International Orthodox Christian News

“The Church is not only an institution, a hierarchy, or a body of dogma and rites. While the former are the Church’s means of expressing itself, in its true identity the Church is service. The founder of the Church, Jesus Christ himself became the servant of humanity. In the words of the Gospel, He came to the world not to be served, but to serve. Therefore, the source of the church’s strength and authority is service. Today more than ever the Church should serve the multiple needs of humanity in the example of Jesus Christ,” said His Holiness in his welcoming address to the representatives of the Focolare Movement. The Pontiff added: “The priorities and methods of the Church’s service may change and should change relative to time and changing circumstances. However, the Church’s primary calling should remain the same. The Focolare Movement has given voice to the church’s service and continues to do so.” His Holiness then spoke about the current stage of the ecumenical movement and made several comments in this respect. He talked about the historic ties between the Armenian and Catholic Churches and the activities of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in ecumenical and inter-faith circles.

His Holiness also responded to a number of questions on the presence and witness of Christianity in the Middle East, the Christian-Muslim dialogue and the Ecumenical movement.

The Focolare Movement is one of the important movements of the Catholic Church. The movement’s representatives and its supporters organize annual conferences around the world. This year, the movement’s conference was held in Lebanon. The delegation visiting His Holiness in Bikfaya included over 70 representatives, 38 of which were Bishops. The delegation was headed by the Cardinal of the Czech Republic.
The Cardinal spoke at the start and the end of the meeting. He expressed his joy at His Holiness’ thorough knowledge of the Focolare Movement and its late President Ms. Chiara Lubich. The Cardinal also expressed his deep appreciation for His Holiness’ great contribution to the ecumenical movement and the advancement of cooperation between churches.