Comments Posted By M. Stankovich

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Laurie Paffhausen, May Her Memory Be Eternal

St. Lazarus Cathedral is referred to as Ravanica, and it was where I was baptized by Father Miodrag D. Mijatovich, a personal friend of my father. Funny, I don’t recall…

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 17, 2012 @ 8:27 am

Wow, Fr. John. I wish I had said that. Wait! I did say that, directly above you and two days earlier. But thank you for correcting my statement misquoting Met. Philip. Wait! I didn’t misquote Met. Philip. I don’t know exactly whom you were correcting. You might want to consider cutting back on the analgesics a bit…

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 10, 2012 @ 4:04 am

Prof. Siewers,

Bravo.

Metropolitan Philip Saliba told the Evangelical converts that their mission was to “bring America to Orthodoxy,” the implication being that they will gladly bear the onus of accommodating our “living” Tradition because “in my Father’s house are many rooms.” (Jn. 14:2). I would only add that at the time of the Tomos of Autocephaly, the Russian Orthodox Church was in no position to directly assist a fledgling OCA. Perhaps it is now time to call upon them.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 6, 2012 @ 1:19 am

Mr. Michalopulos,

I am not exactly sure that your comment directly above is intended for me, but if that is the case, let me again clarify something for you: you have a cast of characters here – in my mind, some inspiring, some not so much – and you will tolerate them as you will. Never have I disrespected you as other than a most gracious and patient host. As recently as this morning, I receive “messages” from some of your more arrogant, entitled customers directing me to “cease & desist.” I considered responding to the latest “order,” but chose rather to rely on your reputation. Mr. Michalopulos, trusting that, while you and I have had significant disagreement, you know that I am expressing my opinion(s) in good faith. Thus, I determined, again, that in your house, I am beholden to your prerogative and to no one else.

For the record, Mr. Michalopulos, I have no clue who these characters posting might be. I align myself with no one and I resent your ignorant statement. Forty years I have fought, Mr. Michalopulos. Forty years. From the day the Tomos was read I have been faithful and you will not lecture me regarding maturity and justification. My faith and hope are unmoved despite your “several” years of conjecture, misrepresentation, and judgment. It is a new day. The Church has acted as One, “by the wisdom of men and the Grace of the Holy Spirit.” There is so much much you do not know, and so much you do not need to know. It is time to move on. We have gleaned every lesson to be had from our trash, and the Just Judge has promised to right every wrong.

Any church dependent on the “restoration” of Robert Kondratick & Jonah Paufhausen for its “healing” is not just “immature,” it is doomed. No one is so significant, and no living being is so “symbolic” of injustice. Golden calves. Or, you can get your ticket on the bus to ROCOR, where after a full liturgical year of Church Slavonic – which even the Russians do not understand – and the Old Calendar, you’ll be back. As St. Chrysostom so boldly stated, the Jews wandered forty years in the desert, but fear not, for you are no longer led by Moses, but by Jesus Christ.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 4, 2012 @ 1:43 am

Mr. Michalopulos, you have censored me for even joking about such a matter, and yet you allow some punk-ass clown to literally threaten a guest on your site. That is outrageous.

To you IP, I say you had best be gone and fast because I will hunt you down like the dog you are. If you had his IP you’d would have contacted him yourself, not here, you simpleton. I will /b/ you from here to Philadelphia and wrap your Xmas gifts in your DMV records & tax returns. Cease and desist me, you punk. Fair warning to you: We are listening. We are relentless. We don’t forget.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 3, 2012 @ 9:48 pm

Um,

What happened to you, friend? Oh dear! You’ve grown right out of your britches!

You are the living, breathing, venom-spewing proof of the existence of information cascades. I suspect you are at the fifth or sixth ring of conjecture, having woven a “truth” without facts. And while, as a common, observable phenomenon in social networking, you have driven it to malignancy. And now, you would to serve it up to me in the prosaic, sweet “syrup” of love and the Gospel? You are out of your league, Um. You and so many here make outrageous claims regarding “justice” and “libel” and “need for public repentance” based on levels and levels of conjecture and presumption and outright stupidity. And your “cries to heaven” are like a baby’s rattle: hollow but for a small element of truth.

Jonah Paufhausen has been “hedged about” exactly as Satan accused the Lord of his servant Job: “Does [he] fear God for nothing? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” (Job 1:9) He has not been scrutinized as his brothers; his closet has not been ravaged like his brothers; and he has not even been held accountable for his own public statements. He has been defended by women and “timelines”; by assumptions, presumptions, “benefits of the doubt,” conjecture, and lies. And I, for one, say so be it. I hope this information remains unrevealed. It is over. It is a closed chapter and the Church, “by the wisdom of men and the Grace of the Holy Spirit,” has moved on. Jonah is a footnote.

But what remains is this illogical, unprecedented demand being made here for “proof.” As Thomas Paine has noted, the OCA has made public its investigations, others have been leaked, and most of the “protagonists” are alive and pushing air. And that certainly includes the former Metropolitan Jonah. And until he is prepared to be a man and speak for himself, Um, you should take off the big red shoes, the wig, and the rubber nose, and drive off in your very little car. You’ve had your 15 minutes.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 3, 2012 @ 12:05 pm

From coast-to-coast I witnessed class after graduating class and schoolmates – otherwise hopeful, motivated, pious, and restrained – treated as the empty-headed servants of Orthodox “authorities” who felt entitled to critique, assess, challenge, and judge every aspect of an individual’s ministry against their particular version of the “church.” And like this forum, the entitlement did end at any reasonable, humane boundary, but extended to their family and every aspect of their domestic life as well. And so it entered the “canon” of seminary wisdom, pursue a marketable career other than the priesthood, so you are never dependent on a parish council in order to support your family. The number that drove school buses, delivered bread & milk to grocery stores, home-delivered newspapers, and worked as janitors – those “entrusted with the administration of things which are in Heaven, and [who have] received an authority which God has not given to angels or archangels” (St. Chrysostom, On the Priesthood, Book 4:2) – is shameful.

Somehow, Mr. Michalopulos, I would like to say that this is the direct consequence of the “indifference” of Syosset, by the fundamental lack of moral authority of the bishops, by the intrigue and machinations of those influencing “puppetry” over morally compromised hierarchs, and while elements are true, it is absolutely irrelevant. The bishops were more despised and disrespected than the priests. This cannot be blamed on your supposed Apparat, but on the will of the “smartest guys in the room,” the faithful. I fail to see the practical difference in the presumption of those first forty years with the current arrogant “ὁ λαός,” replete with a handful of years in the Orthodox Faith, presuming to prosecute the same battle. Your “resentment” is conveniently displaced, Mr. Michalopulos, on an otherwise unremarkable handful (and that would literally be a handful) of unknown and insignificant individuals you have fashioned into a Soviet, operating out of a rathole referred to as a “mansion.” If it served any purpose other than salaciousness & gossip, Mr. Michalopulos, I would straighten you out in your history and “heroes.”

It is a new day, Mr. Michalopulos, and the AAC has made a decision “by the wisdom of men and the Grace of the Holy Spirit.” There is no edifying purpose in continuing to pursue these moral charges and gossip. None. What is the lesson to be learned? That wherever men are involved there will be sinfulness and depravity? Read St. Chrysostom On the Priesthood; every despicable interaction between the clergy and the faithful and the clergy and other clergy is dutifully described in detail. Justice? We are all sinners, all called to repentance, and will all, regardless of prior rank & position, answer to God for our actions; our God is a Just Judge and promises to relieve any injustice of this world. All that is left is salaciousness and murderous gossip. And the wise man fears unintended consequences and collateral harm. It is time to let it go.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 2, 2012 @ 8:31 pm

Mr. Michalopulos,

While you repeatedly acknowledge your lack of history, for reasons that logically escape me, you continue to press onward; and now, in a remarkable “your eyes are bigger than your stomach” moment of hubris, even “challenge” because you feel “confident.” It seems to me you missed an opportunity to learn from your cohort, the moronic Sons of Job, and consulted the Longsuffering: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2-3)

I do not know the identity of Thomas Paine, but I know for a fact that many details this person presents are true. I also agree that the participants are responsible for the “details” you savor. I repeat that I, and those with me, was harmfully exposed to information and “situations” that would set you and your ridiculous “confidence” straight in a moment. “Where were you?” (Job 38:4) But most importantly, in daring anyone to set the record straight, regarding this and so many matters of which you so confidently manifest as the “truth,” you foolishly presume you are “correct.” And you are not. And this, Mr. Michalopulos, is the truth.

Given that the sole motivation of the anonymous internet creeps for the “details” is salaciousness and murderous gossip, I see no reasonable justification for anyone to answer your challenge. “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?” (Job 40:8) I suggest you determine the veracity of the record with information more substantial than gossip, conjecture, and the testimony of the most ridiculous, impeachable cast of “accusers” available before you challenge for a “straightening.” “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand.” Job 42:3)

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 2, 2012 @ 4:25 pm

Wow, Vladyka Tikhon, only the Gospel prohibits charges you say? And this whole time I was presuming that it was the $250,000 settlement and non-disclosure agreement that Kondratick accepted that was the “cat that got his tongue.” Well, you live and learn. You and the Monk Tartuffe are still pitching pennies against the wall of lost causes, the motivation for which is anybody’s guess. A man willing to relinquish his reputation for $250,000 – or $5, for that matter – has a long road to proving “defamation of character.” I agree that “fast & loose” is inappropriate, while “arrogant and dumb” is significantly more accurate. I see it every day, seated neatly in rows of cells in state prison.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 1, 2012 @ 5:26 pm

Extra! Syosset Reports of Deal Struck with Met. Jonah Not True

There have been, in fact, more – grossly & disgustingly & shamelessly more – comments, guesses, conjecture, accusations, and questions to/for/about me personally than any Paschal/Festal/ joyful messages exchanged between individuals posting here over years of exchanges! Where was your “sensical reasoning,” Mr. Michalopulos, when my sexual orientation was crudely challenged and “Helga” & the jacksass deacon were deriding the length of my hair and riffing on my lastname?

“Helga,” do you even imagine I could not predict your response to me? Seriously? I don’t care who you are! Have the priest who advocated “civil disobedience” in Parma & now demands a “written apology” from Protodeacon Eric upgrade your seat to join him on the third-tier jackass level. Kudos. You’ve earned it. End of story. Your “motivation” is your business.

Vladyka Tikhon, there is some science even I will not entertain: how many times, as the Fathers say, will a “dog return to his own vomit?” I’m no Pavlov, but I would imagine that even a cur finally says, “Enough. It may not go away, but I can.”

But I also wish to say that there are individuals here who are, in fact, precious to me, To these, vastly out-numbered, I am sincerely grateful, and it is for these I return.

And to all a good night…

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 22, 2012 @ 6:19 pm

Mr. Bauman,

From the 9th Ode of the Canon of the Pre-Feast of the Lord – which, in fact, is the identical Canon we sing at the Matins of Great and Holy Thursday:

Come, O faithful,
Let us enjoy the Master’s hospitality!
The Banquet of Immortality!
In the upper chamber, with uplifted minds,
let us magnify Him in faith and in love!

The Winter Pacha is upon us, Mr. Bauman, my brother, and I greet you in the Feast!

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 22, 2012 @ 5:17 pm

First, “Helga,” Vladyka Tikhon has outright accused you of being an unnamed priest posing as an “unassuming” layperson of the OCA, just “speaking her mind.” When you are prepared to address that with the same “righteous indignation” with which you scorn my name, then I will address you. Until then, you are a “jackass, understudy,” a second-tier jackass as Dante would have it, for a practiced, more despicable form of deception. Son House sang about you: “Don’t you [bear no] mind people gininn’ in yo’ face.”

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 21, 2012 @ 3:51 pm

You, Mr. Michalopulos, are sadly ironic. I have often quoted our Father, St. Chrysostom, on this site, with this same quote: “The Jews wandered forty years in the desert without hope. But fear not. For your leader is no longer Moses, But Jesus Christ.”

I have waited forty years – from the first day of this Orthodox Church in America – and I can wait longer. Jonah Paufhausen was a minor “ripple” in the footnote of history and means absolutely nothing to me. Confidence? “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength!” (Phil. 4:13) You sit like an elf in the final scene of CS Lewis’ “Last Battle, amidst the glowing sunshine of the new morning, imagining you sit in the utter darkness of the “trouble of injustices.” Look! Look! Can’t you see! “Don’t lie to me. There is only darkness here.” Shrill, Mr. Michalopulos? C голосом архангела!

I am happy to offer you the opportunity to join me for a few days of reality, Mr. Michalopulos: I’ll take you on a guided tour of what bitterness and the “trouble with injustice” does to men – even women if you like – over time; row by row, cell by cell. It makes them old, ugly, wretched, and hopeless long before their day. Maybe then you’ll set set aside your arrogance and again trust that our God is Just. Merciful, Righteous, Fair, and will correct all injustices and right all wrongs. If He needs your assistance, I’m sure you’ll be notified. Move on.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 20, 2012 @ 9:05 am

Vladyka Tikhon,

I certainly hope you have not been holding your breath – figuratively or otherwise – but I do appreciate your catching the error in my report.

As noted in an actual transcript as provided by the Ancient Faith Network, the results of the 1st Ballot indicate that of 590 total votes, Archbishop Benjamin received 23 votes and Metropolitan Jonah received 17 votes. The results of the 2nd Ballot were identical in this regard.

And there you have it, Vladyka. I inadvertently shortchanged his eminence of 6 votes, obviously neglected essential context (total number of votes) in which to understand the data presented, and on account of your single-handed fastidiousness, I humbly stand corrected. And that, I might add, is not the first time this year.

Pay attention, kids! This is called “speaking to substance.” Sure, Vladyka managed to rub my nose in it a little in the last paragraph, but on the whole, he pointed out a legitimate error, and I stand corrected. And RIP my brother, Rodney King, who really gave it a shot.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 18, 2012 @ 5:22 am

Mr. Cone,

Holy cow, Pal! I have played your foil & proverbial straightman for how many posts in a row now, and this is all you’ve got? Sisyphus is yelling over my shoulder for his job back: “This Mr. Cone is killing me!” The fact of the matter is your form of pride is especially offensive because you cannot stop; if I were to continue, you would continue to respond indefinitely. This could potentially be interesting if you were the least bit instructive, but you are not. This could potentially be entertaining if you were the least bit amusing, but you are not. And worst of all, you are boring the living hell out of me!

Jonah, Tosi, letters, slander, ambitions, I do not care. It is finished. The highest, most sacred form of decision-making of the Church, the Council, which transcends the sinfulness, errors, and even frank stupidity of the individuals who comprise the entity “by the wisdom of men and the Grace of the Holy Spirit” has moved on. The lessons of previous error are more openly available to anyone & everyone than at any point in history – emails, text messages, murderous gossip, anonymous cowards of every breed and fashion – and there is nothing more to be gained by “getting to know Jonah,” or again processing any of the hundreds of “details” that will one day constitute the OCA version of a Star Trek convention. It is finished. There is again hope and we must move on.

The last word is yours, Mr. Cone, and fool’s false gold it is. Le Fin, et bon soir.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 17, 2012 @ 11:49 pm

Mr. Michalopulos,

It would seem to me better to first determine the truth – not conjecture, not assertion, not “cascade” – but the truth. Only then may you speak of justice. As I have noted earlier, the only person who can definitively answer all of these forgettable… I see Fr. Schmemann has his hand raised, Yes, Fr. Alexander: “Pardon me, but who cares?” Thank you… questions is Jonah. He is not speaking. Which is to say, we will never know, Mr. Michalopulos. Ever. Oh, and did I mention that I don’t care?

Secondly, this is the Church, not Don Quixote. You seem to have forgotten that our God is a jealous God (Josh. 24:19), hardly dependent upon your arrogance for what is rightfully His: “He who brings me justice draws near; who will stand against me?” (Isa. 50:8) In whose name are you demanding “repentance,” “apology,” recompense, and justice? The Lord? The Church? The 17 knuckleheads who voted for Jonah (twice) in Parma? This is not noble. It is the epitome of pride.

Lastly, bitterness robs us of our trust in our God, the Just & Righteous Judge, to rectify every injustice and inequity:

And I saw something else under the sun:
In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
I thought in my heart,
“God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time for every deed.”

(Eccl. 3:16-17)

And the wise judge concludes, “Therefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his place: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?” (Eccl. 16:22) Injustice is everywhere and forever, Mr. Michalopulos, but our faith and our trust is in One Righteous Judge. Regardless, it seems to me that the “protagonists” on both sides – for reasons known only to themselves – have “kept the good wine until now” (Jn. 2:10) and chosen to remain silent. An excellent vintage, say I. And so I ask you, Mr. Michalopulos, is their example not worthy of emulation here? Move on.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 17, 2012 @ 5:50 pm

Since you and your cub scout den seem set on “tagging” me with this “dancing around,” “avoiding the real issues” hoohah, chief, let me be as succinct as possible and set this matter to rest once and for all.

First, you seem constitutionally incapable of accepting that this whole business – every injustice, real, imagined, or fabricated on both sides and by every party – is moot. It is finished. “By the wisdom of men and the Grace of the Holy Spirit” the Church has simply begun a new chapter. And how long do you intend to gnaw at what is now the carcass; whining, complaining, bitching, and claiming a justice that is certainly not yours? Do you hear that crumpling of paper? It’s the sound of someone trashing the 17 votes received equally by the former Met. Jonah & ArchBp. Benjamin – twice. And you feel confident in your rudeness toward me for not joining you and your band of hyenas?

But more importantly, chief, there is a word for someone who would definitively comment as to the nature of occurrences at events to which they were not a party: jackass. I ask you, chief, what could I possibly tell you about the actual relationship between Jonah and the drunken, gun-totting, rape-accused hieromonk? Two people know definitively; one fled, the other is not speaking. What could I possibly tell about Jonah’s actual resignation? Two people know definitively; one wrote a letter at his own hand, and the other gave a brief public description once. They were the only two people in the room, yet one is branded “coerced,” and the other “a liar & tormentor.” Neither speak. As I see it – and let me repeat myself, I don’t care – Jonah is the only person who can answer and settle all the burning and stinking questions you have rattling around in your head. Not me. Not anyone else. Jonah could do it. But he won’t. Ever.

Now, you are free to take it up with Jonah, and we’ll see just how fast he can dance. But you won’t, because you are cowards. Oh, and jackasses.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 17, 2012 @ 8:07 am

May I ask if it is the actual phrase employed by Protodeacon Wheeler, or the sentiment conveyed in the phrase that is so “outrageous” to everyone? I recall a recent use of the phrase “the daft old bishop” not being gone, but in the attic, that passed without comment. Likewise, at any given time, you are free to click on the “satire” offerings at the top of the page where – as I seem to recall – there are at least three humorous cartoons of the bishop. Again, I have read no “outrage.”

Likewise, this is hardly the first time these two individuals have chosen to “have at it” with one another in this public forum – equally & with a seemingly common “delight,” regardless and in spite of their calling, position, and common sense. And of course, viral the report of the exchange becomes. And setting aside the all-things-being-equal hypocritical silence at the similar comments/cartoons, Vladyka Tikhon does not respond as “victim” of character assassination (“Et tu, Brute?”), but actually gloats that he can still “get a rise” out of the the Protodeacon! Does this speak of more fun to come?

Enough of the fake outrage and the deep, overblown “metaphors” of Syosset and underground bunkers. Parasitic relationships are parasitic by nature. That individuals – let alone clergy – are dumb enough to hang their drying underwear in public is enough said.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 15, 2012 @ 4:41 pm

Prof. Siewers,

I applauded your previous comment as aligned with foresight. Now, I personally disagree with your confusing what will turn out to be a paramount issue for a an OCA again in a state of transition and refocus – strategic planning – with foolishness, particularly when you are in a role blessed by God to contribute.

The issue here, as I see it, has nothing to do with converts per se. The issue is specifically arrogance and the lack of humility; the lack of desire and the unwillingness to learn; of the lack of obedience & the lack of discipline; the lust for “influence,” the assumption of an unearned “voice,” and the pretense to teach & instruct without qualification or standing; and an unprecedented lack of respect and appreciation for the teachers, theologians, architects, and laborers who so carefully delivered this Faith into our hands as they had received it. If I am not mistaken, this is frequently referred to as “following the way of the Fathers before us…”

Today marks the 29th anniversary of the falling asleep in the Lord of Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann. Unimaginable! Memory eternal! His vision & understanding of Orthodoxy in America – particularly in tandem with the writings of Fr. Florovsky – is unparalleled. What do I read here? The jingoistic crap of those who have not invested the time to read his writings or speak with those who actually knew him, but anonymously dare to pejoratively refer to him as a “Parisian,” modernist, or “innovator” and would suggest to us we need to “re-evaluate what is still relevant about Alexander Schmemann.”

And what is proffered instead by this unlearned, unsustainable, arrogant band of “mainly anonymous?” Apart from the “apophatic,” what-could-we-have-been-thinking ho-hum of “that’s what did us in as Anglicans,” there is… Jonah Paufhausen. Charity, the decision of the 17th AAC, and sheer boredom suggests that it is both pointless and unhealthy to continue to pursue this trail. The point, Prof. Siewers, is that no one among these vocal stone throwers have the faintest idea of any sense of direction, any sense of strategy that does not call for bitching, complaining, and whining. It has nothing to do with converts. It has all to do with ignorance and arrogance.

You have a voice and the apparent talent, Prof. Siewers. My first semester at SVS, I really did not want to be in the choir. It was intimidating, there were too many “divas” & characters, too much time commitment, blah, blah, blah. I avoided it. Quietly I received a message before dinner, to go speak with Fr. Alexander; I immediately panicked, What had I done? I knocked, he called me in, told me sit. He said, very quietly, with a warm smile, “God has blessed you with the ability to sing, yes?” “Yes. Fr.” “I myself am a poor singer. Singing is a great gift, yes?” “Yes, Fr.” “Then we agree?” “We agree, Fr.” And for months, when he passed as he was censing the chapel during the Vigil, he made it a point to touch me on the shoulder. I touch you, Prof. Siewers.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 13, 2012 @ 6:34 pm

Mr. Cone, you transparent Trickster, you’ve already tried this “poor me, you reject me” slice of day-old bread on me previously and it’s as lame now as it was then: have you considered that if people are “repeatedly” showing you the door it just might be you? Might I suggest humility, obedience, and the desire to learn a wiser more prudent course of growth & endearment? Boo-hoo, indeed.

You cannot argue that Mark Stokoe is a graduate of SVS in its heyday, and possesses a systematic, graduate-level education of Orthodox Theology. Likewise, you cannot deny that he directed national & international Orthodox educational programs ably and admirably for years. As I recall, none of these may be said of you. He earned a voice – and while you may vehemently disagree – he did earn it. You did not. To even suggests such a comparison is an insult to Mr. Stokoe.

Nikos & Mr. Cone, the “debate” and the “resolution” will not be coming from me. The church has “resolved” all the necessary issues “by the wisdom of men and the Grace of the Holy Spirit,” as did those before, and as will those after us. All that remain are conjecture; and if there has been injustice, Our God, the Just Judge, has promised to resolve it. The church has chosen a path that diverges from this endless process of “dogs returning to their vomit,” and acknowledging “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” (1 Cor. 14:33)

I did not suggest you should leave, Mr. Cone – “In my Father’s house are many rooms.” (Jn. 14:2) – bit I was strongly suspecting that the atmosphere of the Divine Spirit of the recent council will make it necessary for you to listen rather than instruct, or you will find it intolerable and choose to leave.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 8, 2012 @ 4:10 pm

Mr. Cone,

Let me respond to you before you actually drift off to the “Who are you & who cares?” obscurity file you deserve:

In only a matter of several days, Nikos suggested I ask Jonah if he was “coerced” in his speech at the 16th AAC; Mr. Michalopulos has quite harshly challenged me to explain “exactly” Jonah’s relationship with the drunken, gun-toting, rape-accused absconded hieromonk; and now, Mr. Cone, you sarcastically ask me “what was Jonah’s disaster?” Now, on the one hand, I am a bit offended, and on the other, I am quite impressed with the near-existential quality of absurdity: you set a hedge around the Big Fish and would initiate a debate with me! Mr. Cone, you are a classic Trickster! Ask Jonah! Demand answers and “recompense” from him like you have everyone else! Too little “guile” in him? Too perfect a monastic? Too much the suffering servant of Isaiah? Nah. He lawyered up!

There it was again… I know it was muffled, Mr. Cone, but I did hear this time: “Greyhound non-stop service to ROCOR now boarding at Gate 6.” Скатертью дорога!

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 6, 2012 @ 3:28 pm

Nikos,

And the open question to the former Met. Jonah should be:

Before you would presume to seek the position of diocesan bishop, how do you intend to address your comments to the 16th AAC regarding the “disaster” that was the hallmark of your four years as Metropolitan, and for which you took full responsibility? Further, you stated that because of your love for the church and the faithful – and to “repair” the relationships with your brother bishops – you would do “whatever necessary,” yet ignored the recommendation of the professionals with whom you participated in a 5-day structured evaluation?

It seems reasonable to believe that St. Luke’s recommendations for continuing care are as valid today as they were the day they were offered. Further, they were undoubtedly clinically sound and clinically supportable in an evidence-based diagnostic axis. Should the Synod members act as if they did not exist? As if “not being in charge” resolved the underlying pathology? Is it possible that this transcendent monastic is more than a bit manipulative?

Perhaps, Nikos, my friend, that is how much in prelest you are under.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On December 2, 2012 @ 4:48 pm

Pardon me for intruding into this, apparently, never-ending story, but my post yesterday was an attempt to announce the 80th birthday of Bp. Tikhon (Fitzgerald). A full 25 of those years he served as the OCA Bishop of San Francisco and the West. Perhaps my “announcement” was too nuanced or subtle, but there is not one word of congratulations for him. You might reconsider…

» Posted By M. Stankovich On November 15, 2012 @ 3:35 pm

Mr. Michalopulos,

Funny, as I watched the US election coverage on CNN last week, I did not hear one commentator use the expression, “By the wisdom of men and the Grace of the Holy Spirit…”

The people vote for “candidates,” not Metropolitans; and many jurisdictions do not accommodate even that vote. It is the Holy Tradition and Patristic teaching of the Church that those specifically endowed with this responsibility, according to St. Paul, are to make these decisions “as the Master would manage His house,” and are responsible before God for what they decide. Obedience calls us to accept their decisions. And this explains why their decisions are conciliar, and not unilateral.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On November 14, 2012 @ 3:09 pm

Prof. Siewers,

What a truly inspiring and hopeful message yours is.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On November 13, 2012 @ 6:27 pm

And the White Hat Goes To…

If you exist verifiable, trustworthy information from individuals who have the integrity to reveal themselves, they were obligated to make this information know prior to the AAC in the best interest of the Church. Not in the form of a Tartuffe of a monk who revels in “murderous gossip.” I tell you that there are fewer things more offensive, more hurtful, and more defeating that an addict/alcoholic who is committed to an anonymous program of rehabilitation and recovery to hear an inconsiderate rumor of their “relapse.” And if there is relapse, they deserve an outstretched hand of mercy and acceptance for the path home. Certainly not scorn and derision from you. If I were your “abbot,” you would be sitting on that crab bucket in a corner, praying that your ugly rumor is unfounded, and that the Archbishop is sober and grateful to God for delivering him.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On November 12, 2012 @ 10:47 pm

Welcome Comrades to the Un-American Council

Nice. Why not hold your own self in “abeyance” now: “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there: the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:20) Be gone. You sowed enough anonymous ill-will for a lifetime, and what? Twice as many “sons” as your last report leaves you with four to hold signs. As Hamlet said, “Words, words, words…” Now is the time to heal. Your magic has no power, and you are already insignificant.

If one free pizza is delivered, it’s from me – best wishes. If you get one every hour on the half-hour, it’s from /b/. We don’t forget. We are everywhere. We are Anonymous.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On November 14, 2012 @ 7:32 pm

If I “really am” me? A most fascinating hypothetical. May I – that would be “me” – point out to you that, “If a man live many years, let him rejoice in them all,” (Ecc. 11:8) and that would include today. Your insults ill be equally offensive tomorrow as they are today, so allow Vladyka Tikhon (Fitzgerald) the honor I offer him. Please.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On November 14, 2012 @ 1:52 pm

Vladyka Tikhon,

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. (1 Tim 5:17)

These are the men whom he wishes to be honored most of all, and he adds the reason: for they sustain great labor. For when one is neither watchful, nor diligent, but merely sits in his seat easy and unconcerned, while another wears themselves out with anxiety and exertion, especially if he is ignorant of profane literature, ought not this man to be honored above all others, who more than others gives himself up to such labors?

For he is exposed to numberless tongues. One censures him, another praises him, a third mocks him, another finds fault with his memory and his composition, and it requires great strength of mind to endure all this. It is an important point, and contributes much to the edification of the Church, that a ruler of it should be apt to teach. If this be wanting, many things in the Church go to ruin. Therefore in addition to the qualifications of hospitality, moderation, and a blameless life, he enumerates this also, saying, “He ought to to teach.”

(St. Crysostom, Commentary on 1 Timothy)

I honor you as you enter your eighth decade, and ask that our Heavenly Father continue to bless you with health, continued longevity, peace, and repentance. Εις πολλά έτη Δέσποτα! Many years!

» Posted By M. Stankovich On November 14, 2012 @ 6:27 am

Midwest Clergy Wives to Synod: Keep Matthias Out

Veronica,

Interesting response. Seems like “punishment,” but it is not quite clear to me who is paying. The Lord uses the example of a man who bestows talent(s) on his servants, then leaves on an extended trip (Mat. 25:20ff). When he returns, he requires an accounting. One servant has squandered the talent… Just asking.

» Posted By M. Stankovich On November 13, 2012 @ 4:34 pm