Catholicism.org comment: This is very significant, if true. Let us pray that these baptized brothers and sisters of ours return to the unity of the Church!
Note that the language — “unite with the Latin Church” — is a bit confusing, but, to the Eastern Chrisitians who are not part of the Catholic Church, to unite with the Latins is to enter the unity of the Church under the Pope. And it should go without saying that there is no question here of these Syrians, whose ancient Antiochine liturgy is a marvel, adapting the Latin Rite. Nor should they. They can be a powerful witness to Catholic unity with their magnificent ancient Eastern liturgy.
(Catholic World News) — In the most prominent front-page article in L’Osservatore Romano’s June 10 daily Italian edition, a retired Latin-rite bishop in Turkey is quoted as saying that “the Syriac Orthodox Church is ready to unite with the Latin” Church.
The Syriac Orthodox Church (CNEWA profile) is among the Oriental Orthodox churches that ceased to be in full communion with the Holy See following the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (451).
Read more at Catholic World News…
See also, on this site:
- Fourth Ecumenical Council — Chalcedon (short writeup)
- The Faith Triumphs at Chalcedon (feature article)
