasons than rapprochement with Rome. Unanimity of purpose will be needed for any type of reconciliation to be popularly adopted and lasting.

The same is true however in the Catholic world, although the reasons and circumstances are different. There are divisions and issues that will have to be worked out before a real reunion could take place. These factors are not directly related to Orthodoxy, but bear relation to them none the less.