POPE RECALLS ORIENTAL CHRISTIANS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 6, 2000 (VIS) - Following the ordination in the Vatican basilica of 12 new bishops from various countries, John Paul II addressed pilgrims who had gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Epiphany of the Lord. Speaking from his study window and prior to praying the angelus, he recalled that today's feast indicates the appearance of Christ to all peoples and "highlights the Church's universal vocation."

The Holy Father went on to refer to Christians in the East "where my brothers in the faith, the Patriarchs of the Orthodox Churches in Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem, Moscow and Romania, live and announce the Gospel." I trust that "the light of Christ, whose birth they are celebrating at this time, brings them an abundance of all those things that reinforce the proclamation of the one Gospel of salvation."

John Paul II wished a happy Christmas, prosperity and happiness to the Orthodox Churches and the Oriental Catholic Churches, who celebrate Christ's birth on January 7. "I do so, participating in spirit with the song of their Liturgies and sharing the many gifts that the Lord has given them in their traditions, traditions that enrich the Church of Christ."

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