The Pillar Podcast Ep. 239: Turkey in Turkey, and unity with the Orthodox
Nov 26, 2025
The discussion kicks off with Pope Leo XIV's apostolic letter on ecumenism, sparking a deep dive into the complex relationship between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Topics like the historical councils, intra-Orthodox divisions, and the influence of nationalism on faith are brilliantly dissected. The hosts also lighten the mood with Thanksgiving games, ranking seasonal dishes and sharing personal anecdotes, offering a delightful mix of theology and holiday cheer.
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Pope Leo's Thanksgiving And The Bulls
- JD Flynn recounts priests telling him Pope Leo loves Thanksgiving and used to make turkey and host priests to watch the Bulls.
- The story illustrates the pope's personal affection for American Thanksgiving traditions.
A New Push For Orthodox Ecumenism
- Pope Leo XIII's apostolic letter urges an ecumenism that moves beyond old theological disputes toward Trinitarian and sacramental unity.
- JD Flynn and Ed Condon see this as a real moment to pray and act with Orthodox leaders toward deeper communion.
Adopt Humility In Ecumenical Talks
- Approach theological dialogue with humility and mutual docility to shared revelation rather than triumphalism.
- Flynn and Condon suggest this posture makes genuine sacramental conversations more possible.