Message from the General Secretary of the WCC
The agenda of this meeting and the papers read by the participants will help the ecumenical movement deepen its understanding of life in Christ
Geneva, 13 September 2007
“….. a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen;- listen to him!’..”
(Luke 9: 34-35)
Eminent Reverends of the Monastery,
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Members of the Community
Distinguished Participants of the 15th International Ecumenical Conference
The Transfigured Christ in Orthodox Spiritual Tradition is the theme of the conference you will be reflecting upon with distinguished representatives of the Orthodox Church. Unfortunately, I will not be able to be with you on these days but my prayers and thoughts will be with you. Transfiguration is the self-revelation of Triune God. It aims at the transformation and renewal of humanity and creation. Transfiguration is the heart of Orthodox spirituality. The Orthodox churches place a particular emphasis on the community and the cosmic dimensions of spirituality, without ignoring the personal dimension. Transfiguration is also missionary engagement: it is the Fathers’ sending the Son to the world in the power of the Holy Spirit. Because Jesus was transfigured for the transfiguration of the world, the ecumenical movement must give special importance to life-centred spirituality.