From Pravda to YouTube
text by Victor Sonkin with photographs by Julia Vishnevets
(From ONE magazine May 2011)
Christian media expand reach and influence in Russia
Profiles
by Michael J.L. La Civita
(From ONE magazine January 2010)
The Orthodox Church of Finland
perspectives
by Robert L. Stern
(From ONE magazine July 2006)
Dead Ends
Peter’s First See
by Chorbishop John D. Faris
(From CNEWA WORLD March – April 2003)
Why Antioch can rightfully lay claim to Peter and his ministry
Coconuts and Bishops
text and photographs by Sean Sprague
(From CNEWA WORLD September – October 2002)
Ecumenical advances from the heart of India’s Bible Belt.
Ecumenical Giant
(From Catholic Near East September – October 1999)
The shoes of Catholicos Karekin I, a good friend, a fine pastor and a powerful witness to Christian unity, will be difficult to fill.
Promoting Christian Unity
text by Father George D. Gallaro
photographs by Arturo Mari
(From Catholic Near East March – April 1998)
The ecumenical work of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
Ecclesial Biodiversity
by Msgr. Robert L. Stern
(From Catholic Near East September – October 1998)
The rich diversity of the Eastern churches is an endangered part of our common Christian patrimony.
To Rome and Back: The Pontifical Oriental Institute
by the Rev. Edward G. Farrugia, S.J.
(From Catholic Near East July – August 1996)
A history of the Pontifical Oriental Institute as it continues to support ecumenism in the Catholic Church.
Illuminating Eastern Catholicism
(From Catholic Near East November – December 1996)
Guidelines issued in January 1996 by the Congregation for the Eastern Churches for liturgical renewal in the Eastern Catholic churches.
Balamand and Beyond: The State of Catholic-Orthodox Relations
by the Rev. Ronald G. Roberson, C.S.P.
(From Catholic Near East July – August 1995)
An international dialogue at a monastery in Lebanon bolsters relations between the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
The Nature of Dialogue
by Brother David Carroll, F.S.C., Ph.D.
(From Catholic Near East November – December 1995)
A discussion of the complex yet essential process of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.
Distinction Without a Difference
by Msgr. Robert L. Stern
(From Catholic Near East January – February 1994)
Bridging differences and celebrating distinctions are the prime directives for living in our one human family.
Tokens of Love
by Msgr. Robert L. Stern
(From Catholic Near East July – August 1994)
An appointment with Catholicos Vasken I, the Supreme Patriarch of All the Armenians, provides an opportunity for ecumenism.
Ecumenism 25 Years Later
by Brother William J. Martyn, S.A.
photos: CNEWA files
(From Catholic Near East April 1990)
Unity between the Eastern and Western churches continues to be an ongoing process.
Vatican II Reminiscences
by Msgr. Robert L. Stern
(From Catholic Near East April 1990)
Msgr. Stern reflects on Vatican II.
The Melkite Messenger
by Michael J.L. La Civita
(From Catholic Near East July 1990)
Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch, Maximos V Hakim, discusses his church’s movement toward reunion.
Patriarch: Father and Head
by Rev. Romanos V. Russo
(From Catholic Near East Magazine Fall 1984)
A discussion on the history and role of the patriarch in the Orthodox Church.
An Ecumenical Academic Endeavor
by Rev. Robert F. Slesinski
(From CNEWA WORLD January – February 2003)
Lay theology department in Belarus is evidence of a changed society
Pope Meets Top Russian Orthodox Ecumenist
Catholic News Service (29 September 2011)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI
met Sept. 29 with Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk,
the chief ecumenist of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Assisi Meeting Will Feature Joint Pilgrimage
Catholic News Service (19 October 2011)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — More than 300
delegates from dozens of Christian churches, the world’s
major religions and nonbelievers will join Pope Benedict
XVI in Assisi Oct. 27 for a peace gathering focused more
on common pilgrimage than on prayer, a Vatican official
said.
Vatican’s Top Ecumenist
Catholic News Service (8 November 2011)
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Vatican’s top
ecumenist offered a frank assessment of recent ecumenical
progress and future prospects in a Washington talk Nov. 3.
New head of U.S.C.C.B. Ecumenical and Interreligious Office
Catholic News Service (21 November 2011)
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Father John William
Crossin, a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
who served most recently as executive director of the
Washington Theological Consortium, has been named
executive director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and
Interreligious Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops.
Catholic, Orthodox Leaders Urge Reconciliation
Catholic News Service (2 July 2012)
WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — Catholic and
Orthodox leaders from Poland and Russia will issue a
joint statement committing their churches to fostering
reconciliation between the two historically feuding
countries.
Video: Pope Sends Greeting to Russian Orthodox Patriarch
Catholic News Service (21 August 2012)
Pope Benedict XVI sent greetings to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill who is visiting Poland.
Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue in Poland
Catholic News Service (21 August 2012)
WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — The head of the
Russian Orthodox Church and the president of the Polish
Catholic bishops’ conference signed a joint message Aug. 17 urging Poles and Russians to set aside centuries of
anger and prejudice and work together to maintain their
countries’ Christian identities.
Orthodox, Anglicans To Attend Vatican II Celebration
Catholic News Service (18 September 2012)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury will join Pope Benedict XVI’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second V atican Council.
Video: Same Path Different Directions
Catholic News Service (24 September 2012)
Benedictine Father William Skudlarek talks about the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue.
Jerusalem Patriarch Discusses ‘Many Concerns”
Catholic News Service (20 December 2012)
JERUSALEM (CNS) — Jerusalem’s Latin patriarch said church leaders are “perplexed” by the complex situation in the Middle East.
Ecumenism Calls for Justice, Kindness and Humility
Catholic News Service (17 January 2013)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like the individual path to holiness, the ecumenical path to Christian unity requires justice, kindness and humility, Pope Benedict XVI told members of a pilgrimage from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
Christian Divisions ‘Disfigure’ the Church
Catholic News Service (22 January 2013)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The divisions among Christians have “disfigured” the church, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Franciscan Leader Sees Progress Toward Christian Unity
Catholic News Service (24 January 2013)
CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. (CNS) — Despite disappointing setbacks in ecumenical dialogue, there is incremental progress toward Christian unity, according to Father Timothy MacDonald, vicar general of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement.
Christian Cooperation Key to Proclaiming the Gospel, Pope Says
Catholic News Service (25 January 2013)
ROME (CNS) — Christians must work together to offer the faith they share to a world that seems to find it more and more difficult to believe, Pope Benedict XVI told Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant leaders.
Archbishop Lauds Mentor, Pope Francis
Catholic News Service (18 March 2013)
ROME (CNS) — For the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, “authenticity and simplicity” characterize the man who mentored him as a young bishop: the newly elected Pope Francis.
Catholics Urged to Emulate Pope as Witnesses for Justice
Catholic News Service (18 March 2013)
JERUSALEM (CNS) — Echoing Pope Francis’ vision for the church, Franciscan Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, custos of the Holy Land, encouraged Catholics to be witnesses for the poor and for justice in the world out of love for the crucified Christ.
Orthodox Leaders Predict Close Cooperation with New Pope
Catholic News Service (18 March 2013)
OXFORD, England (CNS) — Applauding the election of Pope Francis, Orthodox leaders are stressing their hope for continued cooperation with the Catholic Church during his pontificate.
Table Time: Pope and Orthodox Discuss, Pray, Dine
Catholic News Service (21 March 2013)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pastors and theologians involved in ecumenical dialogue emphasize the importance of “table time” — sharing meals — along with serious theological discussions, shared prayer and joint action.
Bridge Builders
Antin Sloboda briefly describes the role and history of the Sheptytsky Institute, currently working with CNEWA to organize a symposium.
Maronite Patriarch Visits CNEWA
Maronite Catholic Patriarch Bechara Peter Rai held a press conference at CNEWA's headquarters to promote peace and unity through open dialogue.
Picture of the Day: Meet the Press
CNEWA President Msgr. John Kozar, left, and Maronite Patriarch Bechara Peter Rai, right, listen to a reporter's question during yesterday's news conference at CNEWA's New York headquarters.
What Divides Catholics and Orthodox?
An article by the late Jesuit Father John Long discusses the current state of ecumenism between Catholic and Orthodox churches.
Prayer and Peace in the Land of Egypt
As the new Egyptian election results unfold, thousands of Coptic Christians of all stripes gather to pray in a striking display of ecumenism and shared Christian identity.
Christmas in the Holy Land
Msgr. Kozar concludes his pastoral visit to the Middle East, celebrating Mass with Archbishop Fouad Twal, visiting the place of Christ's birth, and more!
In the Middle East, Seeking "Dialogue With the Digital Culture"
The church continues to seek ways to reach hearts and minds across the boundaries of conflict and into the uncharted frontier of the new technological age.
Farewell to a Friend of CNEWA
Archbishop Michael Bzdel, retired metropolitan archeparch of Winnepeg and co-founder of CNEWA Canada, died 3 April 2012.
Pope Expresses Solidarity with Christians in Iraq
Pope Benedict XVI has sent an ecumenical message of solidarity to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East.
An American Priest in Cairo
Father Douglas May discusses the work he does to foster understanding between people of different faiths and cultures.
"Breathing with Two Lungs" at Catholic University
For the first time, The Catholic University of America has appointed an Eastern Catholic to head its School of Theology.
Take Five: 5 Things You Should Know About Ecumenism
Aside from being a part of CNEWA's original mandate, ecumenism is woven intricately into the fabric of Catholic teaching.
Page One: Headlines for 9/24/12
Stories of interest for the day.
Take Five: 5 Things to Know About the Jewish Holidays
Jewish worshippers pray at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City on 13 September.
Picture of the Day: "Denomination Doesn't Matter"
Faithful celebrate Mass at a Roman Catholic church in Antakya, Hatay province. (photo: Sean Sprague)
Ecumenical Patriarch Praises Vatican II
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople addressed Pope Benedict XVI and the bishops and faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square today, praising Vatican II.
Page One: Headlines for 11/15/12
Stories of interest for the day.
Page One: Headlines for 11/20/12
Stories of interest for the day.
"Remarkable"
Catholic News Service has been charting the 50th anniversary of Vatican II online, and yesterday noted the following event from 1962:
Death of a Father in Faith
The CNEWA family learned today of the death of one of its primary partners in the Middle East, Patriarch Ignatius IV of the Orthodox Patriarchal Church of Antioch.
Take Five: 5 Quotes on Ecumenism
Today begins the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Here are five quotes to consider during this time of ecumenical intentions.
Page One: Headlines for 1/25/13
Stories of interest for the day.
Page One: Headlines for 2/7/13
Stories of interest for the day.
Picture of the Day: Pope of Peace
Pope Benedict XVI is welcomed to Bkerke, Lebanon, by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Peter. (photo: John E. Kozar)
Page One: Headlines for 2/19/13
Stories of interest for the day.
Page One: Headlines for 2/22/13
Stories of interest for the day.
Picture of the Day: The Pope as Pilgrim of Peace
In October of 2011, Pope Benedict made a pilgrimage to Assisi to meet with other religious leaders and mark the 25th anniversary of the first interfaith gathering for peace.
Page One: Headlines for 2/26/13
Stories of interest for the day.
Picture of the Day: Bartholomew and Benedict
In this image from 2008, Pope Benedict XVI and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, left, stand in front of the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. (photo: CNS photo/L' Osservatore Romano via Reuters)
Page One: Headlines for 3/15/13
Stories of interest for the day.
Picture of the Day: Making History
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople walks with Bishop Brian Farrell, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, after attending Pope Francis' inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square. (photo: CNS/Paul Haring)
Pope Francis and Patriarch May Travel to Holy Land Together
"The ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople has invited Pope Francis to travel with him to the Holy Land next year to mark the 50th anniversary of the embrace between Patriarch Athenagoras and Paul VI, the pioneers of Catholic-Orthodox dialogue."
Page One: Headlines for 3/21/13
Stories of interest for the day.
Page One: Headlines for 3/22/13
Stories of interest for the day.
"Not an Enemy, But a Brother or Sister to Be Embraced!"
Pope Francis this morning met with nearly 200 members of the diplomatic corps, and spoke powerfully and poignantly about the church's mission in the world.
Page One: Headlines for 3/26/13
Stories of interest for the day.
Page One: Headlines for 4/2/13
Stories of interest for the day.
Page One: Headlines for 4/4/13
Stories of interest for the day.
Page One: Headlines for 5/2/13
Stories of interest for the day.
From the Mailbag
(From CNEWA Connections June 2012)