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Again, this message takes nothing away from the role and authority of Peter, but it highlights
the importance of having the eastern and western parts of the Body of Christ united so that
the World may believe.
The Future of Christian Unity
Although the message confirms the primacy of Peter, the Bishop of Rome, known in both
Orthodox and Catholic tradition, it does not speak of questions of jurisdiction. I believe I
have not been called to speak on this issue and so I refrain from doing so in any way.
My calling is to confirm the Pope’s importance and defend his Chair against all those who
tend to disobey him and rebel against him, while inspiring the construction and
strengthening of the interior fabrics of unity. My primary approach to unity is that of unity
through spirituality. The message is a calling for unity both intra nos and extra nos - a calling
to strengthen the spiritual dynamics of unity both within the particular churches and
between them.
I do not know what the future structures of the unified church will look like, as the Lord has
chosen not to speak on this nor did He favour me to give me any light on this, but I believe it
will come through spirituality; and I believe I have been granted a foretaste of the grace of
that future unity in various ecumenical gatherings.
In March 2000, for instance, the Lord permitted our prayer groups to gather in his
birthplace, Bethlehem. 450 people came from far and wide; yes, from more than 55 countries
and from 12 different churches to an international meeting of prayer for peace and unity. We
gathered as one single family. With us we had 75 clergy also from 12 different churches that
came, but also other clergy from the Holy Land, who, hearing of this prayer meeting joined
us as well. This ecumenical event was co-ordinated by some Jews and Palestinians who were
touched by the writings of “True Life in God”. They believed in the redemption of Christ and
of his saving plan in our days and volunteered to organize this meeting. When one knows
how in our days, Palestinians and Jews are fighting against each other, their reconciliation is
a sign of the power of the Holy Spirit who joined those two nations to work for a meeting for
peace between the divided Christians. As Scriptures say: “Peacemakers, when they work for
peace, sow the seeds which will bear fruit in holiness” (Jm 3:18). This is a lesson for all of us.
We lived and had a foretaste of what unity will be like one day between Christians. We had
speeches given to us from clergy of different churches on unity. Their speech resounded like
they came from one voice and one mind. We sensed the great desire of all of us being one,
during their talks. We saw and we watched the thirst of the laity and the clergy, they have for
unity. But we sensed at the same time the great external wounds our division has produced
on the Mystical Body of Christ.
The majority of us are tired of this division, because it is not according to our Lord’s law of
love. Christ is even more tired of seeing us divided. The cheers and acclamations of joy of all
these nations who were bonded together, appealing for a complete unity among Christians
exposed that this division is not only a sin but an anti-testimony as well. Yet, the biggest sin
against unity is to have the dates of Easter separated. How good it will be when we all cry out
together: “Christos Anesti” in one voice all in one day. We all say, “Thy Will be done on earth
as it is in heaven…” Jesus Christ united us together by his Blood, so how can one deny this
unity? “He is the peace between us, and has made the Gentile and the Jew into one and
broken down the barrier which used to keep them apart, actual destroying in his own person
the hostility caused by the rules and decrees of the Law.” (Ep 2:14-15). How can we say “no”
to God, if He wants us to unite? Could it be because our hearts have hardened? Have we