LAST UPDATE: 13:34
“Orthodox theology and praxis put forward as a necessary means of diplomacy the dialogue,” stressed, inter alia, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, in his address this morning at the conference “Reflections of Principles of Policy and Strategic Drawing on Religious and Ecclesiastical Diplomacy” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The context in which the so-called ecclesiastical diplomacy is described and practiced is a key element. However, this term does not describe perfectly its purpose, since a better description would be inter-church relations and cooperation with the other Christian churches – confessions and religions all over the world,” said the Archbishop, pointing out that the role of the state is essential and useful. It is sufficient to remain within the limits of the separation of duties and does not interfere with the free exercise of the pastoral work of each church and religion, since there are sad examples from history both in the past and present.”
At another point, the Archbishop underlined: “The dialogue is of vital importance for the Church and under the coordination of our Ecumenical Patriarchate we can have tangible results, without perdition in the faith and doctrines of our Orthodox tradition, as has already been said by the joint communiqué of the Pan-Orthodox Council held in Crete in 2016”.
He added: “In the Church’s practice we are not talking about diplomacy but about dialogue and cooperation. A dialogue and cooperation with all. The only conditions are the Holy Bible and the patristic tradition of Orthodox life, always respecting the right of coexistence of different religions and cultures. Our aim is to establish peace which the ultimate good for the progress and development of every society throughout the ages.”