Orthodox Leaders Send Greetings To Pope Francis

[Apotheoun]

Immediately following the election of Pope Francis on the evening of March 13, His All-Holiness communicated the following congratulatory message to the Vatican:

 

 

In the joy and jubilation of Your election as the pastoral leader of Roman Catholic Christians throughout the world, we are communicating with Your Holiness in order to express to You and the devout faithful of Your blessed Church our wholehearted congratulations and sincerest salutations on this special day.

 

Permit us also, on this historic occasion, to convey our unfeigned wishes and fervent prayers that your papal tenure may prove to be a source of peace in our world of turmoil and division, a refuge and consolation for our Lord’s poor and suffering brothers and sisters, as well as a continuation of our journey toward reconciliation and consolidation of the dialogue toward unity as Sister Churches.

 

May God grant Your Holiness many years of healthy and fruitful ministry to serve His people with Your distinctive humility, simplicity, and charity.

 

At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on March 13th, 2013

 

Your Holiness’ beloved brother in Christ

 

+ BARTHOLOMEW

 

Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome

and Ecumenical Patriarch

 

 

Source: Ecumenical Patriarchate

[Apotheoun]

BULLETIN RELEASED: 14/03/13 5:22PM GMT :: 6 hours ago

 

RUSSIA-PATRIARCH-POPE-GREETINGS

 

Moscow, March 14 (Interfax) – The head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill on Thursday congratulated Pope Francis on his election.

 

“Rising to the papal see you chose the name Francis which reminds us of famous saints of the Catholic Church who served as an example of sacrificing dedication to the afflicted and ardent evangelism,” a message of the patriarch to the pope says as quoted by the press service of the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

 

As the head of the Russian church noted this demonstrates the willingness of the new Pope to care for the poor and needy to whom he demonstrated his mercy and love during many years of his service in Argentina.

 

“The same services are priorities for the Russian Orthodox Church too, which opens up an opportunity for cooperation and interaction with the Roman Catholic Church,” the letter says.

 

 

Source: Interfax

[Selah]

D'awwww I hope for good relations between them.