Leaving liturgy behind us, we come to a treatment of “Relations with the (Believers) of the Separated Churches.” Unity may be of even more vital interest to Eastern Christians, as their liturgy, languages, struggles with the culture, and other aspects are all shared. What differs is not a matter of faith or belief, but the relationship with Rome.
The Eastern Churches in communion with the Apostolic See of Rome have a special duty of promoting the unity of all Christians, especially Eastern Christians, in accordance with the principles of the decree, “About Ecumenism,” of this Sacred Council, by prayer in the first place, and by the example of their lives, by religious fidelity to the ancient Eastern traditions, by a greater knowledge of each other, by collaboration and a brotherly regard for objects and feelings.(Ex tenore Bullarum unionis singularum Ecclesiarum orientalium catholicarum.)
This is a checklist worth posting on your refrigerator. Or sacristy cabinet:
1. Prayer
2. Example
3. Religious fidelity to one’s traditions
4. Greater knowledge
5. Collaboration
6. A regard for objects and feelings
12 January 2007 at 3:41 pm
Thank you, Todd, for bringing this section of Orientalium Ecclesiarum to my attention. While I have been endeavoring in my weblog and in my life to fulfill the six requirements listed above, it is good to be reminded of these things. Again, my thanks.