Russia’s ambassador to the Vatican has praised the current relations between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches, adding that more cooperation is needed to preserve the foundations of Christian civilization.
“The situation that has formed in the world by this moment gives us a large field for cooperation, as it threatens the moral and ethical foundations of Christian civilization, which are the same for believers and non-believers,” Ambassador Aleksandr Avdeyev said. Both churches see this as a serious threat. When the very institution of family and marriage is being destroyed, people start violating the laws of Christian civilization and this cannot leave Catholics and Orthodox Christians without concerns,” he added.
The diplomat also said that the current cooperation between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches was deep and beneficial. “This dialogue was greatly improved by the Pope’s statements concerning two issues that had always divided Russian Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics. First of all, the Pope has stated that proselytism is a sin. It was probably the first such statement in the whole history of the Holy See. Also, he has said that the dialogue and cooperation between Catholics and Orthodox Christians must be based on equality and the principle that everyone must remain who they are.” When the pope says that proselytism is a sin, he is speaking directly against the teachings of scripture. Those who teach the truth are commissioned to evangelize everyone. But Rome is quite willing to sacrifice truth at the ecumenical alter of superficial unity.
While each church can gain information, experience and guidance from the other, this will inevitably lead to the persecution of those who uphold the Bible as the foundation of faith.
When asked about the possibility of an official visit by the Pope to Russia, the ambassador replied with a quote from the chair of the Russian Holy Synod’s Department for External Relations, Metropolitan Hilarion: “every day of our lives brings us closer to this event.”
The interest in cooperation comes nearly a year after the unprecedented meeting between Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in Cuba.
“And all the world wondered after the beast.” Revelation 13:3
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