Page 54 - AECA.org.uk ¦ Koinonia 63

bishop Rowan Williams in 2003 all visited this holy place and have been
blessed by the encounter and engagement. As Archbishop Rowan has
emphasised during his last visit, our roots go back to the Christian mis-
sions of the days of Constantine. He furthermore expressed a particular
concern for Eastern and Western traditions of the Church to be recon-
ciled.

Such reconciliation is also very dear to my heart and is one of my
key priorities. It is the call of Christ that all may be one so that the
world may see. I will therefore be taking back with me the warmth of
your hospitality and also, after our discussions today and tomorrow, a
renewed and refreshed focus for greater unity and closer fellowship. We
want to carry the cross of our divisions, but be ?lled with the hope and
joy that comes from the grace and the love of Jesus.

This can be further developed through the ongoing conversations
in the International Commission for Anglican Orthodox Theological
Dialogue and through the more informal talks that happen. I can assure
you that I will provide the necessary encouragement for our ecumenical
journey together.

During the last years we have seen the world changing in a diver-
sity of ways. We have had an economic crisis through a banking system
which had lost its way, seeking its own good at the expense of nations
and their peoples. There is con?ict in many regions of the world, acute
poverty, unemployment and an in?ux of oppressed people driven away
from their own countries and seeking refuge elsewhere. In Southern
Europe terrible su?ering has seized the people, most especially the poor
for whom we weep and cry to God. The churches are rising to the chal-
lenge, empowered by the Holy Spirit and ?lled with his compassion.
Hence in standing with the poor in love, we may work together. How
can we strengthen and help each other bear one another’s burdens?

Your Holiness, I am aware that you are known as the ‘Green Pa-
triarch’. We are grateful for your energy and e?orts to raise awareness
for preserving and protecting our environment. You have been the lead-
ing voice expressing concerns and have initiated a number of seminars

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