As a contribution to the sturdy process Towards a Common Understanding and Vision of the World Council of Churches, this book calls on Orthodox Christians to take stock of their ecumenical experience and renew their commitment to the unity of the church as a joint effort of drawing nearer to Christ and carrying his cross together. By doing so the author believes they will make a dynamic and essential contribution to the life of the WCC in the 21st century. The book explores the biblical and theological presuppositions of and requirements for visible unity and draws on a wide range of documents books and articles by Orthodox leaders to suggest a way forward. In his concluding chapter the author looks at hierarchy of truths as a method in the quest for unity; the implications of Orthodox canon law for ecumenism; and recent proposals for a 'pre-conciliar' gathering of all churches to mark the dawning of a new millennium.