In the message for the feast of St. Andrew
sent to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Benedict XVI emphasizes the
common task to which the two Churches are called.
Communion, though
imperfect and the victim of divisions, is the fruit of a common faith.
Continue on the path of unity, comforted by the prayer of our Lord Jesus
Christ to the Father, 'that they may be one in us: that the world may
believe'".
Vatican City - "A deep and real communion,
though still imperfect, which is based not on human reasons of courtesy or
convenience, but on our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose gospel of
salvation is achieved through the preaching and testimony of the apostles,
sealed by the blood of martyrdom. With this solid foundation, we can all move
forward with confidence on the path that leads to the restoration of full
communion."
This is what Benedict XVI said in a message sent to the
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, on the feast of St. Andrew, patron of the
Patriarchate.
"The exchange of delegations between the Church of Rome
and the Church of Constantinople," the pope writes, "which takes
place every year on the occasion of the patron saints St. Andrew, in Phanar
(Istanbul), and Sts. Peter and Paul in Rome reflects concretely the communion
and closeness that unites us."
The pope says that only "with this
solid foundation, can we all move forward with confidence on the path that
leads to the restoration of full communion. On this road ... we have made a lot
of progress, for which we are very grateful. Although the way ahead may seem
long and difficult, the desire to continue in this direction remains unchanged,
comforted by the prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Father, 'that they may
be one in us: so that the world may believe.' "
In his message, the pope recalled the Patriarch's visit to
St. Peter's during the celebration of the 50 year anniversary of Vatican
Council II: "I still have strong memories of your visit to Rome on this
occasion, during which we had the opportunity to renew the bonds of our sincere
and genuine friendship. This sincere friendship between us is born from a great
vision of the responsibilities to which we are called as Christians and pastors
of the flock that God has entrusted to us, it is the reason for the great hope
that the collaboration may grow ever greater in the urgent task with renewed
vigor to the testimony of the Gospel message to the contemporary world."
The pope also thanked the Ecumenical Patriarchate for sending
a delegate to the assembly of the Synod of Bishops, on the theme: "The New
Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian faith." According to
the Pope both Churches, although divided, are united by a common mission to
witness to the message of Jesus Christ to men.
In conclusion, Benedict XVI recalled "the Divine Liturgy
in honor of St. Andrew, patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate", inviting
us to pray "for peace in the world, for the welfare of the holy Churches
of God and the union of all." "With all the Catholic brothers and
sisters," he added, "I join you in your prayer. Aware that the
communion to which we aspire is a gift of God."