The Archbishop of Canterbury has written to Primates around the
Anglican Communion and to Moderators of the United Churches calling for
prayers for the leaders of the Orthodox Church. They are preparing to
gather for Holy Council later this month. Here is the text of the
letter.
“At the Primates’ meeting and
gathering in Canterbury this past January, all of us who were there were
deeply aware of the prayers for our work not only from Anglicans around
the world, but also from our ecumenical friends. The many messages and
gestures of prayerful support received from leaders and other Christians
was one of the many graces of that time in Canterbury.
“Today (June 4), in the
midst of Orthodox Eastertide, I am with His All Holiness Bartolommeo,
Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, in Cappadocia,
one of the ancient centres of Christianity. Our visit occurs just weeks
before the intended Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, which
Patriarch Bartolommeo has convened and over which he will preside. When
it happens this will be the first gathering of Orthodox leaders
representing their Churches in almost 1000 years, and has been
anticipated throughout the last century.
“I have assured
Patriarch Bartolomeo of my own prayers for him, and for this vital
Orthodox gathering. I most respectfully request that you and Anglicans
around the world join me in prayer for the guidance and blessing of the
Holy Spirit upon the leaders of Orthodox Church as they prepare to
meet in Crete in holy council, following celebrations of the Feast of
Pentecost (in the Orthodox calendar) on 19 June this year. Please
remember Patriarch Bartolomeo and all who will gather in Crete.
Remember them in your daily prayers. Pray for them especially at the
celebrations of the Holy Eucharist in cathedral, parish, monastic and
other communities. Such prayer for one another is most effective, and
is a profound expression of love and solidarity within the Body of
Christ.”