Video Report #2: The Role of the Vatican in the Continuing Inter-Religious
Movement
Background: the video is
of the Third Convocation for Orthodox Awareness which took place on the Sunday of
Orthodoxy, March 12, 1995 at the "Novotel" in Athens, Greece. The Convocation
was organized by the Holy Monastery of Sts. Cyprian and Justina in Fili (Athens). The
video consists of approx. 60 minutes of lectures and 100 minutes of footage from a variety
of ecumenical activities. What follows is a description of the ecumenical footage, a
partial transcription of the Orthodox commentary that accompanied it (in quotes), and
quotes from ecumenists in the video (indented).
Part I: "The Papacy Open Itself to Other Religions"
Since Vatican II Rome has displayed a
"new openness" to other Christians and other religions. The Pope has been making
extensive journeys around the world to promote this new syncretism. "Roman
Catholicism has acknowledged the possibility of enriching Christianity by different
cultures. . .But is this possible, when cultures are tied to pagan, pantheistic, and
animistic elements?... The Pope in essence preaches the insufficiency of the salvation
in Christ since he finds answers in the writings of the Hindu Mahatma Gandhi". In a
visit to India I heard the Pope say on the video:
"... India has so much to offer to
the world in the task of understanding, and the truth of his existence... I follow the
writings of Mahatma Gandhi. I found answers; answer to me; answers to the Christians
everywhere. Fundamental answers."
It was clear from other statements and
actions of the Pope that he thinks that India, and especially Gandhi, offer a "new
vision" and that he wants a "new civilization of global peace." In a visit
to India in 1986, we see the Pope paying homage to Gandhi at his tomb. He says to the
large crowd gathered there:
"And the heritage of Mahatma Gandhi
speaks to us still. And today as a pilgrim of peace I have come here to pay homage to
Mahatma Gandhi, Healer of Humanity. Mahatma Gandhi told [sic] that if all men and
women, whatever the differences between them, cling to the truth with respect and for the
unique dignity of every human being, a new world order and
civilization of love can be achieved. May God guide us and bless us as we strive to
work together hand in hand, and build together a world of peace... [speaks in Indian] .
. .May Gandhi live forever ... [speaks in Indian] ... May truth and non-violence live
forever."
The video also shows the Pope Pope meet
with the Dalai Lama, the Head of Tibetan Buddhism, and exchange gifts and ideas with him
(same trip to India, 1986).
Part II: "The Policy of Openness Develops"
We learn that in Assizi (an alternate
spelling of the typical english "Assisi") in 1986, the first meeting of
religions for the peace of the world took place. This meeting was established and promoted
by the Pope. One hundred and fifty representatives from twelve religions took part. Also
present were the four great worldwide interreligious organizations: The Interreligious
Association for Religious Freedom, the World Congress of Faith, the Temple of
Understanding, and the World Conference on Religion and Peace.
Among those present were Buddhists,
Muslims, Aboriginals from Africa, Native Americans, Sikhs, Hindus, Shintoists, and Elio
Toaf (Chief Rabbi of the Central Synagogue of Rome, which the Pope had visited months
earlier). Christians of almost all confessions were represented: the World Council of
Churches (WCC), Nestorians, Copts, Armenians, Roman Catholics, Old Catholics, Anglicans
and Lutherans. Also present were delegates from the Orthodox Churches of Finland and
Czechoslovakia, the Patriarchate of Bulgaria, the Patriarchate of Romania, the
Patriarchate of Georgia, the Patriarchate of Moscow, and the Patriarchate of Antioch.
Special place of honor (in sitting, standing, walking beside, etc.) was given to
Archbishop Runcie, Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Church, and Archbishop Methodios of
Thyateira, the Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. Both were
always next to the Pope. "The Church of Greece also took place in a prayerful way. A
well-known Byzantine choir from Athens chanted at the three main presentations at
Assizi." On tape I see all these groups gathered in a huge part of the Cathedral in
Assizi with the choir chanting sacred music in Greek while all participate in prayer and
worship together.
The Pope was the only speaker. He gave a
speech promoting his syncretistic vision and equating the prayer of Christians with the
prayer of all religions. This was then followed by joint silent prayer.
"To those of other religions were
assigned Christian churches to perform their worship services and to pray for peace."
Extensive video is shown of each of these services:
Buddhists (parish church of St.
Peter): during the service they place a small statue of Buddha on the altar.
Hindus (Santa Maria Majore
church): "sitting around the altar they invoked the whole succession of their
gods."
Muslims (Monastery of St.
Antony)
Aborigines of Africa (the church
of St. Gregory): they prepared their "peace pipes" inside the sanctuary
Shintoists (Benedictine
Monastery)
"The Orthodox were put on an equal
level with the whole spectrum Christian heresies and non-Christian religions. Our spotless
Orthodoxy was indescribably humiliated through these Orthodox ecumenists. The Ecumenist
journey, which began in 1920 with the proclamation of cooperation and with the hob-knobbing of
Orthodox and heterodox has ended up in joint prayers with heathens to the supposed 'common
Father'."
In a huge courtyard I saw a joint prayer
service. Each group in succession got up to the podium and performed a prayer service. All
of the Orthodox were present and seated with the Pope and other leaders of major world
religions on an elevated area behind the podium. Archbishop Methodios is to the Pope's
right (the Dalai Lama to his left). Christians closed the pan-religious prayer service.
The "Orthodox" stood around the podium and said sacred prayers in Greek with all
the Christians (maybe others as well) responding "Kyrie Eleison". The
Pope closed with the "Our Father."
December, 1987: "Patriarch
Demetrios prayed at the Vatican in a fully official way [full vestments in a joint
service]." He exchanged the kiss of peace with this same Pope in a televised event.
Since 1986 the Vatican has continued its
push for syncretism. Every year the Roman Catholics organize a similar interreligious
meeting in various cities in Europe: Rome in 1987 and 1988; Warsaw in 1989; Bari in 1990;
Malta in 1991; Brussels in 1992. In video of all these events numerous Orthodox hierarchs
are present and shown hob-knobbing with Roman Catholics, exchanging brotherly kisses, etc.
"Unfortunately, the presence of Orthodox ecumenists is always strongly evident."
They are always placed in prominent locations behind the main podium. I am reminded of the
quote on my web site:
"But we lend an air of legitimacy to
such ecumenical escapades even when we do not openly participate in them. In the words of
an eminent American ecumenist, 'You (Orthodox) give us our integrity.'"
The ecumenist is Dr. Joan Brown Campbell. The quote is from her address at the Banquet of
the All-America Council of the Orthodox Church in America (Chicago: July, 1995). As quoted
by Fr. John Reeves in his "The Price of Ecumenism". Emphasis mine.
In Milan (1993), the convocation is opened
by Mikhail Gorbachev, the former leader of the Soviet Union. He was also the keynote
speaker. In Assizi (1994), numerous Orthodox are again present and taking a leading role.
The Orthodox commentator asks: "Would the Apostles have agreed to Orthodox membership
in a pan-heretical and pan-religious organization as members of equal standing?"
These events are no small affairs.
Processions through the streets of thousands of participants and supporters is shown. In
one event held in what looked like a stadium, all the representatives of the world
religions are shown lighting candles on a single candle stand. Many lights, one stand.
Total syncretism. "What of the unique Light of the World, Jesus Christ? What
communion hath light with darkness?"
Chicago, 1993: The Second
Conference of World Religions, Palmer House Hotel
Six-thousand representatives of two hundred
and fifty religions and religous groups are present. The Roman Catholics contributed to
the organization of the Conference. The Vatican participated in a fairly official way,
sending the Secretary for the Pontifical Institute of Religious Dialogue. The Bishop of
Chicago, Joseph Bernardin, was also present and taking a prominent role. "The
platform of the Parliament was not only a place for speeches but also a place for worship
and prayer by the most disparate groups and religions." These groups included the
Drepung Loselung Monks from Tibet and the Neo-Gnostic Brotherhood of Self-Realisation. A
Priestess of Isis was interviewed and discussed the importance of helping people get in
touch with their feminine energy.
The Roman Catholic Secretary proclaimed the
vision of a new civilization. This was not the Church, of course, but a New Tower of
Babel. His "Holiness" the Dalai Lama, in front of over 30,000 listeners, said
among other things with respect to religious pluralism:
"... one religion cannot satisfy
millions of different people... We must accept the existence of different religions and
that this will be much better for humanity."
"... spiritual pluralism and
spiritual harmony is [sic] very essential; now the next question is, Is it
possible? My answer is definitely yes, yes, yes!"
"So therefore, all religions are in
the end more or less the same. all are helping humanity."
Loud applause and cheering followed these
statements. He then briefly mentioned the program he had established to exchange Christian
and Buddhist monks to help facilitate his vision. Much more was shown about this Chicago
conference, including a variety of pagan and pan-religious dances on stage.
Canberra, 1994: The Establishment of the Australian National Council of Churches (NCC)
The place of this big event is the Roman
Catholic Cathedral of St. Christopher in Canberra. The place is full. Three aborigines
with painted bodies and wearing traditional tribal garments, process in. They are waving
eucalyptus leaves and one is banging two sticks together. The commentator for this event (not
the Orthodox one, but a commentator in Australia associated with those producing the
video) is heard saying: "... it's a rite of purification. The eucalyptus purifies
the atmosphere. . .". The aborigines are doing this directly in front of the altar.
This goes on for another minute, periodically interspersed with a loud shrill noise made
by one of the female aborigines. Then a fourth aborigine begins making growling noises
with a long pipe.
Two more aborigines bring forward a pot of
purification smoke and place it at the base of the steps leading to the altar. The other
commentators (not the Orthodox one) discuss Rome's new stance towards integrating
pagan elements into worship and notes that "all of the mainstream Christian churches
are doing this now."
Two aborigine boys continue a dance and
some sort of symbolic act in front of the altar. The commentator says that she had talked
with the aborigines prior to this event. The boys said that they actually had to do a lot
of preparation for this kind of thing, "emptying their minds and opening themselves
up to the spirits." The two boys then sit down right in front of the altar.
The remaining Christian representatives
then process in with everyone singing "Let us go rejoicing to the House of the
Lord." Orthodox are also organic members of this council. Shown processing in are
representatives from the Patriarchate of Antioch, the Church of Romania, and the
Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. They are with the Roman Catholics as they come
up the center aisle and pass through the purifying smoke to be greeted by the aborigines
before taking their seats around the sides of the altar.
The Roman Catholic Francis Carroll,
Archbishop of Canberra, begins speaking. He welcomes the new ecumenical organization. In
his opening address he says:
"The aboriginal ceremonial
purification reminds us of the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. These are
fundamental to the welfare of Australia and for the fulfillment of the aims of the NCC in
Australia."
Joint prayer then commences, followed by
modern "liturgical dancing" around the altar by many women holding a huge
multi-colored tapestry. This tapestry is carried about the church over the heads of the
people. Floating over the people, this tapestry—a blend of many colors—symbolized the
spirit that supposedly overshadowed their gathering.
The Roman Catholic Bishop Bede Heather then
stated the principles guiding the NCC in Australia:
"The NCC in Australia will gather
together thirteen member churches in prayer and worship ... " "... in order
to express more visibly the unity willed by Christ for His Church."
The "roll call" was read in the
following order, followed by a hearty "We do!" from each of the various
delegates:
The Anglican Church of Australia
Nestorians
Monophysites
Roman Catholics
various Protestant groups
The Greek Orthodox Church (Bishop
Seraphim, Assistant to the GOA of Australia, represented the Patriarchate of
Constantinople)
The Romanian Orthodox Church
The Salvation Army
The Syrian Orthodox Church
The Uniting Church in Australia
The Antiochian Orthodox Church
At the end of the roll call was much
applause and handshaking. Then came the Entrance of the Gospel, carried by the same three
aboriginal women that conducted the rite of purification.
At the close of the joint service all
processed out under the huge multi-colored tapestry.
Constantinople, November 30, 1994:
Patronal Feast of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
Numerous Roman Catholic bishops and
cardinals are seen present and seated on bishops chairs with other Orthodox bishops,
implying an equal status. At one point the leading Roman Catholic cardinal is heard
reading aloud one of the assigned texts of Scripture. Patriarch Bartholomew and this
cardinal then give each other the kiss of peace and continue the service. Both
then turn and give the blessing in unison to the assembled worshippers!
To order this video contact The
Center for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies. For further reading, I cannot
too highly recommend Fr. Seraphim Rose's Orthodoxy
and the Religion of the Future (St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 1996).
This profound and prophetic book is in its seventh printing (fourth edition)
and is one of Fr. Seraphim's most important and popular books, esp. in Russia.
In the preface we read, "The present book is about the 'spirituality' of
Ecumenism, the chief heresy of the 20th century." A very important work
for our times and directly related to this video report.
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