Orthodox - Catholic meeting in Moscow

Moscow, May 14 (Interfax) - Archbishop Hilarion of Volokolamsk exchanged views on relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church with Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the apostolic nuncio to Russia.

The meeting took place at Archbishop Mennini's request at the St. Daniel Monastery in Moscow and passed "in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and openness," the Russian Orthodox Church reported on its official website.

The parties discussed relations between Orthodox believers and Catholics in Russia and also practical issues concerning the work of the Joint Orthodox-Catholic Theological Commission on Dialogue and the activity of a joint working group on problems in relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

During the meeting, the parties emphasized the importance of combined efforts in protecting traditional Christian values.

Archbishop Mennini also handed Archbishop Hilarion letters from Secretary of the Holy See Secretariat of State Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, and Holy See Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.