How regrettable. H.A.H. Bartholomew I Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and New Rome seems to be unable to pass up an invitation to any of these photo-op ecumenical love fests. But really, why must he show up at every one? And from an Orthodox perspective there is not much to admire in Vatican II which effectively lead to the gutting of the ancient liturgy of the Christian West among other problematic results.

Well, not quite an ecumenical love fest.

I suspect an Evensong or Matins with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, and the Bishop of Rome jointly presiding might fit the bill for that.

But, it sounds like this is going to be a Mass, with the ABC and OEPC attending, but presumably not participating - or partaking. Rather like inviting someone to dinner and having him sit there and watch while everyone else eats and drinks.

Rome’s definition of Christian unity seems to have something to do with submission.

Doesn’t Rome consider the ABC’s holy orders to be invalid?

#3.  Yes.  But that doesn’t have anything to do with “ecumenical love fests” (to use the term of the day).

I hope he’ll be wearing his pectoral cross!

The odds are that the Archbishop will wear the episcopal ring given to Michael Ramsey by Paul VI.  It appears to have passed down to succeeding archbishops.  At such events, he is usually in rochet and chimere but occasionally with cope and mitre.

No 4.  Were I the ABC I’d politely tell the pontiff, in effect, to take a flying leap at a rolling donut.  But of course the man is perhaps a bit short of spine it could be said.

Were I the ABC I’d politely tell the pontiff, in effect, to take a flying leap at a rolling donut. 

Presuming you were not married and could grow a beard I’d consider you for the next Patriarch of Constantinople.