Pope Benedict XVI Blog

On May 1 Easter Mass Greek Orthodox Patriarch Urges Ecumenical Committment

3 May, 2005
SYRIA

Stronger ties with the Catholic Church, says Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim

by Jihad Issa

During Easter Mass in Damascus, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch urged the faithful to renew their faith in the future and expressed a desire for a single calendar for all Christians.

Damascus (AsiaNews) – We want to renew and strengthen our ecumenical commitment with the Catholic Church under Pope Benedict XVI. It was with this statement that Ignatius IV Hazim, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, began his solemn Easter Mass homily.

The mass was celebrated last Sunday, May 1, at al-Mariamieat Cathedral in Christian neighbourhood of Bab Touma—Thomas Gate—in Damascus before thousands of faithful and several representatives of the Syrian government.

“We really want to believe in the Resurrection of the Lord, and we believe in it through deeds of peace, harmony and charity,” the Patriarch said.

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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 4:56 PM