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.