Affirmation of the Common Declaration by
Pope Benedict XVI and
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I
On this Great Feast of the Martyrdom of Andrew, the first called, with great joy and sublime satisfaction, we affirm and enthusiastically echo the fraternal bond forged by the successors of the Holy Brothers, Peter and Andrew of Bethsaida, in their common declaration. We await in solidarity with our Holy Fathers for the gift of the Holy Spirit that “will help us prepare the great day of the reestablishment of full unity, whenever and however God wills it.” We stand in awe and with admiration recognizing the courage and fortitude of these two spiritual and intellectual leaders of the world in building bridges and forging peace among all the peoples of the world.
As chief pastors and Prelates of our respective local flocks, we pledge to follow the great challenge laid down in the common declaration that as “pastors, we first of all reflect on the mission to proclaim the Gospel in today’s world and make disciples of all nations.” Here in Philadelphia, we your bishops, exhort the local Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic faithful “to take an active part in this process (of unity) through prayer and through significant gestures.” Locally let us respond in a tangible way to the call in the common declaration continuing to reach out in Christian love and fraternal affection as we draw closer to one another in mutual understanding.
His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey
The jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey extends to the greater Philadelphia area, which includes the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia.