Orthodox delegation present for feast of Sts. Peter and Paul

(June 29, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, the spiritual head of Orthodox Christians worldwide. The delegation was in Rome on the occasion of the feast day of Sts Peter and Paul on Wednesday. For many years, since the renewed impetus to work toward Christian unity, Rome and Constantinople have exchanged official delegations on the Patronal feasts of the respective Sees: the Feast of St Andrew for Constantinople and the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul for Rome.
In his welcome address to the Orthodox delegates on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said, “Your participation in our feast day, like the presence of our representatives in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew, expresses the true friendship and brotherhood, which unites the Church of Rome and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, bonds that are solidly based on the faith received from the testimony of the Apostles.” The Pope said he also looks forward to the coming World Day of Reflection, Dialogue and Prayer for Peace and Justice in the World scheduled for October 27th in Assisi,. Noting that the theme of the event will be “Pilgrims in truth, pilgrims in peace,” the Pope said this theme is an encouragement for all to continue in the way of dialogue and brotherhood.