tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25740524.post5035501348692441342..comments2024-03-11T13:16:19.098-04:00Comments on Ad Orientem: Met. Hilarion: Is There A Future For Ecumenism? (This is a must read)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25740524.post-11118920498716096212015-02-11T11:53:32.448-05:002015-02-11T11:53:32.448-05:00Met. Hilarion has repeatedly emphasized his progra...Met. Hilarion has repeatedly emphasized his program of an "alliance" between Orthodox and Catholics, and does so again here. Historically, I am reminded of the "alliance" between the Latins and the Byzantines under Alexios I Comenenos. The histories of the First Crusade resulting from this alliance teach one lesson for a militant Christendom: united we stand, divided we fall.<br /><br />More importantly, unity provides a good witness to the world; a religion that preaches unity as a major gospel tenet should be, in itself, united.<br /><br />I do wonder if, as many have said, Met. Hilarion's "alliance" goals are more harmful to true unity than if he were focused on "full communion" (as Met. Zizioulas has been). Some say the "social, moral alliance" is a mere placebo obstructing real ecumenical dialogue on theological issues with the easy unity to be found in the pro-life movement, traditional marriage, anti-materialism, etc.<br /><br />I'm not sure. I think if Orthodox and Catholics can be reconciled in theological and ecclesiological matters, we should go for it. "Full communion or bust" to be sure. But maybe the "alliance" Met. Hilarion is talking about is the first step in that direction. After all, there is still a lot of mistrust and bigotry on both sides that makes ecumenical dialogue difficult. Perhaps working together to establish Christian orphanages all across Europe (and similar social endeavors) would be a good way to start learning from each other again?Evangelical Orthodoxyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10619519505562369996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25740524.post-38582599217369656782015-02-09T22:11:29.608-05:002015-02-09T22:11:29.608-05:00Met Hilarion is one of the sanest men alive. I wi...Met Hilarion is one of the sanest men alive. I wish someone with plain speaking and sense like this was among the Orthodox 40 years ago when Anglicans went on this particular tangent.. The Russians wouldn't have been free to speak so sensibly then, but the rest of the bishops then and now are mostly content to graze and chew. How nice to have him.bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14039146105983736459noreply@blogger.com