Dialogue with the
Churches of the East
50.
In this regard, it must first be acknowledged, with particular gratitude to
Divine Providence, that our bonds with the Churches of the East, weakened in
the course of the centuries, were strengthened through the Second Vatican
Council. The observers from these Churches present at the Council, together
with representatives of the Churches and Ecclesial Communities of the West,
stated publicly, at that very solemn moment for the Catholic Church, their
common willingness to seek the re-establishment of communion.
The Council, for its part,
considered the Churches of the East with objectivity and deep affection,
stressing their ecclesial nature and the real bonds of communion linking them
with the Catholic Church. The Decree on Ecumenism points out: "Through the
celebration of the Eucharist of the Lord in each of these Churches, the Church of God is built up and grows in
stature". It adds, as a consequence, that "although these Churches
are separated from us, they possess true sacraments, above all — by apostolic
succession — the priesthood and the Eucharist, whereby they are still joined to
us in a very close relationship".82
Speaking of the Churches of
the East, the Council acknowledged their great liturgical and spiritual
tradition, the specific nature of their historical development, the disciplines
coming from the earliest times and approved by the Holy Fathers and Ecumenical
Councils, and their own particular way of expressing their teaching. The
Council made this acknowledgement in the conviction that legitimate diversity
is in no way opposed to the Church's unity, but rather enhances her splendour
and contributes greatly to the fulfilment of her mission.
The Second Vatican
Ecumenical Council wished to base dialogue on the communion which already
exists, and it draws attention to the noble reality of the Churches of the
East: "Therefore, this Sacred Synod urges all, but especially those who
plan to devote themselves to the work of restoring the full communion that is
desired between the Eastern Churches and the Catholic Church, to give due
consideration to these special aspects of the origin and growth of the Churches
of the East, and to the character of the relations which obtained between them
and the Roman See before the separation, and to form for themselves a correct
evaluation of these facts".83
51.
The Council's approach has proved fruitful both for the steady maturing of
fraternal relations through the dialogue of charity, and for doctrinal
discussion in the framework of the Joint International Commission for the
Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.
It has likewise proved most fruitful in relations with the Ancient Churches of
the East.
The process has been slow
and arduous, yet a source of great joy; and it has been inspiring, for it has
led to the gradual rediscovery of brotherhood.
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