Martyrs of the twentieth century and their contribution to the ecclesiology of communion. Visit of Patriarch Teoctist Arăpaşu to the Church of St. Bartholomew in Tiberin Island - Rome
The study refers to the visit by Patriarch Teoctist of the Romanian Orthodox Church to Rome in October 2003, in response to the visit by Pope John Paul II to Romania in 1999. On this occasion, the head of the Romanian Orthodoxy attended and presided a ceremony at the Church of St. Bartholomew in Tiberin Island, where he blessed the Icon of Martyrs and Confessors of the Christian Faith of the twentieth century. It is a historical fact that the twentieth century has recorded the largest number of Christian martyrs in history, all Christian churches testifying of blood for faith in Christ. The Catholic Church, after the Second Vatican Council, attempted a ecclesial re-approach by the Orthodox Churches, martyrdom being a common fundamental theme that can smooth the way for overcoming other obstacles. The presence of Patriarch Teoctist at this ecumenical moment profoundly valorizes the martyrs and persecutors of Romanian Orthodoxy and demonstrates the leading position of the Romanian Orthodox Church in the Orthodox-Catholic dialogue.
ŞERBAN TURCUŞ
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