Culture Dialogue between Roman Catholic and Orthodox in Bari, Italy

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Following the successful conclusion of the Plenary Session held in Alexandria in 2023, the Coordinating Committee of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches convened from June 3 to 7, 2024, at the Oasi Santa Maria Cultural Center of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto.

The meeting was co-chaired by Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and Metropolitan Job of Pisidia (Ecumenical Patriarchate). The Committee was graciously hosted by Archbishop Giuseppe Satriano of Bari-Bitonto.

As described in the Communiqué:

Following the successful conclusion of the Plenary Session held in Alexandria in 2023, the Coordinating Committee of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, under the co-presidency of Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, and Metropolitan Job of Pisidia, Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, met from 3–7 June 2024 at the Oasi Santa Maria Spiritual Center of the Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto. The Committee was fraternally hosted by H.E. Archbishop Giuseppe Satriano of Bari-Bitonto.

On Tuesday, 4 June, the Roman Catholic members celebrated the Eucharist at Bari Cathedral in the presence of the Orthodox members and the Christian faithful. Following the service, a dinner was generously hosted by H.E. Archbishop Giuseppe Satriano. On Thursday, 6 June, the Orthodox members celebrated the Divine Liturgy over the relics of St Nicholas in the crypt of the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari in the presence of the Roman Catholic members and the Christian faithful. Following the service, the Committee was welcomed to breakfast by the Dominican Fathers.

The Committee felt inspired to be convening in the same historic location at which the Dialogue’s Bari Document (1987) was agreed. The Coordinating Committee considered a draft text entitled “Towards Unity in Faith: Theological and Canonical Issues,” which summarized the achievements of the Dialogue thus far and identified several issues remaining to be resolved between Roman Catholics and Orthodox. The Committee began to discuss in particular the historical and theological issues related to the Filioque and Infallibility, respectively. To this end, two subcommittees were formed, and each was tasked with producing a draft text on one of these themes.

It was decided that once these draft documents have been completed, the Coordinating Committee will convene, hopefully next year at a time and place to be determined, in order to discuss them in detail.

The members look forward to the forthcoming commemoration in 2025 of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council held at Nicaea in 325, and pray that this event will be an inspiration on the path towards the re-establishment of full communion.

 

[Dog-O-Tron 5000v5.0]

Do they seriously think this will happen though? The Eastern Orthodox Church has been independent for centuries. Even during the Exarchate, when Rome was nominally under the control of Constantinople, they were constantly infighting, Popes defied the Emperors, the Patriarch of Constantinople vied for supremacy. Hell, for awhile they tried to put the Bishop of Ravenna on equal footing as it was the capital of Italy and home of the Exarch.

The last time they were "technically" reunited was 1453, when the Emperor tried to unite the churches to get western aid against the Muslims. In theory Constantinople was to be subordinate and united in doctrine and worship practice with Rome. The rank and file of the Constantinople clergy and laypeople largely rejected it, even as their city fell.

I don't see the Orthodox giving up their autonomy. I don't think you can uncrack this egg.

The only possible way would be for the various Christian denominations to coalesce in the face of dwindling numbers of the faithful. But again, see 1453, where they would rather die than compromise. Not to mentions severe doctrinal differences on social matters like homosexuality, where the Western Church is far more liberal.

 

[oh no its pipkun]

Do they seriously think this will happen though? The Eastern Orthodox Church has been independent for centuries. Even during the Exarchate, when Rome was nominally under the control of Constantinople, they were constantly infighting, Popes defied the Emperors, the Patriarch of Constantinople vied for supremacy. Hell, for awhile they tried to put the Bishop of Ravenna on equal footing as it was the capital of Italy and home of the Exarch.

The last time they were "technically" reunited was 1453, when the Emperor tried to unite the churches to get western aid against the Muslims. In theory Constantinople was to be subordinate and united in doctrine and worship practice with Rome. The rank and file of the Constantinople clergy and laypeople largely rejected it, even as their city fell.

I don't see the Orthodox giving up their autonomy. I don't think you can uncrack this egg.

The only possible way would be for the various Christian denominations to coalesce in the face of dwindling numbers of the faithful. But again, see 1453, where they would rather die than compromise. Not to mentions severe doctrinal differences on social matters like homosexuality, where the Western Church is far more liberal.

these are old discussions, they have them every 15 or 20 years and the answer is as you put it. orthodoxy wont submit to papal supremacy and catholicism wont submit to the synod.

 

[smartypants302]

Never going to happen and why would Orthodox people unite with a dying church that keeps turning it back on traditions and family for progressive politics. Most Catholics are likely to leave church and become Orthodox over the Pope progressive believes. Also never forget the crusades against orthodox people.

 

[George Lucas]

Smells like heresy to me boys.

 

[Agamemnon Busmalis]

There is also considerable room for compromise on a lot of issues, the Eastern Catholic churches don't incorporate the filioque into the Creed and use leavened bread in the Eucharist, among others. Differences are driven more by time, language and culture than anything.

It's all down to papal supremacy, which I don't think will ever be resolved in its current form. In fact it's probably impossible with the further developments in the doctrine since the 15th century.

You might be able to make some arguments reconciling the two from a narrower definition of papal supremacy but that's beyond my level of knowledge. The language in Pastor Aeternus is pretty clear-cut. There aren't a lot of issues impacting all of the patriarchates that shouldn't be agreed to unanimously so having this kind of power as a "tie-breaker" seems somewhat pointless.

 

[Snekposter]

It's all down to papal supremacy, which I don't think will ever be resolved in its current form. In fact it's probably impossible with the further developments in the doctrine since the 15th century.

The issue of papal supremacy is irreconcilable with literally every other sect on the planet, simply because as far as everyone else is concerned the Pope doesn't have a good answer to "Who put you in charge?" "Jesus Christ Himself" isn't going to cut it since that theological basis is debatable and on top of that the RCC's traditions and hierarchal structure are wildly out of line with most other denominations.