An absolutely must read account of the Vicar of Christ on Earth and the Eccumenical Patriarch of Constantinople’s participation in a Divine Liturgy.

Bartholomew ascends to the iconostasis and welcomes Benedict in Greek. Benedict, aware of the cameras surrounding him, replies in English. We must, he says, recall Europe to its Christian heritage before it is too late — and we must do it together. Then they emerge into the cold sunlight of a cold day. They ascend to a balcony overlooking the courtyard where we gather in expectation. They speak briefly. And then, they clasp hands, Pope and Patriarch, smile and raise their arms together. Tears come to my eyes, and I am shocked to see several media personnel crying openly. For an instant, the Church is one. For a shadow of a second, the dreams of Christendom are again real.

Under the Turkish guns, the Christians roar.

Several hundred years from now, this may be looked back upon as a real turning point in history of the West & East. The Papal office arguably has retaken a role it has not had in several centuries, chief defender of Christendom. Let us all pray for the unity of all Christians.