Coptic Church & Ecumenical Movement - Saint Mina Coptic ...

legitimate expressions. We are particularly mindful of the fact that the principles of the
spiritual life propounded by the great fathers of the Egyptian desert, beginning with Saint
Anthony, have had an influence upon the entire Christian world.
Yet in humility and sorrow we must recognise that in the history of our Churches we
have experienced fierce disputes over doctrinal formulae by which our substantial
agreement in the reality they were trying to express was overlooked. Methods alien to
the Gospel of Christ were at times used by some to try to impose that Gospel. Reasons of
a cultural and political order as well as theological ones have been used to justify and
even extend a division, which should never have taken place. We cannot ignore this sad
legacy. We recognise that a great deal must yet be done to overcome its harmful effects.
However, we are determined that we will not let it continue to influence our relations.
A new phenomenon is taking place, of which our meeting today gives eloquent
testimony. In mutual fidelity to our common Lord, we are rediscovering, the many bonds
which already bind us together. In response to the brotherly invitation extended by our
venerable predecessor John XXIII, your own predecessor of happy memory Kyrillos VI
sent observers to all sessions of the Second Vatican Council. They were able to
experience the efforts made by that great assembly to assist the reform and renewal of the
Catholic Church. We are happy to greet two of them as they return to this Basilica with
you today as bishops of your Church.
In 1968 we shared in the joy of the return of the relics of the Evangelist Saint Mark, from
Venice to the venerable Church of Alexandria.
In 1969 we had the pleasure of greeting a large pilgrimage of Coptic Orthodox clergy,
and lay people; and more recently our own special delegation assisted at the solemn
enthronement of Your Holiness as Father and Head of your Church. We recognise in
these events signs coming from God. This is the favourable time that the Lord is granting
us and we share with Your Holiness the determination to take advantage of it, knowing
full well that there are still obstacles of a theological, psychological and institutional
order to be overcome. Not denying them, we refuse to be frightened by them. At one
time, the Christian world, torn apart by strife and schism, finally was able to recognise in
the faith preached by both Damasus of Rome and Peter of Alexandria the genuine
Catholic faith.
Trusting in God’s grace and walking in his Spirit, we will strive to overcome the
obstacles which still exist, so that once more our Churches can give a common and more
perfect witness to the world which has so much need of Him.
Venerable Brother, we meet on this solemn and joyful occasion when the Church of
Rome celebrates the sixteenth centenary of the death of Saint Athanasius, Bishop of
Alexandria. He was a man of constant faith, buoyant hope and generous open
heartedness, even to those who opposed him. Because he was constant in his faith, he
could hope against hope. And when, after bitter exile, God allowed him to return to his
flock, he opened his heart to all men, ever seeking that reconciliation and peace which are
God’s gifts to us in his Incarnate Son.
May Athanasius, our common Father, intercede for us, that we may be more faithful
servants of God in his Church and more effective pastors to those for whose sake Christ
has given us the mission of breaking the bread of his Word and of his Body.
73