Russia and the Vatican Meet
President Putin’s meeting with the Pope on March 13 at the Vatican is being hailed as a breakthrough in the relationship between Moscow and Rome, and between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. If so, it bodes ill for biblical Christianity. Historically, the relationship between the two Churches has been one of animosity, but some observers think that reconciliation is more likely with the present Pope than the previous one because Russia enjoys better relations with Germany, the Pope’s homeland.
Of course, Putin’s aims are not religious but political. It is very significant that when the secretary for Inter-Christian Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church was asked if the meeting would contribute to rapprochement between the two Churches, he replied that this was a meeting between state representatives and not between confessions. However, some ecclesiastically-important event seems to be in the offing. Bishop Alfeyev, an Austrian who is the Russian Orthodox representative to the European Community, stated, “Some positive changes in relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church are about to happen during the current pontificate”.
One commentator on global politics writes, “As America and Britain decline in prestige and power, Germany and Russia are poised to become leading nations in the world . . . there may be a move to bring Russia to Mary in the hope of world peace . . . The world is weary of war and suffering. However, a move to establish world peace beneath the banner of religion, under religious and state leaders, could instead herald a time of great trouble.” Very perceptive words for a secular commentator! Pacts or concordats between false religions and ungodly rulers have ever resulted in oppression for the true Church of Christ. But the Lord reigns. “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid” (Is 8:12).
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