Joint Statement, Divergent Foundations

Pope Leo XIV and the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew issued today a joint declaration expressing hope for full communion between “our sister Churches.” [The Creed asserts that Christ founded one Church.]

They invite all members of “our Churches” to “seek the fulfilment” of Christ’s prayer “that they may all be one,” implying this unity alledgely still awaits realization.

The declaration commits to theological dialogue to overcome “obstacles that prevent the restoration of full communion” and calls for “new and courageous steps” toward unity.

The declaration mentions the date of Easter: “It is our shared desire to continue the process of exploring a possible solution for celebrating together the Feast of Feasts every year.”

This goal has been expressed for decades but remains unrealistic. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the beginning of spring. The Orthodox Churches continue to use the Julian paschalion, which relies on an astronomically inaccurate reckoning of the vernal equinox.

Finally, they exhort those “still hesitant” about ecumenical dialogue to offer the world a renewed witness of peace, reconciliation, and unity.

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