---
title: Möhler-Institut marks 25 years of Orthodox Christian dialogue
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/mohler-institut-marks-25-years-of-orthodox-christian-dialogue
published: 2026-10-14T14:49:36+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://www.domradio.de/artikel/moehler-institutsdirektor-blickt-auf-25-jahre-arbeitsfeld-orthodoxie
organizations: Möhler-Institut, Irenaeus Circle, International Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue Commission
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Möhler-Institut marks 25 years of Orthodox Christian dialogue

The Möhler-Institut for Ecumenism in Paderborn celebrated 25 years of its Orthodox Christian dialogue program. The institute's director, Johannes Oeldemann, reflected on the milestones and challenges of ecumenism during this period. The program has been supported by a scientific employee and a secretary, each working half-time. Oeldemann participates in Orthodox liturgy several times a year, drawn to its sensory and intellectual engagement, describing it as an experience of 'a piece of heaven on earth.' One of the program's notable achievements is the establishment of the Irenaeus Circle, an unofficial Orthodox-Catholic working group founded in 2004. This group has gained international recognition and its 2018 study has been translated into over 10 languages, cited more than 30 times in a 2024 document by the papal unity dicastery.

Oeldemann also highlighted significant moments in global Catholic-Orthodox dialogue, including the 2014 meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew in Jerusalem, and key documents issued by the International Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue Commission in 2007, 2016, and 2023. The 2016 Council of Crete, where the Orthodox Church reaffirmed its commitment to ecumenical dialogue, was also noted as a crucial event.

Oeldemann suggested that the Catholic Church could learn from the Orthodox Church's approach to synodality, emphasizing the importance of having a good moderator for effective synodal functioning.

## This story in other languages

- [Svenska](https://www.faithfulnews.com/sv/mohler-institutsdirektor-blickar-pa-25-ar-inom-arbetsfaltet-orthodoxie)
- [Polski](https://www.faithfulnews.com/pl/dyrektor-instytutu-mohler-podsumowuje-25-lat-pracy-nad-prawoslawiem)
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