A meeting of East and West in the name of Christian unity

By Catherine Sheehan

On Friday 18 March, Archbishop Julian received a visit from the Greek Orthodox Episcopal Vicar of Tasmania, Canberra, and New South Wales, Bishop Bartholomew Charioupolis.

Bishop Bartholomew was on a pastoral visit to the 6,000 Greek Orthodox faithful of Tasmania.

He emphasised the importance of unity between Christian churches saying that “East and West are the lungs of the Church”.

He said that during the current challenging times for Christians it was important to “place a strong significance on unity and working together side by side”. He also said “the Christian message of love and unity” was “a witness to the world”.

Bishop Bartholomew thanked Archbishop Julian for his “love and prayers” and for what he has done in the past “to advocate for marriage and Christian rights”.

Archbishop Julian commented that this meeting was an important expression of the Churches seeking to form stronger bonds so that they can work more closely together to promote Christian teaching in the increasingly secular culture.

Bishop Bartholomew was accompanied by Fr Dimitrios Katsis, Parish Priest of the Greek Orthodox parish of Holy Trinity in Hobart.

This was Bishop Bartholomew’s first pastoral visit to Tasmania since he was ordained a bishop in November last year.