Russian Orthodox Church was pleased with Benedict’s ecumenism and looks forward to working with his replacment

Patriarchate of Moscow

The Russian Orthodox Church made some comments about the last and next pope:

Metropolitan Hilarion aptly noted the positive trend in relations between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches that had taken place following the ascension of Ratzinger to the Holy See. “It is hoped that his successor will continue along the same path, so that the relationship between Orthodox and Catholic Christians further develops for the common good of all Christendom,” said the metropolitan.Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia also praised the pope’s action. In his opinion, “Pope Benedict XVI’s position on the most pressing issues of our time is worthy of respect, as is his steadfast upholding of the apostolic tradition.” This statement was erroneously reported in the press as a comment on the pope’s abdication, when, in fact, the patriarch had made the assessment a few days earlier.

In conversation with RBTH, experts from both sides of the divide agreed that relations with the ROC will not deteriorate, regardless of the identity of the new pope.

“The Catholic Church has always seen its most important task in deepening the ecclesiastical communion and ecumenical dialogue. Unity is achievable, but it is difficult to predict when it will happen: are we talking about the near future or centuries hence? The election of a new pope will not alter that perspective,” says the Rev. Kirill Gorbunov, director of the information service of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow.

Of course, the identity of the new pope will be of significance. http://rbth.ru/society/2013/02/28/new_pope_doesnt_threaten_orthodox-catholic_ties_23355.html

Ecumenism is a threat to the world. The Bible shows that the false prophet, who supports the Beast of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-10) and final King of the North (Daniel 11:28-45), will be successful in getting people in the world to worship (Revelation 13:4,8) in a different way (cf. Daniel 11:36-38). And certain Catholic prophecies suggest that this leader will try to suggest that this way is the original catholic faith, which it will not be. It will likely call itself Catholic. Yet, according to biblical and Catholic prophecies, he will betray the city of seven hills (Rome).

Notice some Catholic prophecies:

Frederick William Faber (died 1863):…Antichrist…Many believe in a demonical incarnation—this will not be so—but he will be utterly possessed…His doctrine as apparent contradiction of no religion, yet a new religion…He has an attending pontiff, so separating regal and prophetic office (Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 87).

Anna-Katarina Emmerick (October 1, 1820): The Church is in great danger…The Protestant doctrine and that of the schismatic Greeks are to spread everywhere. I now see that in this place (Rome) the (Catholic) Church is being so cleverly undermined, that there hardly remain a hundred or so priests who have not been deceived. They all work for the destruction, even the clergy. A great destruction is now at hand…

(April 22, 1823): I saw that many pastors allowed themselves to be taken up with ideas that were dangerous to the Church. They were building a great, strange, and extravagant Church. Everyone was admitted in it in order to be united and to have equal rights: Evangelicals, Catholics, sects of every description. Such was to be the new Church (Dupont, pp. 66, 71).

Priest O’Connor (20th century?): This final false prophet will be a bishop of the church and will lead all religions into becoming one. (The False Prophet. Living in the Final Generation. http://www.geocities.com/rebornempowered/ApparitionsofMary.htm 10/12/07)

Priest H. Kramer (20th century): In the vision of the Seer now appears a second beast rising out of the earth, having two horns like a lamb but speaking like a dragon…In other places he is called the false prophet…This prophet may re-establish the pagan Roman Empire and build the “Great Harlot”, Babylon… The False Prophet…will persuade all infidels, apostates and apostate nations to worship and adore him…Antichrist “sitteth in the temple of God” (I Thes. II. 4). This is not the ancient Temple in Jerusalem…this temple is shown to be a Catholic Church…The False Prophet will proclaim the resurrection of the Roman Empire. (Kramer H., p. 318,320-323)

Bishop Malachy (12th century): In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End. (Devine, Prophecy. The Catholic Encyclopedia).

Thus, while some Catholic prophecies praise a new religious order, many others indicate that a new type of “Catholicism” will be false to that religion. This also seems to be consistent with an Orthodox understanding of the last false religious power coming from Rome:

Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos (20th century): The army of Antichrist is made up of the worldly powers, mainly the Roman Empire, symbolized by the two beasts and the harlot woman (Rev. 11:7; 13:1-17; cf. Dan. 7:11-12)… The final confrontation with evil is presented in chapters 19 and 20…The war is waged by the beast and the false prophet. Both of these are organs of Satan, representing the political and religious authority of Rome (Rev. 13:1-18). (Gerasimos, Bishop. At the End of Time: The Eschatological Expectations of the Church. Holy Cross Orthodox Press. October 5, 2004, pp. 28-29)

Whatever new order that the final pope helps implement will not be faithful to the teachings of Christ or His original faithful followers. Nor beneficial for Russia.

Prophecy suggests that more in Europe will be inclined towards a compromised Greco-Roman faith that will be sort of a compromise between many highly tradition-based faiths, like the Russian Orthodox and others.

And related to this, for a while, I believe that the Russian Orthodox Church will support, at least to a degree, the ecumenical religion that the Vatican will change into. But, ultimately, the Russian Orthodox Church will turn against that and likely encourage the Russian leadership later in the 21st century to turn against what will have risen up in Europe.

Many end time events aligning with Bible prophecy.

Those interested in learning more may wish to study the following articles:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Will Pope Benedict’s resignation lead to the prophesied Antichrist? YouTube video. Will the pope that succeeds Pope Benedict XVI fulfill biblical and non-biblical prophecies? What about Pope Benedict himself? Pope Benedict XVI resigned his pontificate effective February 28, 2013. Might his resignation lead to the fulfillment of prophecy? Might his resignation lead to the prophesied Antichrist according to biblical and Catholic prophecies? Do Catholic prophecies foretell of an antipope as the next pope? Is the Peter the Roman of the Malachy prophecies the next pope? Is there a 6,000 year plan? Is the 6,000 year almost up?
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics as unifying will make them part of the final end time Babylon (according to both biblical and Roman Catholic prophecy).
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast?
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?