Conditions set for pope's Russia visit

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Houston Chronicle
Orthodox leader says Vatican must renounce eastern expansion efforts
By BRIAN MURPHY
Associated Press

ATHENS, GREECE - A long-desired trip by Pope John Paul II to Russia could only occur if the Vatican renounces efforts to expand Rome-affiliated churches in traditional Christian Orthodox areas, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church said.

The condition set by Patriarch Alexy II �Econtained in a reply to questions from the Associated Press �Ereinforces previous statements and suggests Russian Orthodox leaders have not been swayed by recent Vatican overtures that have included the return of an important icon and the relics of two Orthodox saints.

Before a papal visit to Russia can be considered, "it is essential to renounce the proselytism which is being carried out . . . by numerous representatives of the Catholic clergy," Alexy wrote.

Eastern Rite churches �Ewhich retain Orthodox traditions but are loyal to the Vatican �Eare one of the thorniest issues blocking attempts to heal the nearly 1,000-year-old division between the world's 1 billion Roman Catholics and more than 200 million Orthodox.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/world/2993633