History is in the making.
During the first millenium of Chiristianity, thinigs were going rather well, but in 1066 there occurred what is referred to as the great schism. Since that time, the Church of the East (known also as the Oriental Church) and the Church of the West (referred to by most as the Roman Church) have been separated.
While the Western Church recognizes the primacy of the Bishop of Rome, meaning he is seen as the head of the Church, the Eastern Church (those we refer to as the Orthodox) do not. Instead their leader is the Patriarch of Constantinople.
For almost a millenium, the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Bishop of Rome (who by the way once also held the title Patriarch of the West), weren't on speaking terms. Only during the pontificate of John Paul II did the ice seem to melt a bit, and the two finally met face to face. Since that time, discussion has taken place from time to time between the two, thanks to lots of politics which is no doubt going on in the back rooms of the respective Churches.
Yesterday, the Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople met with Benedict XVI in the Vatican. This is the third such meeting during the current pope's pontificate. Discussions such as these are encouraging signs of promise that some day there might be hope of reunification. How long this process will take is still unknown, but little by little, steps are being taken. Like most negotiations, this is a fragile process and must be handled with care. The possibilities are encouraging but there is still a long road ahead.
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