Comments Posted By Amos
Displaying 181 To 210 Of 342 Comments
Does the Episcopal Assembly Believe in Liberty?
Carl,
Shame on you. Again we are treated to the exposition of a drunk monastic, out of control, a public spectacle of his own weakness due to his additions. Under the influence of booze he acted badly. But, for you to then add insult to injury by trying to infer there was a sexual relationship is wrong.
People can read into any situation what they want to see and maybe that is what you are doing here. It appears that the warden in Kodiak sees what she believes.
On the other hand, Mark is not ashamed of his lifestyle and his relationship with his partner. He has been open with his own family (son-in-law, Steven Brown) and friends, so let God be the judge. He has never sworn himself to a celibate lifestyle, which he has shared with his friends. Again, let God be the judge.
Bishop Nikolai is no longer a diocesan bishop. He has no means of support. He was been blocked at every turn by Bishop Benjamin for even being present at parishes in the DOW or the city in which he lives. Does he deserve such treatment? God knows but again what we see in the OCA is a hot desire for “justice” and precious little mercy.
I am very glad that Bishop Benjamin lifted the suspension of Isidore and allows him to be part of church life in Oregon, even if only in one parish. I wish he would show some mercy toward Bishop Nikolai and allow him to at least receive the Holy Mysteries in OCA DOW. Set whatever limits he wishes, that is his responsibility, but to treat a brother Bishop like a leper, it says more about Benjamin then it does Nikolai.
You have offered us again the public sin of a fellow Christian in Fr Isidore. Congratulations. I am sure we are all better for your efforts and for the whole world to see how we act.
Yes, I have much to answer for also in my less than temperate comments made here, and God will be the judge. I pray He is more merciful than His Bishops in the OCA.
» Posted By Amos On February 2, 2012 @ 3:49 pm
Yurij,
You appear to be a person who’s impressions are sound.
» Posted By Amos On February 2, 2012 @ 9:48 am
Why would such an impressive potential candidate be passed over by his home Midwest Diocese? There must be a known reason in the Midwest? As I recall he was looked at by the South and passed over.
» Posted By Amos On January 29, 2012 @ 9:12 pm
Yeah, that was poorly written. If Velencia is suspended he has less to lose in going after the OCA in general with another lawsuit. I hope that is clearer.
» Posted By Amos On January 29, 2012 @ 3:17 pm
http://dockets.justia.com/docket/maryland/mddce/1:2012cv00237/198133/
» Posted By Amos On January 29, 2012 @ 11:41 am
For those of you interested, here is the posted legal filing of Fr. R. Velencia vs. Drezlo et al. http://dockets.justia.com/docket/maryland/mddce/1:2012cv00237/198133/
Also I have learned that Met. Jonah suspended Fr Velenica for filing the lawsuit because it included another priest. That is to be expected but by suspending Velenica he has one less reason to now go after Jonah, the Synod and the OCA albeit made much more difficult by the recent Supreme Court ruling which basically says that internal Church discipline rules are beyond the secular courts to interfere. )
» Posted By Amos On January 29, 2012 @ 11:37 am
Oh Carl. Relax. I love everyone but that does not mean that I have to respect everyone nor for that matter like them.
» Posted By Amos On January 28, 2012 @ 7:20 pm
Well if Fr Mel becomes a bishop his psychotherapeutic skills can be applied at every Synod meeting. Wait, forget that idea. I think I just answered my own question. With those skills he won’t be welcome as a Synod member. Scratch him off the list.
» Posted By Amos On January 28, 2012 @ 1:50 pm
Helga,
I don’t think that the ROC will let Fr. Irenei Steenberg go. He is an “up and comer” and they have their eye on him for bigger things. As for Fr. Gerasim, yes, he would seem to be the best fit and I respect him for staying at SVS for three full years and not take some quick program so that he could be made a bishop. The OCA did that all too often. Gerasim was humble enough to conclude that he didn’t know as much as he though when he entered SVS and thought it best to stay for the full program.
Now, of course, Stan will drag out his old Fr. Gleb P. dead horse. Stan is so obsessed with Fr Gleb that he has tied this sad character to all sorts of folks. Almost daily he states that Frederica Matthews-Green (Freddie MG) and Rod Dreher were Gleb associates. Dreher never met Fr. Gleb nor did Kh. Frederica. But let’s not let the truth get in the way. I think he even concluded that Fr David Brum knew Fr. Gleb. Another of his wild claims. Of course, all of this is done with callous intent to defame Met. Jonah as he rails against converts.
The South needs a bishop, that is for sure. So does Canada, Alaska and soon the Albanians and New England. Let us pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send good men and soon!
» Posted By Amos On January 28, 2012 @ 1:43 pm
The Orthodox Forum IMHO is a cesspool of mean-spirited ideas and comments. It has demeaned and hurt so many people and caused spiritual harm. Why Bishop Benjamin won’t stand up and tell Fr Regan to shut that site down is a mystery. You are right it is sad, but which is worse, a cleric having no other alternative than the civil courts for redress or a bishop who is not tending his own flock?
» Posted By Amos On January 28, 2012 @ 10:21 am
Antonia,
LOL. Of course he can travel but Benjamin won’t let his name be entertained for the office of Bishop. I am sure he did an outstanding job at the retreat.
» Posted By Amos On January 28, 2012 @ 10:14 am
Helga,
I think the reason for the delay in the nomination of a bishop for the South is that there are no acceptable candidates. I think the Synod would love to dump Maymon on us, what other reason is there for him still lurking around the Diocese. One can only hope that his calamitous tenure as the DOS administrator will not soon be forgotten. But beyond him, there are still no available candidates.Two of the best have been barred from consideration; Benjamin won’t let Archimandrite Meletios Webber out of his monastery in Manton and Nathaniel won’t let Archpriest Callinic Berger out of the ROEA.
As for Stan, well given that Fr Ray Velencia has brought a multi-million suit against him, Stokoe, Fr Michael Regan (Orthodox Forum), Sakoda and Larson (Pokrov) in Federal Court for defamation of character, it should be interesting to see if Stan current bluster will be toned down. Others are looking very closely at this suit and how it unfolds which may determine if they too use the courts to right wrongs.
Stan lashed out at Bp. Matthias because not because Stokoe’s lifestyle, but because he had the guts to take on Stokoe to shut down his site. Stokoe also knew that the Velencia suit was coming, a major reason why his site went dark. Kudos to the Bishop of Chicago and the Midwest and to Monomahkos for shining the light in dark places.
» Posted By Amos On January 28, 2012 @ 9:38 am
Jane Rachel,
In God’s good time. In this world is of little consequence. In His Kingdom, well, that is quite another matter. Not sure if pigs fly in the Kingdom, but it would not surprise me!
» Posted By Amos On January 27, 2012 @ 9:10 pm
StephenD,
Isidore Brittain was NEVER the partner of Bp. Nikolai. NEVER. So don’t try and connect dots that do not exist. Brittain a confessed alcoholic in recovery and as part of his recovery made amends to Nikolai but those amends were used against both he and Nikolai by Benjamin, Oleska, Stokoe and others in their efforts to harm both Brittain and Nikolai.
Nikon won’t do anything because he is too close to Bp. Mark Forsberg and to Ab. Nathaniel. And I won’t speak too ill of Nikon since he is dying. But, the outrage of Burke is still killing the spirit of the Church in Miami.
Believe me, Cone and Dreher are no novices when it comes to “looking under their own noses.”
Keep your focus on the compromised bishops of the OCA and you will have more than enough to keep you busy for years to come.
» Posted By Amos On January 27, 2012 @ 8:28 pm
Yurij,
Is your question asked in the form of an answer?
» Posted By Amos On January 27, 2012 @ 8:15 pm
Helga,
And I doubt that they will do anything to the email thief Maymon either. He just waits in south Florida and curries favor in an attempt to lull the DOS into thinking he is a worthy successor to Ab. Dmitri.
No priest in the DOS should feel safe as long as he is hanging around the diocese. Jonah, send Maymon to Baltimore where he belongs. Your auxiliary bishop who has never visited his See. What an example of obedience.
As for the gay priest in DC, his name has been mentioned here many times. As for the other, it might be best for Jonah to wake up and do his due diligence before it is too late.
» Posted By Amos On January 27, 2012 @ 5:13 pm
The divorced/homo priest lived about as openly gay with his partner “W.” as you could. It was well known in his parish and Bishop Peter just “winked” at his lifestyle. Jillions knew and never objected and in fact now confesses that this priest was one of his mentors. Shall we cut to the chase, Jillions is openly pro-gay clergy, along with Arida, Wheeler (Jillions brother-in-law). Remember the We Are Their Legacy website.
The OCA is so compromised on this issue that it simply won’t deal with it. Bishop Michael has a gay clergy couple right under his nose in his diocese. Nathaniel protects a notorious gay priest in his diocese. Nikon openly defends his pal Bishop Mark Forsberg and his pal “deacon” Gregory Burke. And very sad to say, Jonah too who would not deal with his openly gay priest in his own cathedral. And worse, he wants to bring another priest to his cathedral with a most notorious gay background.
I remember Jonah once saying that he had a “zero-tolerance” for gay clergy and clergy who misbehaved, “if you drop your pants, you lose your priesthood.” The OCA has a long history of ignoring gay clergy in their ranks, including bishops. Now we have a chancellor who points to an openly gay priest as one of his mentors. Any wonder why the OCA is Costa Concordia of Orthodox Churches and has lost its standing in the Orthodox world.
As far as gay clergy in the OCA, you can bet that Jillions will use lots of grease so that they all get to slide right on past any trouble.
» Posted By Amos On January 27, 2012 @ 9:01 am
On what basis are you saying that the Texas Orthodox convert ratio is exaggerated? What statistics are you quoting to reach such a conclusion? I would be interested in your sources. Thank you.
» Posted By Amos On January 25, 2012 @ 10:03 am
Another Missed Opportunity by the Episcopal (Non) Assembly
There is no inter-jurisdictional fast track in Orthodoxy in general and in particular in the USA. None!
» Posted By Amos On February 3, 2012 @ 5:43 pm
Peter, Helga, George,
You make a good suggestion but in so offering you reveal the absolute weakness we Orthodox suffer here in the USA. How would such a suggestion, or mandate be facilitated? Who makes the call? Certainly the Statement by the EA is good, but unless and until we are ONE united Church, with a First Hierarch who can direct all Bishops to instruct their clergy to read such a statement, we just limp along and throw stones at the attempt at baby steps that is the Episcopal Assembly.
We decry that the Catholics and others got out their protest statement in a timely manner yet who actually is covering the day-to-day work of the EA? What staff of workers? Check it out? There is no staff, just a couple of people. So if we really are serious about administrative unity in the land, should we not put our money where out mouth is?
I can tell you that this Statement had to be drafted, then sent to every bishop, then that bishop had to check with his Primate, then wait for a response then hand those all around until we have what we have. That takes time and in the meantime we wring our hands that we are so slow. We are slow because we are not united.
Will we be one united Church here in the USA? God knows, I don’t. But lets not be surprised when the EA is slow on the uptake when we don’t wish to fund it properly so that people can respond in as timely a manner as possible.
» Posted By Amos On February 2, 2012 @ 4:39 pm
Metropolitan Jonah Speaks on Orthodox Unity in Texas
Monk James,
Although you are correct in stating what the penalties are for bearing false witness adn bringing false charges in a spiritual court and the benefit of not having the two bishops you name on the Synod, it may be that because these penalties loom that those two bishops have been so vocal in keeping Kondratick under discipline.
Forgiveness cuts both ways here and I think it is better to lift the discipline and provide then the opportunity for people to be reconciled away from the glare of the court of public opinion and before God and neighbor.
I think there has been enough judgement. It is time for mercy and reconciliation. Without the latter, the OCA will continue to wither and souls lost.
» Posted By Amos On December 11, 2011 @ 2:46 pm
I believe that as long as the discipline remains on Kondratick, the OCA will suffer. Just from objective observation, we have suffered and declined since 2006.
It is time, over 5 years, for his discipline to be lifted and for him to be returned to the priesthood. he should be retired and maybe even sent to another jurisdiction.
He has asked forgiveness of the synod. Why is Benjamin holding the entire Church hostage from healing and finally closing the door on this sad chapter in the OCA. Why is it more important to him to continue the sentence? Time served. Lessons learned. Forgiveness offered and accepted. We will be a better people and Church for it.
Metropolitan Herman wants the discipline lifted. The late Archbishop Dmitri wanted the discipline lifted. Metropolitan Jonah wants the discipline lifted. Pat. Kirill wants the discipline lifted. Pat. Bartholomew wants the discipline lifted. Metropolitan Hilarion wants the discipline lifted.
What do we gain by keeping Kondratick under discipline? What do we prove?
Metropolitan Jonah also said, “We do not want God’s judgement. We want His mercy.” That goes for all of us.
» Posted By Amos On December 11, 2011 @ 2:16 pm
Another Barn-Burner from +Jonah
Now that Jillions is the OCA chancellor it is not appropriate for him to have a personal website. His personal opinions are not the policy of the OCA. He should close down his site. His job is to support the actions of the Holy Synod.
» Posted By Amos On November 26, 2011 @ 10:38 am
Sounds like Harry had too much Tryptophan today
» Posted By Amos On November 24, 2011 @ 6:45 pm
A Word About Monomakhos on the Occasion of Our First Anniversary
The Leonova’s group is no different than OCAN was in that Stokoe only posted comments he deemed worthy nor Stan’s blog where he only consults with his chosen minions. All were and are closed groups to one degree or another.
What is more dangerous is the shunning like behavior that takes place in parish communities where people openly disagree with the pro gay agenda. The closed group sub culture is even encouraged by clergy who consider opposition as hateful, unenightened, reactionary, right wing, and of course not Orthodox!
So a poster here, “Fr. Tom” calls this site hateful in an attempt to put us on the defensive, yet they close themselves off to debate. Why?
In the case of Stokoe we now know he did some of his most damaging work behind closed doors in his efforts to destroy lives and promote his agenda. Thankfully, sunlight being the best disinfectant still shines here.
» Posted By Amos On November 26, 2011 @ 10:15 am
I “like” your site. It has a good beat and it is easy to dance to. I give it a “10″. Congratulations George.
» Posted By Amos On November 23, 2011 @ 9:17 am
An Open Letter to His Beatitude
Helga,
This is SHOCKING news Stan is reporting that Jonah is in California with his parents for Thanksgiving. Isn’t he supposed to be held up in his monastic cell if he isn’t serving or administrating the Church? It appears, according to Stan, that Jonah should not visit his parents since he is a monk. Truly shocking news that he would visit his elderly parents who are in failing health. Where are his priorities?
What is this Church coming to when its Primate has a family life with his parents and sister? Maybe if Jonah had Cossack guards Stan would like him more. Oh if only we would all just become Russians like Stan wants, things here in the USA would be all better. The Symphonia between the ideals of the Russian Orthodox Church (the rest don’t count) and the Communist ideals (we can skip over the millions that Lenin and Stalin murdered.)
Well, I am going to take the rest of this holiday season to reconsider my position regarding Jonah since he is visiting his parents, oh and lest we forget a konvert. I suggest the rest of us do the same!
Happy Thanksgiving!
» Posted By Amos On November 23, 2011 @ 9:11 am
There is no way that such evaluations can be made public unless Jonah releases them. If Tikhon or Michael say anything after the preliminary oral evaluations, they are breaching every protocol of such evaluations. However, Jonah is not exactly a tight lipped person.
Jonah was released after his 5 day stay, this we know. We also know that his condition after the week’s evaluation did not present any conditions that would mean he had to stay at the facility. Did he present any conditions that need to be followed up on? That is an unknown, and frankly may never be known because if there is nothing important that would compromise Jonah’s ability to be Metropolitan, then it is none of our business.
This is the galling part of this stupid situation that all of us have to be dragged through because of the ginning up of the Synod by Benjamin, Stokoe from his website and Hopko with his totally irresponsible analysis of Jonah as “gravely troubled.” Between the three of them, you could find a number of conditions that would present themselves in evaluations, but Jonah and the rest of us have to go through this dog and pony show and to what end? The OCA is now even a bigger joke and was totally ignored at the 65th birthday celebration of Pat. Kirill.
Every head of Church that the OCA needs to cultivate was there. An important opportunity to promote the life of the OCA was missed. Why? Because our Synod was more concerned with making sure Jonah was put in an institution than think beyond their own selfish motives. Was there not ONE PERSON on the Synod or the Chancery staff that knew that Kirill’s birthday would be on the day after Jonah was released making it impossible for Jonah to attend? What was so important that Jonah had to go the SLI that week?
One would think that the head of the External Affairs Department of the OCA, Leonid Kishkovsky would have spoken up to say it would be more important for Jonah to go to Moscow and then find another date for his evaluation. Oh, but wait. It was Kishkovsky and Bradley who picked the date. Never mind. It is clear what they wanted to do. And the result, the OCA is further isolated by the one Church it must have as an ally.
Pretty pathetic leadership. We know what Jonah’s vision for the OCA is but it appears that others in positions of OCA leadership have a much different vision.
» Posted By Amos On November 23, 2011 @ 7:58 am
Harry,
Your GOA baggage has so warped your view of the Church that I really think you need to get some help. You appear to project your experiences on the OCA without serious reflection.
Yes, Benjamin has carried a large cross in taking in his family members. But it does not excuse his bad behavior as a bishop. His petty behavior was on full display for all to see in Seattle. He acted like a spoiled brat. He was dismissive, inappropriate and rather bizarre in his comments.
Yes, Benjamin is both someone who has picked up the slack for his family members in need, yet also one who has not displayed that same love towards his Metropolitan. It is as if he vents his frustrations at taking up that cross upon Jonah. What lessons has he learned in doing such a noble deeds yet is not able to apply those lessons as a member of the Synod.
One need not get into the complex ramifications of Benjamin and Jonah’s long relationship as fellow students at SVS, fellow members of the DOW, and the various roles they held within that diocese, Benjamin becoming a bishop, Jonah an Abbot of a significant monastery, then Jonah a bishop, and him as a junior bishop becoming Metropolitan.
There is much beneath the surface in the life of Benjamin and Jonah. It is a very complex dynamic of which we have only been privy to the tip of the iceberg in the machinations of Benjamin as a member of the Synod and Jonah as Primate and the abuse Jonah as stoically taken from Benjamin.
Again, Harry, you are in no position whatsoever to make judgements about any bishop or priest in the OCA. Your comments about Jonah and Fr. James (Stevens) were so out of line, ignorant and insinuated things that weaker minds might take as fact to their spiritual harm that you should be ashamed of yourself.
» Posted By Amos On November 20, 2011 @ 7:13 pm
«« Back To Stats PageThe only way to not see it is to not want to see it. It’s painful, I know. You have to get past it if you want all this to survive. Times have changed and adherence to non-doctrinal rules (in fact, anti-doctrinal rules now that widowers are few) are going to kill us. And they will make us something of a joke among our peers in the community before that.
This is what bothers you, Harry, that such a discipline and teaching of 2000 years will make us something of a joke among our peers in the community? Is that your motivation, what others will think of us? Oh, great, so you measure how the Orthodox Church is suppose to conduct herself based on public opinion. Brillant.
I am surprised you still are an Orthodox Christian since the Church has disappointed you and made it so uncomfortable for you in the public arena. Must be such a cross to bear at Bay Area cocktail parties.
“Oh, hear comes Harry. Poor guy, a member of the quaint Orthodox Church that still lives in the past and won’t let their bishops marry.” “Yes, I just don’t know how is can stand to be part of such a low brow bunch.”
(In your mind’s eye feel free to conjure up any type of New Yorker magazine cartoon illustration.)
» Posted By Amos On November 19, 2011 @ 2:39 pm
Recent Comments