By Bro. Michael Dimond, O.S.B.
Read more of Benedict XVI’s Recent Heresies

Benedict XVI’s December 5, 2008 Telegram to the “Holy” Synod of the Russian “Orthodox” Church after the death of the “Patriarch” of Moscow Alexei II: “I was profoundly saddened to receive news of the death of His Holiness Alexei II, Patriarch of Moscow and of All the Russians, and with fraternal affection I wish to convey to the Holy Synod and to all the Members of the Russian Orthodox Church my most sincere condolences, assuring you of my spiritual closeness at this very sad time. In my prayer I beseech the Lord to welcome into his Kingdom of eternal peace and joy this tireless servant, and to grant consolation and comfort to all those who mourn his passing. Mindful of the common commitment to the path of mutual understanding and cooperation between Orthodox and Catholics, I am pleased to recall the efforts of the late Patriarch for the rebirth of the Church, after the severe ideological oppression which led to the martyrdom of so many witnesses to the Christian faith. I also recall his courageous battle for the defense of human and Gospel values, especially in the European Continent, and I trust that his commitment will bear fruit in peace and genuine progress, human, social and spiritual. At this sad time of loss, as his mortal remains are consigned to the earth in the sure hope of resurrection, may the memory of this servant of the Gospel of Christ be a support for those who are now in sorrow and an encouragement for those who will benefit from his spiritual legacy as leader of the venerable Russian Orthodox Church. With fraternal affection in the Risen Lord, Benedictus PP. XVI” [1]

Quoted above is the entire letter from Benedict XVI to the schismatic synod of the Russian “Orthodox” Church. As usual, Benedict XVI refers to the schismatic leader as “Holiness” and to the schismatic synod as “holy.” He then describes the recently deceased schismatic leader as “this tireless servant” and says that he was responsible “for the rebirth of the Church.” Benedict XVI closes out his letter by talking about the schismatic’s “spiritual legacy” and how the schismatic was a “servant of the Gospel of Christ.” He also calls the schismatic church “venerable.” This letter is blatantly heretical. It is just more proof that Benedict XVI believes in universal salvation and total religious indifferentism.

Benedict XVI’s December 7, 2008 Reflection after the Angelus: “H.H. [His Holiness] Alexei II, Patriarch of Moscow and all the Russians, died a few days ago. Let us join our Orthodox brethren in prayer to commend his soul to the goodness of the Lord so that he may welcome him into his Kingdom of light and peace.” [2]

He tells people to join schismatics in prayer to honor the leader of the schismatic church.

Benedict XVI’s November 26, 2008 Message to “His Holiness” “Orthodox” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I: “To His Holiness Bartholomew I Archbishop of Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarch – ‘Grace to you and peace from God the Father’ (Gal 1:3). It is with deep joy that I address these words of Saint Paul to Your Holiness, the Holy Synod and all the Orthodox clergy and lay people… In the course of the year we have been blessed three times by the presence of Your Holiness in Rome… These experiences of encounter and shared prayer contribute to an increase in our commitment to attain the goal of our ecumenical journey. In this same spirit, Your Holiness has informed me of the positive outcome of the Synaxis of the Primates and Representatives of the Orthodox Churches, which took place recently at the Phanar. The hopeful signs which emerged for inter-Orthodox relations and ecumenical engagement have been welcomed with joy.”[3]

Benedict XVI again calls a schismatic leader “Holiness” numerous times. He also states that he and the fellow members of his church have been “blessed” to be visited by the schismatic leader.