An Uncomfortable Question for Constantinople

A major scandal has erupted in Italy. Catholic hierarchs in Rome and the Diocese of Ventimiglia-Sanremo canceled the planned funeral services for two men after it became known that they were active members of Masonic lodges.

According to Helleniscope, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome, prohibited a funeral service for musician Bruno Battisti D’Amario. The decision was made after the “Grand Orient of Italy” lodge publicly referred to the deceased as one of its “outstanding brothers.” A day later, Bishop Antonio Suetta canceled a similar service for Mario Tarducci in Camporosso, citing the norms of canon law and a Roman precedent.

The incident raised extremely uncomfortable questions for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which have recently been actively declaring their desire for rapprochement and unity with Rome.

It is well known that the Orthodox Church has officially condemned Freemasonry. In practice, however, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America maintains close ties with AHEPA, an organization that was historically structured along the lines of Masonic lodges and employed corresponding initiation rituals. Moreover, many lay leaders of American Orthodoxy, including archons of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, are simultaneously members of Masonic lodges.

“If Constantinople is so eager for unity with Rome, will it follow the Vatican’s example on this issue?” asks the author of the article, Nick Stamatakis.
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