Greek-Orthodox Archpriest: Don’t Touch Traditional Latin Mass!

AldoMariaValli.it published an interview with Vasilios Koutsourás who is presented as a Greek-orthodox archpriest. Koutsourás is telling the Catholics to preserve the ancient Roman Liturgy. He explains that this is one of the oldest rites of the universal Church. The Roman Canon, which is virtually never used in the New Rite, is likely of apostolic origin.

According to Koutsourás, the ecumenical dialogue between the Church and the Orthodox should be based on the ancient dogmatic, patristic and liturgical texts, especially those of the first millennium, the time before the split. Quote, “In these texts, one can find the foundations for a path towards Christian unity and for a spirit of mutual respect.” Therefore, Koutsourás says, the Roman liturgy and its revaluation by the Pope is necessary on the path of dialogue, both because of the sacredness it exudes and because of its antiquity.

The modern liturgical developments in the Catholic Church – in order words: the New Rite - are met with “deep perplexity” and even with suspicion by the Eastern Churches, in terms of their authorship, value and pastoral and catechetical fruitfulness, Koutsourás explains. He adds that the innumerable liturgical abuses in the Catholic liturgy- he calls them “tragicomic cases” – which can be seen on the internet, confirm the perplexity and scepticism with which most Orthodox observe the present Catholic liturgy and the consequences it has for the spiritual life of the faithful.

For Koutsourás’, the Roman Rite is a great spiritual, cultural and religious treasure. This is testified by the countless number of saints who have sanctified themselves with it. Its contribution to European culture is confirmed in every city and town, in every church and museum of the West. Koutsourás stresses how Holy Mass inspired music, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, miniature and all aspects of human culture.

Secularized humanity needs the presence of the sacred in their lives. Koutsourás explains this so, “The ancient Roman liturgical tradition achieved this in the best and most effective way! It helped people to adore together with the angels and saints the Lord of glory and, at the same time, it initiated them into the great mysteries of the Christian faith."