MIDDLE EAST SYNOD: MGR. ETEROVIC, “IT WAS A PENTECOSTAL EXPERIENCE”

“It was a Pentecostal experience”. In an interview with SIR, Mgr. Nikola Eteroviæ, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, commented on the work of the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East (Vatican, 10-24 October 2010). “We are grateful to Divine Providence – said the bishop recalling the highlights of the assembly – for the happy conclusion of the synodal assembly on the theme communion and witness of the Catholic Church in the Middle East. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and under the enlightened guidance of the Holy Father Benedict XVI, 185 Synodal Fathers analysed thoroughly the issue of ecclesial communion that is closely linked to the witness”. In fact, added Mgr. Eteroviæ, “we can state that there is no Christian witness without communion. It is a communion at many levels”. First, “it is a communion within each of the 6 Catholic Eastern Churches sui iuris”. Second, “this communion refers to the relations among the Churches of different traditions in the Middle East. The best way to foster ecumenical dialogue and to achieve greater unity with those Christian communities and Churches which are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church is by strengthening the communion between the Church of Latin tradition and the 6 Catholic Eastern Churches”.
Focusing on the synodal work, Mgr. Eteroviæ recalled that “Pastors, who represent the Church of Latin tradition and the 6 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches (Coptic, Syrian, Greek-Melchite, Maronite, Chaldean and Armenian) reported on the joys and hopes, difficulties and challenges, of the faithful entrusted to their pastoral care in their respective countries”. Mgr. Eteroviæ explained that among the difficulties pointed out by the “Synodal Fathers are the lack of religious freedom, the activity of extremist groups, instability, violence and war in some countries of the region – all of which are the main causes behind the emigration of their faithful”. Moreover, “the Fathers have discussed the way to provide them with an adequate pastoral care in the countries in which they currently live. Another key theme was the immigration of many Christians from several Middle Eastern Countries where, often, their rights are not sufficiently protected”. The work of the Synod, Mgr. Eteroviæ concluded, was marked by “Christian hope” which “is not based on human efforts and plans, but rather on divine Providence which guides history and people, particularly in the Middle East, a region in which the great events of the history of salvation took place. Christians are living witnesses to this, living stones of a living Church” and “want to be yeast of peace in their society”.


© SIR - 28 ottobre 2010