BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — The new head of the Serbian Orthodox Church is urging dialogue to overcome long-standing divisions with Roman Catholics.
Patriarch Irinej says a 2013 anniversary important to Christians would be a “good opportunity … to meet and talk.” That year marks 1700 years since Roman emperor Constantine the Great signed the Edict of Milan to establish religious tolerance for Christians.
Serbia’s patriarch has suggested that the ceremony to mark the anniversary could be held in the Serbian city of Nis, emperor Constantine’s birthplace.
The 80-year-old Irinej was elected last week to become the 45th Serbian patriarch.