Eastern Promise

Between myself as a Latin Rite guy with Eastern leanings and Karl, a Ruthenian Thomist, we have a lot of interest in promoting goodness between the Tiber and Bosporus. On that note, these comments from Patriarch Kyrill (as posted by The Eponymous Flower) are encouraging:

The Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kyrill I praised Pope Benedict because of his moral values. The bearing of this Pope "gives us reasons for optimism", said the Moscow Patriarch on Monday.

The "complete agreement" of the Catholic and Orthodox churches in many public moral questions enables them to work together in making Christian values strong, especially in international organizations.

Kyrill I also mentioned that in the Catholic Church in the later half of the 20th Century has seen reinforced liberal tendencies which give the Orthodox Church cause for concern. So, Benedict XVI. is frequently criticized by liberal theologians, but also by the Western media. The Patriarch also dubbed the Protestant stance on homosexuality as "very dangerous". "Sinful elements" are given entrance, he said. To this Kyril also criticized the women's ordination practiced in Lutheran circles.

If you haven't read it, we highly recommend Vladimir Soloviev's book The Russian Church and the Papacy.