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"May We Continue to Contribute Toward Peace and Harmony"

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 25, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is the message written by Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, to Buddhists on the occasion of their feast of Vesakh, which commemorates the principal events in Buddha's life.

The letter was published today by the Vatican press office.

In some countries, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Korea, the date of the feast varies and it will be celebrated between May 2-31. In other countries, including Japan and Taiwan, the feast was celebrated April 8.

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Christians and Buddhists: educating communities to live in harmony and peace

Dear Buddhist Friends,

1. On the occasion of the festival of Vesakh, I am writing to Buddhist communities in different parts of the world to convey my own good wishes, as well as those of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

2. We, Catholics and Buddhists, enjoy a good relationship and our contacts, collaboration and implementation of diverse programmes have helped to deepen our understanding of each other. Dialogue is the sure path to fruitful interreligious relations. It deepens respect and nurtures the desire to live in harmony with others.

3. The Second Vatican Council teaches that the entire human race shares a common origin and a common destiny: God, our Creator and the goal of our earthly pilgrimage. Similarly, Pope Benedict XVI, in his 2007 Message for the World Day of Peace, observed: "As one created in the image of God, each individual human being has the dignity of a person; he or she is not just something, but someone, capable of self-knowledge, self-possession, free self-giving and entering into communion with others" (n. 2).

4. Building a community requires concrete gestures which reflect the respect for the dignity of others. Furthermore, as religious people, we are convinced that "there is a moral logic which is built into human life and which makes possible dialogue between individuals and peoples" (ibid, n. 3). Yet, there are people today who still need to learn about others and other people's beliefs in order to overcome prejudices and misunderstandings. This sad reality, if it is to be overcome, demands much effort on the part of both civic and religious leaders. Even in places where people experience daily the ravages of war, fuelled by sentiments of hatred and vengeance, trust can be restored. Together we can help to create the space and the opportunities for people to talk, listen, share regrets and offer forgiveness for each other's past mistakes.

5. Education for peace is a responsibility which must be borne by all sectors of society. Of course, this starts in ordinary homes where the family, the fundamental pillar of society, strives to transmit traditional and sound values to children by a deliberate effort to inform their consciences. The younger generations deserve and indeed thrive upon value-based education which reinforces respect, acceptance, compassion and equality. It is important therefore that schools, both government and faith-based, do all possible to support parents in the delicate but satisfying task of raising children to appreciate all that is good and true.

6. The media's power to shape minds, especially of the young, cannot be underestimated. While the irresponsible elements within it are increasingly being recognized for what they are, it is also the case that much good can be effected through quality productions and educational programmes. When people working within the media exercise their moral conscience, it is possible to dispel ignorance and impart knowledge, preserve social values, and portray the transcendental dimension of life which arises from the spiritual nature of all people. Religious believers serve society admirably by collaborating in such projects for the common good.

7. Ultimately, the aim of true education is to bring the individual to encounter the ultimate purpose of life. This motivates the person to serve broken humanity. Together may we continue to contribute towards peace and harmony in our society and the world. We Catholics join you with our heartfelt greetings as you celebrate this feast and I wish you once again a happy Vesakh.

Paul Cardinal Poupard
President

Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata
Secretary

[Original text: English]

© Copyright 2007 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Code: ZE07042504

Date: 2007-04-25

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Last Updated: 19 February 2013

25.04.2007, [14:55] // AAC // RISU.ORG.UA

Kyiv – In many cities of Ukraine, molebens [public prayers] and memorial services were conducted in memory of the alleged two-thirds of the Armenian nation massacred in the former Ottoman Empire 90 years ago. 5tv.com.ua posted the news on 24 April 2007.

In southern Ukrainian Simferopol, Crimea, more than 1,500 Armenians lit candles and held a religious procession commemorating fellow countrymen who fell victim to the genocide.

“The nation was, practically, annihilated. Therefore, for all the Armenians who had to leave their native land and now live almost all over the world, it is a truly tragic day,” said Mykola Kocharian, vice-president of Ukraine’s Union of Armenians.

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25.04.2007, [14:53] // UOC-KP //RISU.ORG.UA

Kyiv – Patriarch Filaret (Denysenko), head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC-KP), gave his blessing for panakhydas [memorial services] to be held at St. Volodymyr Patriarchal Cathedral, St. Michael’s Golden-domed Monastery in Kyiv, and other church buildings of the UOC-KP for the repose of the soul of first Russian President Boris Yeltsin. cerkva.info posted the news on 24 April 2007.

“He was good to Ukraine and, because of his position, Ukraine was able to gain independence peacefully, without any armed opposition among the former Soviet republics. May the Lord let his soul rest in peace!” said Patriarch Filaret.

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VATICAN CITY, APR 25, 2007 (VIS) - In today's general audience Benedict XVI dedicated his catechesis to Origen of Alexandria, a third century historian and "one of the greatest writers" of Church history. The audience was held in St. Peter's Square in the presence of more than 25,000 people.

Origen, said the Pope, "took up the legacy of Clement and carried it towards the future in such an innovative way as to effect an irreversible turn in the development of Christian thought. He was a true master ... and an exemplary witness of the doctrine he transmitted."

The "irreversible turn" effected by Origen, said the Pope, substantially involved "grounding theology in the explanation of Scripture, in other words, the perfect symbiosis between theology and exegesis. Indeed, the characteristic of Origen's doctrine seems to lie in the constant invitation to pass from the reading to the spirit of Scripture in order to progress in knowledge of God.

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VATICAN CITY, APR 25, 2007 (VIS) - Made public today was the annual Message to Buddhists for the Feast of Vesakh issued by the Pontifical Council for Inter- religious Dialogue. The Message is signed by Cardinal Paul Poupard and Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, respectively president and secretary of the pontifical council.

Followers of the Theravada Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar will celebrate Vesakh, a moveable feast which marks important events in the life of Gautama Buddha, on May 2. In other countries where the Mahayana Buddhist tradition is followed (China, Japan and Korea), the events of his life are celebrated on different days.

The Message for Vesakh 2007 - published in English, Italian and French, and entitled "Christians and Buddhists: educating communities to live in harmony and peace" - begins: "Building a community requires concrete gestures which reflect the respect for the dignity of others. ... Yet, there are people today who still need to learn about others and other people's beliefs in order to overcome prejudices and misunderstandings."

"Education for peace is a responsibility which must be borne by all sectors of society. Of course, this starts in ordinary homes where the family, the fundamental pillar of society, strives to transmit traditional and sound values to children by a deliberate effort to inform their consciences. The younger generations deserve and indeed thrive upon value-based education which reinforces respect, acceptance, compassion and equality."

With reference to the communications media, the Message states: "The media's power to shape minds, especially of the young, cannot be underestimated. While the irresponsible elements within it are increasingly being recognized for what they are, it is also the case that much good can be effected through quality productions and educational programs. When people working within the media exercise their moral conscience, it is possible to dispel ignorance and impart knowledge, preserve social values, and portray the transcendental dimension of life which arises from the spiritual nature of all people."

CON-DIR/BUDDHISTS/VESAKHVIS 070425 (340)

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SYNOD OF BISHOPS: April 21, 2007 - synod.com

New York - From April 18-20, 2007, a regular session of the Synod of Bishops was held at the Synodal Building in New York in the presence of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God. The President of the Synod of Bishops, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, opened the meeting by greeting the bishops on the continuing celebration of the Pascha of Christ and expressed hope that the Resurrected Lord would help the well-being of the Church.

Accepting the agenda and confirming the minutes of the previous expanded session of the Synod of Bishops, the bishops then heard the report of Protopriest Yaroslav Belikov, who was sent to Cannes, France, with the blessing of Metropolitan Laurus, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, His Grace Bishop Michael of Geneva and Western Europe and His Grace Bishop Varnava. There Fr Yaroslav participated in the divine services of Passion Week and Pascha held at the Cathedral of Archangel Michael, at which over 300 people gathered.

Having heard a report by Protopriest Alexander Lebedeff, the Synod of Bishops made the final text for the decision on the Act of Canonical Communion, which will be read at the rite of its signing. The Synod of Bishops then considered the intercession of Archbishop Job of Kashirsk and Bishop Merkury of Zaraisk on the reconsideration, based on the principle of oikonomia, of the cases of the former clerics of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia: Dimitry Sever, Mark Shinn and Joachim (Parr). In March of this year, the Holy Synod of the Moscow Patriarchate made determinations on a number of clergymen who had left its jurisdiction and transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

On the matter of Dimitry Sever, the Synod made the following decision:

1. To take into account the report of Protopriest Alexander Lebedeff.

2. In consideration of the forthcoming reestablishment of canonical communion between the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, and acting in the spirit of oikonomia, to recognize Dimitry Sever in the rank of presbyter and as a clergyman of the Moscow Patriarchate with the condition that he, in obedience to the decision of his Hierarchy, formalize a legal document dismissing all litigation and will not appear or serve in the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

3. This decision will take effect upon the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion and after the receipt of the legal document and of a written guarantee the he fulfill the requirements of paragraph 2 of this decision, and upon receipt of a copy of the court's recognition of the cessation of litigation.

In the case of Mark Shinn, it was decided “to recognize him in the rank of presbyter,” and in the matter of Hegumen Joachim (Parr), the Synod lifted his suspension from conducting services imposed upon him in 2001. These decisions will take effect upon the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion.

His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany and His Eminence Archbishop Hilarion of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand reported on their meeting with His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II and representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate in January. Archbishop Mark also reported on his recent trip to the Holy Land and on the monasteries of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem. Archbishop Kyrill and Bishop Michael reported on their archpastoral visits and on life in their dioceses.

Protopriest Andrei Sommer, Senior Priest of the Synodal Cathedral, made a presentation on the All-Diaspora Youth Pilgrimage and on the celebration of the 1600 th anniversary of St John Chrysostom, which will be held in St Louis, MO, in September.

The Synod of Bishops then examined the report of Protopriest John Shaw of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America on rite of the Divine Liturgy of Holy Apostle Mark. The Synod of Bishops deemed it beneficial to publish this rite and blessed for it to be celebrated in the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

Priest Serafim Gan reported on the proposed celebrations connected with the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion and the visit to Russia of the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia headed by His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus. The Synod made the following decision:

1) To approve the proposed program connected with the signing of the Act on Canonical Communion and the visit to Russia of a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia headed by His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus.

2) To send an official delegation to attend the ceremony of the Act on Canonical Communion headed by His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, consisting of: His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany; His Eminence Archbishop Hilarion of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand; His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America; His Grace Bishop Evtikhii of Ishim and Siberia; His Grace Bishop Agapit of Stuttgart; His Grace Bishop Michael of Geneva and Western Europe; and His Grace Bishop Peter of Cleveland, Administrator of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America; the members of the Commission on talks with the Moscow Patriarchate: Archimandrite Luke (Murianka); Protopriest Alexander Lebedeff; Protopriest Nikolai Artemoff; members of the Pre-Council Committee of the IV All-Diaspora Council, Protopriest Victor Potapov; Protopriest Peter Perekrestov, Priest Serafim Gan, and also the Treasurer of the Synod of Bishops, Protopriest Peter Holodny.

Fr Serafim also reported on the proposed program of the celebrations of the 40 th anniversary of the episcopal consecration of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus. On this matter, the following was decided:

1) To celebrate the 40 th anniversary of the episcopal consecration of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus on Monday, September 3, at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

2) To charge Priest Serafim Gan and Protodeacon Victor Lochmatov with its organization.

3) At the end of the celebrations, to schedule a regular session of the Synod of Bishops, from September 4-6.

Then, hearing a proposal for the establishment of a Synodal Order of the Icon of the Mother of God of the Sign of three levels and regulations thereto, the Synod of Bishops decreed:

1) To establish a Synodal Order of the Icon of the Mother of God of the Sign in three levels (gold, silver and bronze).

2) To consider the Gold Synodal Order of the Icon of the Mother of God of the Sign the highest award in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

3) In connection with the celebration this year of the 40 th anniversary of the episcopal consecration of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, to award His Eminence with the Gold Synodal Order of the Icon of the Mother of God of the Sign. The awarding of this Order will be made during the celebration of this event.

The Synod of Bishops also approved an Epistle to the God-Loving Flock; considered the declaration of Tikhon Pasechnik, who calls himself “Archbishop of Omsk and Siberia;” and approved the following supplication during the augmented litany, which will be read during Divine Liturgy in the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia until the sixth Sunday of Pascha: “Bless oh Savior the good intentions, of thy servants, the Most Reverened Metropolitain Laurus, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, and his companions, and accept their prayers, grant them a spirit of wisdom and reason, place in their hearts a spirit of fear of Thee, a spirit of piety and zealousness for the glory of Thy Holy Name, in order that they may in a well-pleasing manner fulfill the task of building up the unity of the Holy Russian Church, as one Body of Christ. Grant them safe travel in the air and a safe return, hear and have mercy.”

During this meeting, Metropolitan Laurus and the reverend members of the Synod of Bishops blessed Peter A Fekula and the singers of the expanded choir of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia which will participate in the joint divine services connected with the signing of the Act on Canonical Communion. The Deputies of His Eminence, Archbishop Mark and Archbishop Hilarion, along with Fr Andrei Sommer and Assistant Treasurer of the Synod of Bishops Eugene Hrihoriak, then visited St Nicholas Patriarachal Cathedral and the Representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA. There, His Grace Bishop Merkury of Zaraisk gave the members of the Synod of bishops a set of Eucharist vessels as a symbol of his hope for the expedient overcoming of the eighty-year division among Russian Orthodox people, and also as a symbol of our desired unity at the Chalice of Christ.

Also attending the meeting on the part of the Representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA, its Secretary, Protopriest Alexander Abramov and Secretary of the Administrator of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA, Hieromonk Joseph (Kriukov).

The meeting of the Synod of Bishops ended with the singing of “Shine, shine.”

www.synod.com - From The Offical Website of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia