Orthodoxy and ecumenical perspectives

This article by Archimandrite Peter L'Huillier, written in 1964 in the context of the third pan-Orthodox conference of Rhodes and the Second Vatican Council, examines the position of the Orthodox Church toward the contemporary ecumenical movement. Belonging to the realm of engaged theological reflection, it identifies two symmetrical pitfalls to be avoided: immobilism, which reduces ecumenism to a peaceful coexistence without any aim of doctrinal unity, and rushing ahead, as illustrated by the proponents of premature intercommunion with Rome. The author advocates active, competent, and coordinated Orthodox participation in the Ecumenical Council, while reaffirming the inviolability of Orthodox ecclesiology and sacramental theology. The contribution of the article lies in its clear formulation of the conditions for a credible Orthodox ecumenism, distinct from liberal dogmatic relativism, and in its analysis of the specific role that Orthodoxy can play in the dialogue between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.