Russian patriarch Kirill to visit Poland in August
The Polish Catholic church is preparing to welcome the head of the Russian Orthodox Church to Poland in August, a visit church leaders describe as a historic step toward healing wounds between Russians and Poles.
Originally published Monday, July 16, 2012 at 6:09 AM
By VANESSA GERA
Associated Press
WARSAW, Poland — The Polish Catholic church is preparing to welcome the head of the Russian Orthodox Church to Poland in August, a visit church leaders describe as a historic step toward healing wounds between Russians and Poles.
The two Slavic nations have been divided for centuries by religion, with Poles predominantly Roman Catholic and Russians largely Orthodox. Wars and occupations going back centuries have also left a legacy that still causes bitterness in political relations between the two countries.
The key moment in Patriarch Kirill's four-day visit, from Aug. 16-19, visit will be the signing of a document appealing to Poles and Russians to forgive each other for past wrongs and injustices.
"We hope it will gradually lead to reconciliation between our nations," said Rev. Jozef Kloch, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic church in Poland.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2018698698_apeupolandrussia.html
If politics doesn't overshadow this it's a small step toward healing the Great Schism.
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