Some notes on Archbishop Basil (Krivoshein)'s attitude toward interchristian contacts (based on letters to Archpriest George Florovsky)

Abstract

This article analyzes the attitude of Archbishop Basil (Krivoshein) of Brussels and Belgium (1900–1985) toward interchristian relations. The main source used is the archbishop's letters to Archpriest George Florovsky (1893–1979). Both knew each other for several decades and corresponded regularly. Analysis of this correspondence provides insight into Archbishop Basil’s position on various issues of church life, including the development of interconfessional dialogue and ecumenical activity. As shown in the article, Archbishop Basil regarded his involvement in this sphere as a duty entrusted to him, but due to a number of circumstances repeatedly noted in the article, he did it without unreasonably high expectations and without great personal enthusiasm. Nevertheless, he used the opportunities provided by ecumenical and international academic contacts to spread the theological position of the Orthodox Church. Archbishop Basil emphasized by his external church activities the paramount importance of the theological component of inter-Christian interaction, as well as the importance of Orthodox witness in the face of the non-Orthodox world.