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Photo: Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I embrace.
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VATICAN CITY, MARCH 22, 2007 (ZENIT.org).- Benedict XVI told doctors, nurses and other health care workers that their credibility depends on their respect of and love for life.
The Pope gave them this message today when receiving in audience participants of the plenary session of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry.
The Holy Father stated: "Esteem for and confidence in health care workers are proportional to the certainty that these professional defenders of life will never lack respect for a human life, even that of the disabled, and that they will always know how to encourage every attempt at healing."
He said that the commitment to offering care should be extended "to every human being, with the intention of covering their whole existence."
The Pontiff recalled: "The modern concept of health care is, in fact, human promotion: It includes everything from caring for the sick to preventive care, searching for greater human development, favoring an adequate family and social atmosphere.
"This ethical perspective, based on human dignity and on the fundamental rights and duties connected to this, is confirmed and strengthened by the commandment of love, the center of the Christian message."
Code: ZE07032204
Date: 2007-03-22
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Mar. 22, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Theological differences between the Catholic and Orthodox churches can be resolved, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn (bio - news) told a Russian newspaper, if the two faiths can overcome “the burden of history.”
In an interview with Trud, the Archbishop of Vienna said that Catholic and Orthodox beliefs are in accord “on almost every theological issue.” One remaining point of contention, he acknowledged, is the role of the papacy. But the Austrian cardinal expressed confidence that that argument, too, could be resolved.
The Roman Pontiff plays an increasingly important role as the focus of Christian unity, Cardinal Schönborn observed. That unity is crucial today, he said, in light of the conflict between Christian and secular outlooks. “Whenever possible, Christians should speak with one voice,” the cardinal argued.
Catholic and Orthodox believers can and should join together, the cardinal said, to oppose abortion, euthanasia, and embryonic stem-cell research, and to promote respect for the dignity of human life. On these issues too, he noted, the Catholic and Orthodox churches are in accord.
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MEXICO CITY, MARCH 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Lawmakers can legalize abortion, but the act will always be immoral, the Archdiocese of Mexico said in the face of a campaign to sanction the procedure in the country's capital.
Father Hugo Valdemar Romero, director of communication for the archdiocese, made this comment today in a press statement regarding a proposal of the leftist majority of Mexico City's legislature to legalize abortion during the first three months of pregnancy.
The press statement of the Archdiocese of Mexico, entitled "The Church Has Not Been Defeated," responds to civil leaders' attempts to deny the Church a voice in the debate.
The statement says: "Neither the Catholic Church, nor the society in which women and men of good will actively participate, has been defeated by those who promote an unjust, irresponsible and criminal law that tries to terminate the life of innocent and defenseless beings in the maternal womb, beings who have the right to be born and to live their own life.
"The Church and civil society have not experienced a loss in the battle for human life that, in fact, has only just begun."
"The Church will not keep quiet," the note added. "The Church has a prophetic duty to denounce sin, evil and injustice. … The Church has to warn of the fatal consequences of a perverse proceeding ruled by egotism and subjectivism that tries to disguise as a right what is in fact licentiousness."
The communiqué added: "The law of God is clear when it categorically states: Do not kill!
"A human law can legalize abortion, but it will always remain an absolute immoral act."
Defending life
On Monday, the president of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, spoke against the bill. He is a member of the conservative National Action Party.
''I have a personal conviction, and I am in defense of life,'' the Associated Press reported him as saying. ''I have a plain respect for dignity and human life and within this I believe the existing legislation is adequate.''
Current abortion legislation in Mexico allows abortion only in cases of rape, or if the woman's life is in danger.
The Mexican president added that abortion is a "very delicate" issue that could divide society, and asked that the majority in the district's legislature not impose their decisions on those living in the city.
Mexico City is a federal district with its own legislature.
The Democratic Revolution Party also introduced a similar bill Tuesday in the national Senate, where the conservatives hold a majority.
Pro-life groups are planning marches and days of prayer in Mexico City to oppose the liberalized abortion bill.
The campaign will culminate with a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the solemnity of the Annunciation, March 25, which is also observed as the International Day for the Unborn Child.
Code: ZE07032125
Date: 2007-03-21
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VATICAN CITY, MARCH 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The use of reason is the antidote to false religious myths and relativism, says Benedict XVI.
The Pope said this at today's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square. The Holy Father continued with his series of teachings on protagonists in the early Church; today's address was dedicated to St. Justin Martyr.
The Pontiff recalled the path of conversion which St. Justin followed: He searched for truth in the various schools of Greek philosophy until he discovered Christianity, which he called the "true philosophy."
Benedict XVI added: "In Christianity, in fact, he had found the truth and, therefore, the way to live uprightly. Because of this he was denounced and decapitated around the year 165, under the reign of Marcus Aurelius, the emperor-philosopher to whom Justin had dedicated an 'Apologia.'"
The Pope continued: "Justin aims above all to show the divine projects of creation and of salvation brought about by Christ, the 'Logos,' that is, the eternal Word, eternal Reason, creative Reason.
"Every person, as a rational creature, participates in the 'Logos,' carrying within himself a 'seed,' and can perceive glimmers of truth. In this way, the same 'Logos,' who had revealed himself as a prophetic image to the Jews in the Old Covenant, had also partially revealed himself, as with 'seeds of truth,' in Greek philosophy.
"Thus, Justin concludes, given that Christianity is a historical and personal manifestation of the 'Logos' in its entirety, 'all that is beautiful which has been expressed by anyone, belongs to us Christians.'"
The Holy Father explained that Justin marks "the ancient Church's decisive option for philosophy."
"Justin, and with him other apologists, took the position of the Christian faith as the God of the philosophers instead of the false gods of the pagan religion," the Pontiff said. "It was a choice for the truth of being versus the myth of traditions."
"In an era such as ours," Benedict XVI added, "marked by relativism in the debate on values and on religion -- as well as in interreligious dialogue -- this is a lesson that should not be forgotten."
Code: ZE07032102
Date: 2007-03-21
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Protocol 25/07
March 25, 2007
The Feast of the Annunciation
Greek Independence Day
To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During this Holy season of Lent we are blessed to commemorate the Feast of the Annunciation on Sunday, the Lord’s Day. We celebrate this feast in anticipation of what is to come in a few weeks and for all eternity. First, the relationship of this feast to the coming observance of Holy Week is significant. On this day the Incarnation of our Lord in the flesh was announced by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. This event had been foreseen and foretold by Patriarchs, Kings, and Prophets, and now God’s divine plan for the salvation of humankind was revealed by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary: "You will conceive in your womb and bear a Son and you shall call His name Jesus" (Luke 1:31). By the Holy Spirit coming upon her, and by the power of the Most High overshadowing her (Luke 1:35), the Virgin conceived, and the Son of God took upon flesh. He did this so that He might experience and then redeem our condition under the burden of sin and death. In the flesh, He became a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). He willingly accepted oppression and affliction so that He might bear our iniquities and make intercession for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:10,12). His humanity and His journey to the Cross began on this day.
The Feast of the Annunciation also anticipates the great and glorious Feast of Pascha. The message of the Archangel Gabriel was not one of suffering and death, but of power and glory. "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David" (Luke 1:32). The response of the Theotokos to this divine calling was one of commitment, joy, and praise. "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my Spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46). Both the Angel and the Virgin knew that the One who was coming was bringing salvation and that life in His kingdom would never end.
In preparation for the Feast of feasts, this commemoration today presents us with these essential themes. The spiritual journey of Great Lent can be filled with struggles as we examine our own lives and contemplate the significance of what our Lord has done for us through His suffering and death. But we also are mindful of where our journey ends—in a celebration of life. It is a journey that includes the struggles and limitations of our humanity, the burdens of sin and death. But it also includes the experience of true and enduring hope, joy and peace through our faith in the One who gives eternal life, the One whose kingdom will never end. It carries us from the glorious day of the Annunciation and through the journey of Lent to the light of Pascha.
It is also on this day that we, as Greek Orthodox Christians commemorate Greek Independence Day. We honor the sacrifice and memory of the many who gave their lives for freedom and the establishment of the modern state of Greece . In 1821, our Hellenic forebears stood valiantly against oppression and occupation, strengthened by their rich heritage, their faith in God, their assurance of the invincible protection of the Theotokos, and their desire for self-determination. They knew that a difficult and costly struggle was before them, but their trust was in a power and in ideals that were essential to human and communal life. It is also fitting on this day that we honor the countless others who suffered during the four centuries of occupation. Their faith sustained them during this very difficult and tragic period. Although they experienced great pain and loss, they found strength in the presence of One who knew their sorrow, but who also offered them peace and life, and hope for a final victory.
As we gather for the Feast of the Annunciation, I extend to you my deepest wishes for a blessed feast day and observance of Greek Independence Day. May we be thankful for what we have and for the freedom to live, worship, and serve our Lord. May we also be mindful of where our trust and faith must be. Through our Lenten journey, through the challenges of life, and even through the tremendous struggles of history, we must look to the One who will save His people out of sin and into the blessedness of His eternal kingdom.
With paternal love in Christ,
+DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
8-10 East 79th St. New York , NY 10021
Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0215
Web: http://www.goarch.org
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The communique indicates that this meeting, the seventh of the bilateral commission, took place in Jerusalem from March 11 to 13, was presided by Cardinal Jorge Maria Mejia and Chief Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, and considered the theme: "Freedom of Religion and Conscience and its Limits."
"Freedom of choice is derived from God and therefore is not absolute, but must reflect divine will and law," reads the English-language communique. "Accordingly human beings are called to freely obey the divine will as manifested in the Creation and in His revealed word."
"Secular society still requires religious foundations to sustain lasting moral values. Critical among these is the principal of the sanctity of human life and dignity."
"While on principle the State should in no way limit freedom of religion for individuals and communities nor of moral conscience, it has the responsibility to guarantee the wellbeing and security of society, Accordingly it is obliged to intervene wherever and whenever a threat is posed by the promotion, teaching or exercise of violence and specifically terrorism and psychological manipulation in the name of religion."
"It is legitimate for a society with a predominant religious identity to preserve its character, as long as this does not limit the freedom of minority communities and individuals to profess their alternative religious commitments, nor limit their full civil rights."
"There is a special obligation upon religious leaders and communities to prevent the improper use of religion and to educate towards respect for diversity which is essential in order to ensure a healthy a, stable and peaceful society. In this regard, there is a special role for families, schools and the authorities of State and society as well as the media to impart these values to future generations."
The declaration of the bilateral commission concludes with a call to religious and political leaders "to work determinedly to promote peace, dignity, security and tranquillity in the Holy Land for all its peoples and for the world as a whole."
COMMISSION CATHOLICS:JEWS/MEJIAVIS 070321