Friday, March 29, 2013

Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople foresees reunion of Christian East and West

News story from Byzantine Catholic Church in America

CWN - Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople has told reporters that he sees a possibility for reunion between the Orthodox and Roman churches, even if it “will probably not happen during my life.”

The Ecumenical Patriarch, who made history by traveling to Rome for the inaugural Mass of Pope Francis, said that he was surprised to receive an invitation from the new Pontiff to join in a dinner with cardinals.

Speaking in Turkey after his return, the Orthodox leader said that he saw a new attitude at the Vatican, which heightened his optimism about the prospects for restoring Christian unity. He said that “there is a possibility for the next generations to see the churches of the East and West.”

While he was at the Vatican, Patriarch Bartholomew invited Pope Francis to join him in a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, to commemorate the historic meeting there 50 years ago between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras.

Good Friday: The Agony of Mary

Good Friday: The Agony of Mary by Stephen B. Whatley

The following excerpt is from the website of Stephen B Whatley | Flickr.com

In this 'drawing from prayer' - created on Good Friday (2011) - expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley wanted to recognize the inevitable cries of despair and grief of Mary, Mother of God, at the foot of the Cross upon which her son, Jesus was crucified, over 2000 years ago. Divinely chosen to carry the Son of God, she would have no doubt been as deeply bereft as any devoted mother losing her child in such a brutal way.

Christians believe the day is "good" because the message of Easter is of Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil; as the Apostle Paul wrote: "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us."

Certainly it is day for reflection, for mourning. Those who love will one day grieve: the price we pay for love is grief.

Friday may be of darkness, but Sunday - Easter - will bring the light of the Resurrection of Christ.

Charcoal on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/ 59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com