Cypriot Orthodox Archbishop says those who criticize Pope outside Church

It's just a matter of time before the fruition of these efforts come about. The Cypriots have had a long history of collaboration with the Latin West.

12:46 pm / VATICAN CITY, May 20, 2010 (CNA/EWTN News).- Wrapping up a two-day initiative for the promotion of Russian culture and spirituality at the Holy See, a concert featuring Russian and Italian music will be offered for the Pope. The event marks the culmination of events which have exhibited an increased warmth of relations between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Churches and could lead to an encounter between their leaders.

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In a stern warning, the Orthodox Archbishop in Cyprus, Chrysostomos II, has said that critics of the Pope’s visit to the island in June are placing themselves outside the Church. There appears to be some very real problems there:

A group, calling itself the ‘Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Motherland Traditions’, has been circulating a booklet entitled Pope: The Cause Of Evil. “Unfortunately there are in Cyprus too, the mindless who go against the decisions of the official Church,” Archbishop Chrysostomos II said. He warned that these people were placing themselves outside the Church.

The Archbishop said the Pontiff had been officially invited to Cyprus by the government with the Church’s agreement and “as the official Church we will welcome him with love and respect.” Chrysostomos II said there will not be any talks between the Church and Pope. “We will exchange views and I believe his visit will be positive and beneficial for our country and our people,” Chrysostomos II said.

He urged those who opposed the visit to “come round” and listen to the official church…

Link to Biblical Paths blog, here.

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