Bishop Bill in Bari
In January 2026, Bishop Bill Pezzutti and Deacon Rosie Pezzutti attended a dialogue with Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox leaders in Bari, Italy. The gathering was hosted by the “Comunita Di Gesu”, and led by Matteo Calisi who has been friends with Bishop Bill since 2012.
There were a number amazing and thoughtful speakers from each of the three traditions. The focus of the dialogue was Unity in the body of Christ as well as on John 17: 21 and how we can work to achieve, at least, relational unity so that the world may know Christ.
One particularly moving talk was given by Archbishop Nikitas, the leader of the Orthodox church in Europe, he spoke on Communion and the building of community in the midst of diversity. He was very forthright and honest about the opportunities and challenges we will encounter as we seek to work together in unity so that the Kingdom of Christ can be advanced in the world.
St. Nicholas’ Basilica
The final night ended with a visit to the Basilica di San Nicola, which houses the relics of St. Nicholas. The basilica is jointly owned by the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. The group also visited a small Orthodox parish were Bishop Nikitas shared some of the history and tradition of the Orthodox church; concluding with a joint service in the Cathedral of San Sabino. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of the diocese of Bari, Giuseppe Satriano led the service. The message was all centered-on Unity in the Body of Christ. It was a time of worship and prayer.
Members of One Body
There were many highlights at the gathering but the most important was the opportunity to pray for one another, get to know one another on a personal level and understand the successes and trials we all face as we try to work together as ONE. The attendants celebrated the Eucharist together one morning, which Bishop Bill notes was an incredibly special moment.
Message from Bishop Bill
“It was clear to me that the Father is moving to see unity in HIS body. It will probably never be institutional unity but it will be relational unity based on love and humility. We praise God for the opportunity to be part of seeing Jesus’s prayer fulfilled.
Your friends. +Bill and Rosie”
