News

Rome, Nov. 27, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Russian Orthodox Church has criticized Cardinal Walter Kasper, the president of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, for the cardinal's reported statements about the prospects for a meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and Patriarch Alexei II.

In a briefing for members of the College of Cardinals-- who gathered in Rome last week for a discussion of ecumenical affairs prior to the November 24 consistory--- Cardinal Kasper mentioned the possibility that a "summit meeting" could be arranged in the future. Reports about the cardinal's remarks reached the Italian media, and prompted an annoyed reply from Moscow, Vatican Radio reports.

Russian Orthodox officials said that relations between the two churches should be conducted through normal channels, rather than through the mass media. The officials added that there are no plans for a meeting between the Pope and the Patriarch in the near future.

Catholic World News

Forum 18 News

04 December 2022

Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)