In a world of military conflict and social polarisation, the Nicene Creed and ecumenical dialogue can provide everyone with the ability to, “walk together even if we do not stand together at the Eucharistic table,” according to Associate Professor Philip Kariatlis of St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College.
Even with the inclement weather and rail disruptions which gripped Sydney for much of the day, about 50 people came together to experience Dr Kariatlis’ lecture titled “Walking Together Side by Side in Open Dialogue and Mutual Solidarity,” in the second installment of the Scholarship at the Cathedral public lectures for 2025.
Dr Kariatlis began the evening at St Mary’s Cathedral College Chapter Hall on 20 May by discussing the upcoming 1700th anniversary of the installation of the Nicene Creed. He said it was a milestone he believes can also reveal to the Roman Catholic and Orthodox faiths the achievements which can be made when working together.
“The Nicene Creed stands not only as a confession of faith but has, across the centuries, served as a common and unified proclamation of the Christian message,” said Dr Kariatlis.
“That the Nicene Creed has stood through the trials of history can surely be attributed to the unifying role of the Holy Spirit itself.”
Dr Kariatlis also provided personal testimony of what he believed to be “Christ’s ecumenical mandate,” that he first discovered at St Andrews when he himself was a student.
“I remember the college had invited both of the co-chairs of the joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue [in 1980] between the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Church,” said Dr Kariatlis.
“What struck me at the time, and continues to resonate deeply to this day was the gentle and profoundly human way in which they sought to dissuade the divide between us, and the joy I had felt as a result.”
Dr Kariatlis also held a Q&A forum afterwards, reflecting on the potential for reunification between the two churches, particularly with the recent election of Pope Leo XIV.
“I’m not sure if we can ever answer whether the pope has the ability to ever further the potential for reunification,” said Dr Kariatlis.
“But what I can say is that, with both the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church celebrating Easter at the same time this year, a little quirk of the calendar, something that the latter has spoken of recently has been about taking these first steps and celebrating Easter together, which would be great.”
Bishop Richard Umbers said the need for efforts to support ecumenism in the cause of Christian unity is “beginning to blossom right here in Sydney” among Christians from “across the spectrum.”
“I think the force of secularism, something that Dr Kariatlis touched on in his speech, is something that makes us see each other as brothers and sisters in a way, which is beautiful.”
Carlo, a first-time attendee from St Joachim’s church at Lidcombe, said he was hopeful about Pope Leo’s efforts, prior to his papal election, in ecumenism.
“The Holy Father is known for working in parts of the Vatican that deal with ecumenism, not just with our Orthodox brothers and sisters but also the protestants,” said Carlo.
“I think it is very reassuring that we’re seeing him dialogue with the [Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I].”
Aidan, also from St Joachim’s, echoed Bishop Umbers’ observation of a growing desire for ecumenism in Sydney.
“Scholarship at the Cathedral is a bit different in that I’ve seen a lot of prayer groups between the Catholic and Orthodox churches, but nothing too academic,” said Aidan.
“It’s been clear that everyone has their place with Christ, and that we should extend a hand out to these communities to try and come together more often than not.”
Scholarship at the Cathedral is an initiative of the Catholic Archdiocese Sydney in partnership with The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Institute for Ethics and Society.