Pope meets with Oriental Orthodox leaders, prays for real unity

Published: 2005-01-28

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II, meeting representatives of the Oriental Orthodox churches, prayed that "the real bonds of communion between us may be further strengthened." Members of the official dialogue between the Vatican and the Oriental Orthodox churches were meeting in Rome Jan. 27-30 to discuss "The Church as Communion." Meeting the dialogue members Jan. 28, the pope said the ties between the churches must be strengthened "through a spirituality of communion, which contemplates the mystery of the Trinity dwelling in us and sees what is positive in others, to welcome it and prize it as a gift from God." The January session marked the second meeting of the dialogue commission, sponsored by the Vatican and by the Coptic Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Ethiopian Orthodox, Eritrean Orthodox and Malankara Orthodox Syrian churches.

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