Categories: orthodox-life, church-history
Date: 01 May 2007 02:23:09
In just over two weeks, on Ascension Day, God willing, the Act of Canonical Communion will be signed between the Moscow Patriarchate and ROCOR, meaning that ROCOR and Moscow will have full canonical relations, and, therefore, ROCOR will have full canonical relations with those churches it currently does not. Continued prayers are appreciated.
[For those who may not know about the history of Moscow and/or ROCOR, I can do no better than recommend the respective Orthodox Wiki pages: Moscow; ROCOR.]
Michael has blogged previously on the news of the agreement and, sadly, the various schisms occurring due to it in his part of the world. I have heard of similar movements from people in ROCOR not happy down here too. I can offer nothing but prayers for all affected.
But, to my mind, and to the mind of many others, it is a joyous occasion. And it will indeed be joyful to be in full communion with my brothers and sisters in ROCOR parishes. I have been blessed to hear Archbishop Hilarion, the ruling bishop of ROCOR in Australia and New Zealand, give a talk (on Orthodoxy in China), who is truly a gracious and loving Shepherd of his flock, and truly has a great desire to see Orthodoxy spread in Australia, New Zealand and no doubt further afield. Long may his great work, and the work of all bishops, priests, monastics and all people, continue.