This popular cliche first came into widespread use during the 1970s, during the time of the Watergate scandal. Basically, if you wanted to know why a certain (usually white-collar) crime occurred, all you had to do was “follow the money” and it would become clear.
You could apply this dictum in all sorts of secular matters. Why did the the West overthrow the Mossadegh regime in Iran in the 1950? The official reason was because he was a behaving in an erratic fashion and threatened the stability of that country. The real reason was because he was going to nationalize Iran’s oil production and British Petroleum thought that that would be a bad idea. Other examples abound; Guatemala, Haiti, Chile, and now Ukraine. It’s never about the high-minded ideals propounded. It’s always about the money.
Now mind you, I’m a realist when it comes to geopilitics. Although I’m quite the isolationist, I subscribe to the Monroe Doctrine. As such, I have no qualms about us carrying the big stick in this hemisphere. I didn’t cry when Salvador Allende was overthrown and I very much think that Chile was better off for it.
But at least I’m honest. And cynical. I for one, will not piss on your leg and tell you that it’s raining outside. That’s politics.
And all sides play this game. The Soviet Union sent its legions to Spain during their civil war not to support the republican government but to confiscate the gold bullion of Spain, which they repatriated to Moscow for “safe-keeping”. They supported the Arab states during the Cold War not because they cared about the Palestinian cause but because they wanted to control the flow of oil to the West. And to sell the Arabs vast quantities of armaments. It’s a game; one that was lucrative for both the West and the USSR.
The Church unfortunately, is no different. At least not since the ascendancy of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which ever since the fall of Constantinople in 1454 lost its principle benefactor and protector. Because of this tragic loss, it has ever been ready to lend its legitimacy to the highest bidder.
Examples abound. I won’t bore you with the details. And anyway, there are no paper trails. Nevertheless, it’s an open secret.
So what caused the Ecumenical Patriarchate to change its tune regarding the schismatic sect headed by the defrocked bishop known as Mikhail Denysenko? Three words: St Nicholas Shrine.
According to Katehon.ru, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo confronted Archbishop Demetrios Trakatellis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. The Department of Justice knows that ten million dollars has gone missing and they’re pretty sure they know where it went. In return for turning a blind eye, and ensuring that no bishop or Archon became a guess of the Federal government, Pompeo and the Patriarch came to an “understanding”.
Patriarch Bartholomew Archondonis was thus given his marching orders. And all of a sudden, the ecclesial history of the Russian Orthodox Church was hastily rewritten in order to accommodate this new reality. To make sure that things went according to plan, Ambassador-at-large Sam Brownback (a former darling of the Evangelical Right who recently converted to Catholicism) went to Kiev and assured Petro Poroshenko that the issue of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was “an internal matter”.
Nuff said.
In poker we like to say “money talks, suckers walk”. It’s a powerful thing, money. We all need it. Jesus Himself never spoke against its utility. It’s a tool, nothing more. But when it becomes all-encompassing, when it becomes not only your idol but your trap, then all bets are off and it quickly loses its luster.
After all, Judas Iscariot only got to enjoy his lucre for a short while. I imagine that the See of Constantinople will likewise come to see the paucity of its gains within short order as well.
(Many thanks to Greatly Saddened for alerting me to this back-story.)
While I don’t doubt that this story is an aspect of the drama, I in no way believe that the betrayal by Bartholomew is this simple. On a macro level, this move by Bartholomew is tragic on the level of the Great Schism of 1054 – 1204. It is satanic. Moves like this in both the east and west are the result of the inter generational scheming by judeo masonic infiltrators who control the choke points of all they can and lie in wait for their “moment”. This is one of those moments. I call upon all Greek Orthodox to do everything in their power to thwart such a disasterous wound to Christ’s Church. The honest insiders are as effectively placed as are the dishonest insiders. It is time to act.
I do not know all the inside details, but I am extremely wary of internet comments such as this one that would seek to blame our major problems upon Jews or Masons.
John,
I call it as I see it. As the father of 9 who has studied history in an attempt to keep my children’s souls safe I wish I could come to a different conclusion. I wish it were the Democrats. The Republicans – the Muslims or some other socially acceptable skapegoat. You can’t be elected in this country without bowing to the Zionist occupied government. Why is there a Masonic lodge in every small town. Just a men’s club I guess. Don’t take my word for it. Do the research yourself. Those who rejected Christ rejected the Logos and became revolutionaries. The battle still carries on. It is called world history. Democracies are merely rule by the hidden oligarchs. The bankers control the world and they happen to be predominantly Jewish. They manipulate the gentiles via the lodges. Do your research now while the info is still available. It’s disappearing fast. It’s also all there in the Bible. We are the most propagandized nation in all of history. Sure there has always been propaganda. But technology and modern communications mixed with the research of the intelligence agencies takes it to unprecedented levels. Thank God Christ wins in the end.
The little motorcycles and the calliopes are mere distractions, as are the Shriner hospitals.
Beware of those who, like me, mock those who attribute control of the world to the Freemasons and the Jews. After all, one great-grandfather, who died in the 1950s, was a 33rd Degree Mason. And we Scots are one of the Twelve Lost Tribes. I can’t tell you which one, though, because that would reveal our communications with Judah.
Tim,
Unfortunately not just motorcycles and hospitals.
https://www.stgeorgehermitage.org/freemasonry.html
Wish it wasn’t true. In Christ, Mike
I’m naïve about this issue. Where did the $10 million from the St Nicholas Shrine go missing, and why does the Dept of Justice care? Was it diverted somewhere illegally?
Yes, obviously. The govt cares because fraud was involved. Freedom of religion is not an excuse to engage in racketeering.
Lots of issues were raised here. And there are no paper trails?
Just where did ten million dollars of the St Nicholas Shrine money go?
Do you have any documentation of 2018 contacts between Pompeo and the Ecumenical Patriarch? Is there any real money going to the Patriarch? Or to Archbishop Demetrios? How do we know about that?
Will the Ukrainian church of Denysenko try to even stay Orthodox or will it go toward the Roman Catholics or Uniates?
I will post this and come back later for more details.
John Sakelaris,
Questions like yours are posted and not answered. The allegations are made and not proven. Where is the evidence, indeed?
For all the auditing and investigating one simple question remains to be answered. Who (probably plural because consensus of at least two is almost always needed to move such large amounts of money) pushed that button on the computer to transfer the money? What are the protocols in place to move money in the Archdiocese? Where did the money actually go? A forensic audit should have discovered those facts almost immediately. Anyone who says such things can’t be discovered by a thorough audit is lying and they should be called on it. It’s as simple, and complex, as that.
With all that has happened throughout the last 20 or so years, and now with supposedly 10 million dollars unaccounted for. Who in their right mind can ever trust the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America again?
Now let’s keep in mind, this is a so called religious institution. Unfortunately, nowadays, it has gotten to the point that no one can be trusted. Not even a “Church” institution, nor looked up to as a role model. One would think, this would be the last place where one would doubt, or lack trust in. Now, how sad is that?
This so called religious institution is and has been a complete joke and doesn’t deserve any respect whatsoever. It continues to think and act as if it is somehow above the law, and lacks humility, morals and ethics.
This Archdiocese, which consists of: Hierarchs, Archdiocesan Council, Leadership 100, Order of Saint Andrew Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate seem to be a private club for the elite to pat each other on the back and seem to care “NOT” about the truth and in doing what is proper and just.
When, if ever, will the truth be told as to where these missing monies have gone. These funds just didn’t disappear in to thin air. And when will the persons responsible be named and held accountable for their actions? What a sham and what a shame. And unfortunately, all under the disguise of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! God help us all!
Maybe they will run out of cash for the organ fund, so look on the bright side, or the monk bishop’ s summer home. Come back Lenin all is forgive
MY papou in Greece always said, ‘attend the Liturgy often abd keep far from the clergy’ Advice i have lived by as they are a Unfortunately necessary evil
So much of our church now looks like elderly Men dressed up…tp not too good music either any more .. And do not the mitres look so naff on most of them with their symbol pretend beards and real lenten Paunch,? But as i said, with nothing spiritual behind it. The emperor has no clothes.
We have to pray just as in Russia in 1917 along with a Pitirim and Varnava, and add Kyrill for today, there are a Tikhon and Veniamin.
It has now been one year since the reporting of the financial mismanagement and missing funds from the Archdiocese. Which, thankfully, were uncovered by the Ethnikos Kyrix and The National Herald. Say what you want about these two sister publications, but if it wasn’t for them, we would have never known. No wonder the Archdiocese has such a distaste for these two news publications. Thank goidness, at least someone seems to be doing their job and may I add, correctly. Now, we certainly didn’t expect to have heard about any of this from the most Holy Archdiocese, would we?
Sadly, one year later and the general laity still has not been told the truth. Meanwhile, what the Archdiocese has stated on numerous occassions is that it will be forthcoming with accountability, honesty and transparency in regard to all that has transpired. Talk about giving the general laity a constant line of bull. It’s more like … keep them in the dark … have them pray, pay and obey and perhaps they will forget about it all!
In my most humble opinion, it seems this Archdiocese is one failed entity, that has unfortunately repeatedly betrayed the trust of its parishioners and lacks any credibility. Actions speak louder than words, and this Archdiocese’s actions and/or lack thereof, speak volumes for its lack of conscience and repentance.
Where and what will happen, no one can tell. All we can do is hope and pray this sadly called religious institution, has a rude awakening and finally comes to its senses. If I were a betting person, I wouldn’t count on it!
Lord Have Mercy!
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Byzantine, Texas website.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Concerned Clergy & Laity of Chicago to Met. Nathanael
OPEN LETTER: Asking Difficult Questions Assessing Metropolitan Nathanael’s Leadership
By: Concerned Clergy and Laity of the Metropolis of Chicago
http://byztex.blogspot.com/2018/09/concerned-clergy-laity-of-chicago-to.html?m=1
I just read re new Metropolitan of Chicago. My memory goes back to Holy Week 2010 I attended in St Dw Palos Hill, good young priest and church. He apologised to me on Great Friday for the organ at the Epitaphios service. ‘ Will be very very low ‘ he said. And it was.
On the surface issues around Nathanial , if the reporting is accurate, sound similar to the early sterling around Spyridon, the previous Archbishop.
What are all these monk clergy doing running things? Yes they will possibly become bishops and need experience. But they also need a monastery. I more and more come to the belief in married bishops, not a panecea, but a better working model.
Rhe vocationof a monk priest should be in a monastery or on bishop’s staff as a preached and confession etc.
I, as a married priest, am only for married bishops if:
1. They are widowed (or their wife left them without fault to the priest, and he takes monastic orders)
AND
2. Their children are grown and out of the house.
That being said, it is alarming that in most of our past roughly half of the bishops have been widowers and half “life-long monastics”, but today we have a disproportionate amount of “never-married” bishops. NOT GOOD.
Yes. I do not see married, that is actually married Bishops as cure all, but history of the church and psychology, tells us that celibates in the world are open to temptation and worse.. It’s hard enough in a monastery not to fall, but the comfortable, what shall we say, bachelor life, is a bad look for the church and neither traditional or modern .
In UK bishop Antony Bloom lived a monastic life but he was one of a kind.
The life styles of many Bishops, patriarch Kyrill for one, a living reproach and sermon for atheism
Perhaps ‘Nikos’ could rewrite his last ‘sentence’ here so as to clarify his intended meaning?
Altogether, married clergy are accountable to their wives and families. Monks and nuns are accountable to their superiors and variously defined communities.
Unmarried priests and bishops who are not part of a monastic structure of some sort are accountable to no one on Earth, and this is a recipe for personal and ecclesial failure.
Can one please be kind enough and tell me what being “monastic” truly is? Is it a cleric who spends a short time at a monastery considered “monastic?” So, as to add the title “monastic” to their credentials and resume. It seems this word “monastic” is loosely used when used in reference to the hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Church. Especially the hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Thank you!
GS,
In my mind, a monastic is one who has lived in a monastery under obedience long enough to have the meaning of godly obedience instilled in his/her soul. I wouldn’t call this a definition, but I think it is why our tradition prefers to draw its bishops from the ranks of monastics.
Monastics are those men or women who live communally, or coenobitic to use the proper word (idiorhythmic communities are very rare) under obedience to an elder or eldress. At one time bishops were chosen from among those living in monasteries, men who were recognized for their piety, humility and ability to foster love in the true meaning of a Christlike life. Today we see that most archimandrites and hierarchs are monastic in name only, having been tonsured without having lived even one day under obedience in a monastery. Further only the abbot of a monastery should bear the title of archimandrite. Monks who are priests are known as priestmonks.
Thank you Brian and Alitheia for responding to my question. I do find it rather odd that these celebate priests receive the title of “archimandrite” without spending anytime at a monastery. I guess the title has lost its original intent and meaning. How sad!
The title “archimandrite” is technically just an administrative title. I believe it means “chief of sheepfold”.
JL … thank you so much for your response. I also decided to look up the definition of “archimandrite” and it states the following:
ar·chi·man·drite
ˌärkəˈmandrīt/
noun
the head of a large monastery or group of monasteries in the Orthodox Church.
an honorary title given to a monastic priest.
Once again, thanks and God bless you and your family.
Greatly Saddened,
That’s a typical Russian definition of “archimandrite”, but the literal meaning of the word doesn’t necessarily link it to monasticism. I believe this is why you will find archimandrites who are not monks in the Patriarchates of Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople.
Thank you for the kind wishes. Wishing you and your family God’s blessings also.
The word ‘archimandrite’ is a specifically monastic title meaning ‘ruler of the (sheep)fold, but it appears to be –at least historically — an eparchial function rather than one within a community of monks.
Monastic superiors, male or female, are called ‘leaders’. In hellenic forms, a hegoumen leads a community of men while female monastics are led by a hegoumeness. As can be seen in communities of women, the leader needs not be a priest.
Obviously, there can be but one ‘leader’ in a monastic community, so making several hegoumens or hegoumenesses in the same monastery is an absurd trivialization of the title and office, as is granting that title (or that of ‘archimandrite’) to unmarried parish priests even if they are tonsured monks.
But (historically, again) an archimandrite answers to the bishop for the good order of monastic life throughout the eparchy. He functions for monastics and monasteries in much the same way as a ‘dean’ does for priests and parishes.
Since his duties include hands-on inspections of the reserved Holy Gifts, among other sacred things, an archimandrite must be a priest. Although he is usually a monk, this seems optional.
It’s just a shame that this sacred office has atrophied to a mere step in the cursus honorum of a man’s progress toward his possible ordination to the episcopate.
Anyone who makes the vows and is tonsured is a monastic. He or she may be a good or bad monastic, but being a bad monastic does not mean he or she is not monastic.
Thank you, your Grace.
Your Grace … please forgive me. I certainly do not mean any disrespect. Then, why would one make/take the vows and be tonsured a monastic and then not live the life of a monk in a monastery? Permitting this seems rather odd to me. Sorry for me being so naive.
Ask your bishop.
Palos heights, Chicago suburb. Sorry about typing.
I can’t find the articles GS posted, as there has been a flurry of posts recently. I went to the Katehon.ru website but it’s in Russian so I’m just going to have to take your word for it that what you’re saying lines up with what GS posted and what GS posted lines up with what was said on that site. There is a katehon.COM website that is in English. They LOVE talking about Michael Pompeo. Could you have the two confused (katehon.ru vs. katehon.com)? Are they one and the same? Maybe *I’m* the one who is confused! Suggestion: If you’re going to quote a source, ESPECIALLY if you write a story around it, please include the link.
I don’t know, George.
You said, “Secretary of State Michael Pompeo confronted Archbishop Demetrios Trakatellis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.” There are no news stories ANYWHERE that corroborate this other than the source purportedly provided by GS. Before we throw the good Archbishop under the bus (again) let’s make sure this is true. He doesn’t need to cooperate with anybody at this point. He could go to a happy place and retire. The fact that he’s staying tells me he’s wearing teflon because he KNOWS they’re after him and he doesn’t seem particularly worried. He’s got more than enough on everybody else, perhaps including the DOJ, to protect himself.
$10M is not enough to make a bishop or Archon squirm. They write personal checks for that amount! They’re also good at cooking the books. The DOJ may KNOW how the money went missing, but proving it is another thing. It certainly isn’t enough money to make the EP “march” to anybody’s tune. Why would he care who went to jail as long as it didn’t implicate him? Besides, he already “marches” to the beat of the globalist drum so why would he need any prodding to push Ukraine into NATO’s arms?
There is no way a $10M scandal is going to rewrite “ecclesial history.”
But something IS happening, George. You’ve got that right. The Pope embarked on a four-day trip to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to preach “solidarity in the shadow of hostile Russia,” the U.S. Air Force has determined it will need a 25 percent boost in combat squadrons (the largest expansion since the cold war), the Chinese donated 50 ambulances to Ukraine (that’s $3.5M, right there) specializing in “disaster medicine,” AND Air Force JTACs, fighters & drones have headed to Ukraine to train with allies on Russia’s western flank. Then there are all those war games in Russia that took place a few weeks ago, ALSO the largest since the cold war. . . I hate to say it but this looks like war.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-baltic/pope-to-preach-solidarity-on-baltics-visit-in-shadow-of-hostile-russia-idUSKCN1M11IK
https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/09/17/u-s-air-force-seeks-largest-expansion-since-cold-war/
https://www.unian.info/society/10274241-xinhua-china-donates-50-ambulances-to-ukraine.html
https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/09/24/air-force-jtacs-fighters-drones-and-more-head-to-ukraine-to-train-with-allies-on-russias-eastern-flank/
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45330161
Leave it to the Chinese to play both sides…
http://katehon.com/article/how-us-prepared-split-orthodox-churches-horsemen-apocalypse-ukraine
Here’s the story in English. I posted it before with some other stuff.
If you look at the site’s main page, it reminds you a bit of The Saker. It is certainly not globalist or a function of Davos or Soros. So there is an editorial attitude, no doubt. But they do not seem to be prone to making things up from wholecloth either.
Hard to say. I’d like to see their sources or some other documentation but it confirms a very familiar pattern and so I tend to give it some weight.
Misha, I just can’t access the site. Have tried in Chrome & Edge.
Gail, I too believe that Demetrius can be part of the solution.
Gail … unfortunately in this article, it misstates His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios as being with the American-Ukrainian Diocese, rather than the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Please see below.
“In the last days of July 2018, Mike Pompeo held a meeting with the head of the American-Ukrainian Diocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Dimitri Trakatellis.”
Gail … the three articles were from the Katehon.com website and can be found under “Another Blunder By Patriarch Bartholomew?”
Below please find the article you referenced above.
HOW THE US PREPARED THE SPLIT OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCHES. HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE FOR UKRAINE
24.09.2018
USA
http://katehon.com/article/how-us-prepared-split-orthodox-churches-horsemen-apocalypse-ukraine
GS, I tried accessing katehon.com yesterday and again right now and I keep getting an error that the website is down. Can you still access it? Maybe it’s my browser.
Gail … I just clicked on the link from my above post and it brought me to the referenced article.
Sad confusing times, end times.
Well, this is how the GOA is covering its money tracks, just as the AHEPA Athena Brotherhoods took over the churches to keep Lenin from selling them.
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/county-intends-to-sell-land-to-be-used-by-greek/article_8f903d62-bc26-11e8-95ae-73c3d769ad38.html
Reading you post today reminded me of an article I had read online about a week ago in Russian. Unfortunately, I don’t recall where and haven’t thought about it much because I haven’t seen it repeated anywhere until now. There was a mention of a deal that was struck between the Ukrainian President Poroshenko and Patriarch Bartholomew earlier this year. According to the article, Poroshenko was to deliver 25 million to Bartholomew in exchange for Autocelphaly, but Poroshenko was only able to come up with 10 million and so the deal was being delayed until the full amount was delivered. As I recall, the article made mention that Poroshenko thought that this was too expensive and was going to skim some for himself, but it backfired. The Patriarch demanded the entire amount and things were delayed for awhile. The US was somehow involved as the go between. I don’t know how much truth there is to this and haven’t been following all the details here. I just thought it might be worth mentioning. If I can find the link, I will post, but it was in Russian.
Try Izvestia
https://risu.org.ua/en/index/all_news/ukraine_and_world/international_relations/72716/
The leader of the Crimean Tatar people, Mustafa Dzhemilev, said that he had intensively discussed with the Turkish president, Recep Erdogan, the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He said this in an interview with BBC, according to TSN.
“We worked very hard in this direction, we [the Crimean Tatars] systematically worked and explained to Erdogan how important it was for Ukraine and the Crimean Tatars to have an independent Local Orthodox Church in Ukraine. I used to explain it to Erdogan in such popular terms, saying, like now Moscow is the Mecca for the Orthodox, and after the Tomos and autocephaly are granted to the Ukrainian Church it will become Istanbul, and this is of political significance for you. When we were flying to Turkey on July 12, Poroshenko started talking with Bartholomew in my presence and then with Erdogan. Erdogan said firmly that he would do everything possible, and we will get autocephaly,” said Dzhemilev.
He also added that he personally spoke about the independence of the Ukrainian Church both with the head of Turkey and with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of that state.
“First, Erdogan was surprised why I, being a Muslim, was concerned about the issue of Orthodoxy. I answered that it was very important for the independence of our country, and therefore for the Crimean Tatars. He had replied, ”I understood you,’” Dzhemilev shared his memories.
“We had very intense work in this direction, but now with such joy and pleasure I see how the Kremlin is getting mad that we are to receive the Tomos,” he added.
Regarding the assumption that Putin could convince Erdogan to exert pressure on Patriarch Bartholomew to prevent the issuance of the Tomos, Dzhemilev replied, “It’s out of the question. Erdogan is not the one that can be pressed.”
He is also convinced that the Russian side cannot currently influence the provision of autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by offering Ankara some benefits in exchange, “I think this cannot happen because the decision on autocephaly has been finally adopted.”
Dzhemilev remembered the first conversations with Erdogan concerning the Church. “Then he said something like this: you know, Athens are exerting even more pressure on the Patriarch, the Greek Orthodox Church has close ties with Russia. Of course, Bartholomew is a Turkish citizen, but still their center is Greece. Now, there is a coincidence that Russia and the Greeks got out of touch, so now the situation is favorable for Ukraine,” said the leader of the Crimean Tatars.
As reported, on September 17, exarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Daniel of Pamphylia and Bishop Hilarion of Edmonton, at the meeting with President Petro Poroshenko, said that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is close to the creation of autocephaly.
Patriarchate of Constantinople seems to be nothing but a Pyramid Scheme. All the money flows up. And nothing new … Saint John of Shanghai wrote “The Decline of the Patriarchate of Constantinople” in 1938. Saw an interesting article recently that states that “The Patriarchate of Constantinople is a fake church. There is no Constantinople. There is no empire. There are so few Christians in Istanbul, you can count them on your fingers.” Went on to say that Patriarchate served the “Occupation Government” (the Ottomans) thoughout the history of the Ottoman Empire, and that the Turks “keep him (the Patriarch) around” beause it reminds them of the “glory days,’ when they dealt with all Christians through one person: the Patriarch of Constantinople. The Patriarchate is a rather useless and irrelevant organization. Now also being revealed as a criminal organization. No surprise. Most of the heads of the Autocephalous Churches have spoke against Bartholomew’s “Ukraine agenda.” Several Abbots of Mount Athos have spoken against. But, hey! What do they know, right? The Great Oz will have his way!
So well said. Someone try telling this to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the great Order of Saint Andrew – Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I believe they are still under the impression after more than 500 years, that Istanbul, please excuse me, “Constantinople,” will be re-emerging once again. But, this time, even bigger and better than before. Yeah, right, keep on dreaming! I seem to find it rather interesting that both, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Greece, seem to live with the glory of the ancient past or what once was. It’s time to get up to speed and catch up to the 21st century. This byzantine style type of thinking is of years gone by.
I think what is needed here is a dose of reality. The Ecumenical Patriarchate should have seen the writing on the wall a long time ago. So sorry folks, what once was … is no longer! Continue living in the past … rather than looking forward to the future. Hope all you want … the world keeps on passing you by! You are being left in the dust! Hold on to your glory!
How can you be so blind to blame Zionism for Germany & Rome’s behavior? See my brother’s article at https://sites.google.com/site/juntatruth/
and Google “Marco Polo Sineurabia Code”
Fr. Chrysostom Panos was appointed chancellor of the Chicago Metropolis because he is on the fast track to be elected a bishop. Initially it was thought he would be appointed chancellor of the Direct Archdiocesan District as the responsibility for the parishes was to be separated from the Archdiocese itself. Also, there is a question about whether he in fact received the M.Div degree from Holy Cross because he possibly did not fulfill all the academic requirements.
Ok, turnabout is fair play. THis is the real “money”, soviet money. The Patriach of Jerusalem lived in Constantinople until
Nesselrode sent Uspensky to de-Hellenize the Antiochians and almost Jerusalem (eventually causing Michel Aflaq to found the Assad-Saddam Ba’ath party). It was the same Porphyry Uspensky who exposed the Sulphur fraud of the Holy Fire. It was the same Nesselrode who beat out Capo d’Istria. Uspensky and Kapustin went to buy up Jerusalem properties now under ROCOR to prevent Moses Montefiore (the Jewish Tositsas) doing so on behalf of the British. In February 8, 1993, the other patriarchs decided to temporarily suspend relations with the Jerusalem Patriarch and dismiss two bishops who acted as his deputies and defrock five priests for challenging the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch. Yet in April, 1990 Diodoros swindled Russian Jewish settlers by having Mardos Matossian sell them lands he was not allowed to sell and then denying their claim. Irineos wrote Arafat on July 17, 2001, stating, “You are aware of the sentiments of disgust and disrespect that all the Holy Sepulchre fathers are feeling for the descendants of the crucifiers of our Lord… actual crucifiers of your people, Sionists Jewish conquerors of the Holy Land of Palestine.” The supposed Patriarchs of Jerusalem and Antioch should be deported to Magog Muscovy – and the Aramean descendants of the original Christians, should be given full control over Holy Sites in the Holy Land. See: Theofanis Stavrou, Middle East Journal, 1963, pp. 91-103; Lucien Fray; Derek Hopwood 1969
T-E-M-P-T-A-T-I-O-N. I PERSONALLY agree that monks should not shun living with their brethren’ nevertheless. at the root of the word monasticism, etc., is “mono”–alone. I am sure that monk James Silver has a whole portfolio of justification to explain why he shuns communal living. Of course, such individualism is at odds with the historic origins of monasticism: the desire to flee the increasingly worldly Church establishment and return to the piety of the Apostolic and immediately post–Apostolic Church of the Martyrs. Also, an increasingly popular answer is, “Oh, I have the blessing of, or was directed by, My Spiritual Father to live outside a community.”
Bishop Tikhon Fitzgerald is apparently unaware of the changes in my little life which eventuated in my being a solitary monk for more than three-quarters of my forty-one years of monastic practice – not that I’m any better a monk now than when I first began.
Still, in spite of my many sins, I have never ‘shunned’ community life. In fact, I’ve often requested my superiors to assign me to a brotherhood, but they never have. Like the centurion in the gospel, ‘ I, too, am a man under obedience’, so I can’t just appear at a monastery and ask the monks to take me in.
Altogether, it’s a good thing for us – even for BpTF – to refrain from speculating about issues and (especially) people about which/whom we are so thoroughly un/misinformed.
By the way: The word ‘monk’ is derived from the Greek word menO (‘remain’) and is a reference to one of our four Orthodox Christian monastic vows, that of permanence.
Actually, in the Ancient Greek, the word μόνος appears in both Homer’s Iliad and the Odyssey as “alone, solitary,” and frequently combined with ἐρῆμος [desolate, lonely] to punctuate the depth of the solitude (e.g. “μόνοι γὰρ ἐσμέν”); the sense of isolation and loneliness is expressed in the poetic mourn, “bereft of you, without you” [σοῦ μόνος, μοῦνος ἀπ᾽ ἄλλων]. Later, it begins to be used to also express “uniqueness,” e.g. “he and no other of all men” [μοῦνος πάντων ἀνθρώπων] or “he and no other” [ἀνδρῶν γε μοῦνος] or “one above all others” [μονώτατος]
The derivative, μοναχός first appears in Aristotle’s Metaphysics to express something as “singularly unique” [στερεὰ μοναχός]; by Epicurus to indicate a “single set” [ὅσα μ. ἔχει συμφωνίαν]; and later it expresses an “individual case” [τὰ μοναχός], or simply an expression of “uniqueness” [τὸ μοναχός]. It is also used to express the concept of an “only child” [μοναχός τέκνα]. It is logically used to describe the condition of being “deserted” [μοναχῷ ἐνὶ], and in Aristotle’s Politics, μόνον and κατὰ μόνας are used interchangeable to describe the state of being “alone.”
If the “test of the pudding is in the tasting,” I would refer anyone to three source examples: St. John Klimacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent, Procopius, a 6th century Greek scholar and historian and author of The Secret History [Ἀποκρύφη Ἱστορία], and St. John of Damascus, Barlaam And Ioasaph (the first and last from Patrologia Graeca respectively, and the second from Persus). What you will find are enough μόνος, μοναχός, and derivatives describing monks, monasticism, and the monastic life to make your head spin, but I’m sorry to say, not a single μένω in my search. Regardless, I sustain my previous comment that this ancient language is truly God-inspired beauty.
As Chantraine cites Lampe in support of the etymology suggested here, I defer to Michael Stankovich and his research, for which I am grateful.
When I can better attest the metathesis of o to e in menO, perhaps I’ll write something about it.
Below please find an article from Monday on the Orthodox Christianity website.
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA SUPPORTS CONSTANTINOPLE’S ACTIONS IN UKRAINE
New York, October 2, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116177.html
“Bishop Tikhon Fitzgerald is apparently unaware of the changes in my little life which eventuated in my being a solitary monk for more than three-quarters of my forty-one years of monastic practice.” True that! Willingly unaware! However, I’m very anxious to learn more about what Monk James Silver calls monastic “practice”!
Since it is unhelpful to discuss issues with people who appear to have already reached what they consider to be unassailably correct conclusions, I won’t do anything like that here.
Today’s brief section of the gospel moved me deeply, and — not that I would arrogate these words to myself — it seemed to me better to offer our Lord Jesus Christ’s words rather than my own as a fitting response to Bp Tikhon:
Luke 7:31-35 (Gospel)
31And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like?32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not weep.’
33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’34The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
35But wisdom is justified by all her children.”
Below please find an article from yesterday on The Tablet website.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Catholics Cautiously Watch As Orthodox Christians Split
By Jonathan Luxmoore
October 3, 2018
https://thetablet.org/catholics-cautiously-watch-as-orthodox-christians-split/
https://www.rt.com/op-ed/440230-orthodox-church-ukraine-poroshenko/
Jim Jatras wrote this for RT. It’s one of the clearest pieces on the mess I’ve seen. He states that the report regarding the $10M incident came from the Church Abroad. He seems to believe it fits all the facts of which he is aware.
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
AN OVERVIEW OF ORTHODOXY IN UKRAINE. PART 1
Nun Cornelia (Rees)
http://orthochristian.com/116251.html
GS,
I saw this. It is excellent. Part II is also available.
What it all boils down to, then and now, was that the Church of Russia has always been a defense against treacherous, ever threatening Uniatism.
Below please find another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
SPEAKER OF UKRAINIAN PARLIAMENT INVITES PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW TO UKRAINE
Ukraine, October 5, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116255.html
Below please find yet another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
GREEK CHURCH CONCERNED ABOUT UKRAINE ISSUE BUT DECLINES TO DISCUSS IT AT SYNOD SESSION
Athens, October 5, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116262.html
If the Phanar goes hell bent on this foolishness, I hope that Abp. Ieronymos and the Holy Synod of Greece take the opportunity, once deciding to hold to the Orthodox side of the resulting schism, to abrogate the agreements over the New Lands and Crete and to translate their sees to the Holy Synod of All Greece.
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodoxie website.
News – Europe – Headlines
Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland has addressed the Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to convene a synaxis of the primates of the all Local Orthodox Churches
By Jivko Panev
5 October 2018
https://orthodoxie.com/en/metropolitan-sawa-of-warsaw-and-all-poland-has-addressed-thel-patriarch-bartholomew-of-constantinople-to-convene-a-synaxis-of-the-primates-of-the-all-local-orthodox-churches/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
AN OVERVIEW OF ORTHODOXY IN UKRAINE. PART 2
Nun Cornelia (Rees)
http://orthochristian.com/116252.html
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
ANTIOCHIAN HOLY SYNOD REBUKES CONSTANTINOPLE’S UNILATERAL ACTIONS, STRESSES NEED FOR PAN-ORTHODOX SYNAXIS
Balamand, Lebanon, October 6, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116275.html
The Antiochian Holy Synod is heavily indebted to the military protection of Russia. In this way, they are basically on the payroll of the Moscow Patriarchate.
More interesting is this piece: “Bulgarian Church Turns down Russia’s call for debate on Ukraine”
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/bulgarian-church-turns-down-russias-call-for-debate-on-ukraine-137581
“More interesting”? Why would it be more interesting?
Antioch does not need to be “on the payroll” of the Moscow Patriarchate, as it already has seen the perfidy of the Phanar over Qatar.
Isa Almisry,
What do you think of the new defensive S-300 missile system that Russia just planted in Syria? Personally, I’m glad Russia did that. It was the right thing to do. Syria needs to be protected. Thank God for Russian military protection in Syria.
I’m all for it.
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
ORTHODOXY IN UKRAINE. PART 3
Nun Cornelia (Rees)
http://orthochristian.com/116253.html
Since “Greatly Saddened” and others post biased news reports and opinions, I thought I should post this very interesting, recent interview with Patriarch Filaret, an intelligent, articulate, 88-year old leader of millions of Orthodox Christians.
Excerpt:
“What are the relations between the Kyiv Patriarchate, the Ecumenical Patriarch and other Orthodox Churches? What is their attitude towards the idea of granting autocephaly to the Ukrainian Church? Who promotes it and what are the obstacles?
The fact is that almost all Orthodox Churches believe that Ukraine should have its own Church. And so do the Ecumenical Patriarch and the other patriarchs. The obstacle is Moscow. It is ready to divide the entire orthodoxy into two, just to prevent the Ukrainian Church from gaining autocephaly, because the Russian state can influence Ukraine through the Church. So, the Ecumenical Patriarch slows down the process, not willing to tear apart the global Orthodoxy. Instead, Moscow is ready to do it for the sake of its imperial ambitions. If Ukraine had its own Autocephalous Church independent of Russia, there would be no separation of Crimea or the war in Donbas. The church would have united the Ukrainian nation, and there would have been no propaganda and no disinformation. But today, to the contrary, the Moscow Church promotes Moscow propaganda.
It is no secret that the Russian Church is quite influential. Is there a danger that in the light of the current developments in the Middle East, where Christians are being exterminated, with Russia presenting itself as their protector, the Ukrainian cause could fall into the shade, and the number of our allies among the Orthodox Churches could decrease?
The fact that Christians in the Middle East are being killed and forced to leave their land is widely known. And we side with those Christians. At the same time, we cannot blame for what is happening all Muslims, since they do not want this war either. There is an aggressive force there, which calls itself the “Islamic State,” and it is the medium of terrorism that exterminates Christians. I recently met with ambassadors of Arab countries, and they prove, based on the Qur’an, that Islam is against this violence, it wants to live in peace and harmony with the Christians.
We have to understand that the events in the Middle East do not distract the US and EU from Ukraine, they do not lose sight of it. Therefore, sanctions against the aggressor will continue until Russia becomes a peaceful country.
At the same time, we cannot say that Russia does not protect Christians in the East. It does. But under this guise, it also pursues its own political goals. These things should not be forgotten. Other Churches can see the truth, and therefore support our Church and Ukraine. In the end, we will win. We do not want to be at war with anyone, including Russia. But Russia wants to occupy Ukraine. Therefore, truth is on our side.
Why do we want to go to Europe? We want to have democracy, freedom, fair laws, and new technologies. We know that Europe has lots of flaws, but we aspire to benefit from the best that it has to offer, while giving it the best that we have: our spirituality, morality and piety, of which Ukraine has more than many European countries.”
http://ukrainianweek.com/Society/162045
Beryl, the man’s a schismatic. (And I’m being very charitable here.)
It is grossly unfair to characterize what Greatly Saddened posts as “biased reports and opinions.”
GS posts the news with which he may or may not agree. He is careful to note the name, the source, the date, and the link. He would have characterized what YOU wrote like this:
* * *
Below please find an article from The Ukrainian Week website.
Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate on church canonicity and manipulations around it, and independence of Ukrainian Church
By Roman Malko
March 31, 2016
http://ukrainianweek.com/Society/162045
* * *
If you had followed GS’s lead, we would have known instantly that you were reporting something dated. Many of us would have also recognized the name Malko, an activist from “AutoMaidan Kyiv,” an NGO at the forefront of Ukraine’s civil protest. Hardly a disinterested party.
Filaret is not patriarch of anything, Beryl. He’s a defrocked bishop. Even a tonsured reader has more authority than he does. The fact that he is 88-years-old means absolutely nothing.
With increased frequency, the site Orthodox Christianityis being quoted authoritatively for news and information in regard to the conflict in the Ukraine. I could find nowhere on the site as to who sponsors the site or who is responsible for its content. It was only by going to the ICANN WHOIS international domain registration site that I was able to determine that its ownership is directly affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church:
It seems to me that only when provided the direct affiliation of this site with the Russian Orthodox Church, can I begin to determine if a posts is “biased”; and in fact, why should I not presume the Russian Orthodox Church is “hardly a disinterested party” to matters regarding the Ukraine?
M. Stankovich, thank you for laying this out and confirming the bias of this source.
Sretenskiy Monastery is right next to the Kremlin in Moscow, and I’ve heard this is where Vladimir Putin visits his father confessor.
I don’t think anyone was making the point that a given site was or was not biased, Joseph. Beryl (formally Jane) was being critical of GS for posting biased and opinionated articles. In truth, GS posts news items that pertain to the Church WITHOUT bias and he does it in a way where one can quickly see if it’s worth reading.
Michael, when I said “source” I was talking about the website.
I posted a link to an interview with Filaret. I quoted his exact words. I stated that he is articulate, intelligent, and the leader of millions of Orthodox Christians. “GS” does post many articles that are biased and don’t provide sources. I know why George thinks Filaret is schismatic. Instead of wasting space correcting me, it would be nice if someone would read the interview and address his words.
Beryl, GS posts pertinent articles on the Church, regardless of bias, so we don’t miss them.
Yes, I see where you provided the link and that was appreciated.
Unfortunately, you criticized someone for doing something you yourself were doing. Using words like “intelligent, articulate,” etc. to describe the self-proclaimed “patriarch” Filaret (Denisenko) is clearly biased language. To then call the deposed bishop a “leader of millions” was over the top. Surely, you expected a reaction!
Next time go for the reaction without criticizing someone who is just trying to provide you and the rest of us with information regardless of the nature of content. He honestly doesn’t deserve it.
Gail, you are dealing with a woman who maintains that the ex-priest Kondratick is innocent. How come he was arrested in Florida, then? Perhaps, evil Mr. Trump and evil Mr. Putin each put up a billion dollars to frame him?
I maintain that Father Robert Kondratick is innocent because a bishop and a monk say he is innocent. There’s more, but why say more? That alone should be enough.
Dear Ms. Hamilton:
I agree that deferring to those more elevated and knowledgeable than we are is very wise. Then why not defer to two Athonite Abbots and other Patriarchs rather than “believe” someone who has been anathematized for cause?
There is an excellent record available on http://www.orthodoxethos.com showing why many very knowledgeable in our Tradition and holier than we were concerned about the EP’s thinking before, during, and after the Council. St. John of San Francisco and other holy men such as Met. Athanasius of Limassol and Met. Hierotheos have expressed their concerns most vividly. Please remember your own words above “that alone should be enough.”
In Christ,
Nicole
Nicole,
When have Bishop Tikhon (Fitzgerald) and Monk James Silver “been anathematized for cause,” and what does the link to your article have to do with Father Robert Kondratick?
-Beryl
Dear Beryl,
Never to my knowledge!
To speak plainly, you maintained Fr Kondratick is innocent based on the testimony of “a bishop and a monk”. Your many posts indicate good will. I simply hope you will consider even more valid the testimony of a number of present hierarchs, clergy, and lay people steeped in the Tradition and Patristic Teaching of our Church who maintain that the Ukainian intervention by the Ecumenical Patriarchate is intrinsically out of order and unOrthodox and that the ROC therefore is innocent of your charges against it.
We newbies in the USA are marinated in our own cultural individuality and more ignorant than evil in the main. But as we learned in med school, those who don’t know what they don’t know can wreak havoc. We were taught to assume we were ignorant until we read the material and consulted the experts in each field. So learning to acknowledge how little we know compared to the Saints and those who are immersed in the Tradition and in the Fathers is a lesson in humility which will serve us well. I was blessed to become Orthodox under circumstances which exposed me to the Fathers and Saints and realize now how rare that may be. Please read more widely and deeply (especially articles translated from the Greek, Russian, Georgian, Serbian) from monks and traditional clergy. A GOA archimandrite I respect always says, “The consensus of the Fathers is…”, or “I don’t know what the consensus is but I will research it” and very rarely, well “my personal opinion which is worth little”. In this country some tend to revere specific teachers about the Fathers or Tradition or even speak on their own questionable authority. In contrast he always points us toward the Tradition, the Canons, and the Fathers themselves, not someone else’s interpretation of it. The Tradition from Acts forward is that all decisions are by Council. Please read up (from a spiritual perspective) on the evolution of the Cretan Council on http://www.orthodoxethos.com and find St. John of San Francisco’s article on the Ecumenical Patriarchate and many fine articles on orthochristian.com. Please ignore the temptation to think in secular political terms and instead search for the spiritual. And like that Greek archimandrite recall that our individual unenlightened opinions matter little. We are just to find what the Church has taught and decided from the beginning.
Please forgive any offense or confusion my comment has caused and find someone wiser than I to consult! Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos and Met. Athanasios of Limassol (not Russian!) are pretty great folks to consult!
Best in Christ,
Nicole
Nicole,
For some reason, after reading your reply, I found myself looking up a quote by the great Russian playwright Mikhail Bulgakov (1871-1944). Here ’tis:
“– But here is a question that is troubling me: if there is no God, then, one may ask, who governs human life and, in general, the whole order of things on earth?
– Man governs it himself, – Homeless angrily hastened to reply to this admittedly none-too-clear question.
– Pardon me, – the stranger responded gently, – but in order to govern, one needs, after all, to have a precise plan for a certain, at least somewhat decent, length of time. Allow me to ask you, then, how can man govern, if he is not only deprived of the opportunity of making a plan for at least some ridiculously short period, well, say, a thousand years , but cannot even vouch for his own tomorrow? And in fact, – here the stranger turned to Berlioz, – imagine that you, for instance, start governing, giving orders to others and yourself, generally, so to speak, acquire a taste for it, and suddenly you get …hem … hem … lung cancer … – here the foreigner smiled sweetly, and if the thought of lung cancer gave him pleasure — yes, cancer — narrowing his eyes like a cat, he repeated the sonorous word —and so your governing is over! You are no longer interested in anyone’s fate but your own. Your family starts lying to you. Feeling that something is wrong, you rush to learned doctors, then to quacks, and sometimes to fortune-tellers as well. Like the first, so the second and third are completely senseless, as you understand. And it all ends tragically: a man who still recently thought he was governing something, suddenly winds up lying motionless in a wooden box, and the people around him, seeing that the man lying there is no longer good for anything, burn him in an oven. And sometimes it’s worse still: the man has just decided to go to Kislovodsk – here the foreigner squinted at Berlioz – a trifling matter, it seems, but even this he cannot accomplish, because suddenly, no one knows why, he slips and falls under a tram-car! Are you going to say it was he who governed himself that way? Would it not be more correct to think that he was governed by someone else entirely?”
― Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita
Dear Beryl:
Thank you for introducing me to this author and his book! I found a translation online by Pervear and have downloaded to read it at http://www.masterandmargarita.eu. Meantime I can recommend to you a real Orthodox hero of Communist oppression, torture, brainwashing efforts in Fr George Calciu whose Orthodox spirituality opposed materialism and who experienced and shared profound joy in the love of Christ after profound suffering. One of his spiritual children Frederica Mathewes-Green writes a moving introduction, given at his funeral service. The book is “Father George Calciu: Interviews, Homilies and Talks”~ published by St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood http://www.sainthermanpress.com and also available from Amazon. There was no reply link on your Bulgakov posting so I am replying this way! Thank you again.
Ms. Hamilton, please see:
http://orthochristian.com/116419.html.
Constantinople, Constantinople! What Have You Done?
Below please find an article from Friday on the Greek Reporter website.
Signs of Crisis between Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop of Greece Ieronymos
By Philip Chrysopoulos
Oct 5, 2018
https://greece.greekreporter.com/2018/10/05/signs-of-crisis-between-ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-and-archbishop-of-greece-ieronymos/
Below please find a podcast by Dr. Elizabeth Prodroumou, from Wednesday on the Orthodox Christian Network website. She discusses what geopolitics are and how it relates to the Orthodox Christian church. From Ukraine to Turkey to Russia to Greece.
OCN Now
Orthodox News
The Geopolitics of the Orthodox Church
October 3, 2018
http://myocn.net/the-geopolitics-of-the-orthodox-church/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
CONSTANTINOPLE REJECTS PAN-ORTHODOX DISCUSSION ABOUT UKRAINIAN AUTOCEPHALY, SCHISMATIC CHURCH REPRESENTATIVE SAYS
Kiev, October 8, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116305.html
Two Athonite Abbots on the matter:
http://orthochristian.com/115931.html.
Hopefully Orthodox in America ~ often new to Orthodoxy and unfamiliar with our Tradition ~ will understand and respect their words.
Two Athonite Abbots on the matter:
http://orthochristian.com/115931.html.
Hopefully Orthodox in America ~ often new to Orthodoxy and unfamiliar with our Tradition ~ will appreciate and respect their spiritual wisdom.
Below please find an article from Sunday on The New York Times website.
Russia-Ukraine Tensions Set Up the Biggest Christian Schism Since 1054
By Neil MacFarquhar
Oct. 7, 2018
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/world/europe/ukraine-russia-orthodox-church.html
Below please find an article from Monday on the Orthodox Christianity website.
ARCHBISHOP JOVAN OF OHRID: CHURCH NEEDS NEW COUNCIL TO DEAL WITH PROBLEM OF SCHISMATICS (+ VIDEOS)
Ohrid, Macedonia, October 8, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116304.html
Below please find an article from Sunday on the Union of Orthodox Journalists website.
UOC: Provocateurs wreak havoc with false statements on behalf of the Church
7 October 2018, 22:00 Editorial board UOJ
http://spzh.news/en/news/56372-upc-falyshivymi-zajavlenijami-ot-imeni-cerkvi-provokatory-khotyat-posejaty-khaos
Below please find an article from Monday on the Byzantine, Texas website.
Monday, October 8, 2018
What everyone in the Metropolis of NJ heard on Sunday
http://byztex.blogspot.com/2018/10/what-everyone-in-metropolis-of-nj-heard.html?m=1
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
PATRIARCHAL EXARCHS TO KIEV TO SPEAK AT HOLY SYNOD SESSION BEGUN TODAY IN CONSTANTINOPLE
They will speak on whether Ukraine is ready to receive autocephaly
Constantinople, October 9, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116332.html
Below please an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
HISTORICAL-CANONICAL BASES FOR THE UNITY OF THE RUSSIAN CHURCH
Priest Mikhail Zheltov
http://orthochristian.com/116338.html
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
SYNOD OF CONSTANTINOPLE DID NOT DISCUSS UKRAINE AT FIRST DAY OF MEETING
Constantinople, October 10, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116346.html
Below please find another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
RESPONSE TO INEPT REMARKS FROM ARCHBISHOP JOB (GETCHA) OF TELMESSOS
Protodeacon Vladimir Vasilik
http://orthochristian.com/116336.html
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Orthodox Christianity website.
CONSTANTINOPLE TO HEAR REPORT OF KIEV EXARCHS TODAY, SCHISMATIC CHURCH REP SAYS
Constantinople, October 10, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116362.html
Below please find another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
UKRAINIAN MONASTERY AND CHURCH LEGALLY CHALLENGING STATE’S RIGHT TO APPEAL FOR AUTOCEPHALY
Kiev, October 10, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116376.html
Below please find yet another article gr9m today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
UKRAINIAN AUTHORITIES HAVE COMPILED LIST OF CHURCHES TO SEIZE FROM CANONICAL CHURCH
The list includes 24 churches
Kiev, October 10, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116366.html
Below please find an article from yesterday on The Washington Post website.
Europe
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine spill over to Byzantine world of Orthodox church
By David Stern, Amie Ferris-Rotman
October 10, 2018 at 8:42 AM
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/tensions-between-russia-and-ukraine-spill-over-to-byzantine-world-of-orthodox-church/2018/10/10/89222b92-c802-11e8-9b1c-a90f1daae309_story.html
Below please find an article by the Associated Press from today in The National Herald.
Patriarchate to Move Forward with Ukrainian Independence (Vid)
By Associated Press
October 11, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216246/orthodox-church-to-move-forward-with-ukrainian-independence/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
CONFIRMED: ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE REMOVES ANATHEMAS, ENTERS INTO COMMUNION WITH SCHISMATICS (+VIDEO)
Constantinople, October 11, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116410.html
Greatly Saddened
HOLD THE PHONE
STOP THE PRESSES
HIT THE BRAKES
WHOA, HORSIE
WHAT A MINUTE
TIME OUT
Official communion has been established between the EP and the schismatic KP Filaret group??
Does this make the EP and all EP Churches (Constantinople, GOA, various EP ethnic Churches) in schism as well?
Is the GOA therefore now in schism with canonical Orthodoxy?
How does this process work?
The EP is now in communion with LMNOP.
This announcement brought to you by the letter “J” and the number “8”.
Below please find another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
CONSTANTINOPLE REMOVES ANATHEMAS FROM SCHISMATIC LEADERS, GREEK MEDIA REPORTS
Constantinople, October 11, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116406.html
Below please find yet another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
PATRIARCH IRINEJ OF SERBIA: AUTOCEPHALY REQUIRES CONSENT OF ALL CHURCHES
Belgrade, October 11, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116409.html
Below please find an article from today on the Tass website.
Serb bishop slams West’s religious meddling, efforts to ‘tear apart Orthodox Christianity’
Society & Culture
October 11, 17:36
http://tass.com/society/1025583
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Financial Times website.
Ukrainian politics
Ukraine’s Orthodox church granted independence from Russia ties
Politically charged decision defies criticism from Moscow
October 11, 2018 4:56 pm by Roman Olearchyk in Kiev and Henry Foy in Moscow
https://www.ft.com/content/723c14da-cd4b-11e8-b276-b9069bde0956
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Interfax Religion website.
2018-10-11 16:25:00
Ukrainian Сhurch leader meets with Poroshenko
http://www.interfax-religion.com/print.php?act=news&id=14550
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
UKRAINIAN CHURCH WON’T PARTICIPATE IN COUNCIL FOR UNIFICATION OF NON-CANONICAL CHURCHES
Kiev, October 12, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116447.html
Below please find another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
“CONSTANTINOPLE’S SYNOD SHOCKED THE ENTIRE ORTHODOX WORLD”—UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH’S CHANCELLOR
Kiev, October 12, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116448.html
Below please find yet another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
POROSHENKO GIVES THANKS FOR VICTORY OVER “MOSCOW DEMONS”
Kiev, October 12, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116451.html
Below please find still another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
CONSTANTINOPLE, CONSTANTINOPLE! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
Priest Valery Dukhanin
http://orthochristian.com/116419.html
Below please find an article from today on The Telegraph UK website.
Russia warns of schism in Orthodox Christianity after Ukrainian church granted independence
By Telegraph Reporter
12 OCTOBER 2018 • 8:42 PM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/10/12/russia-warns-schism-orthodox-christianity-ukrainian-church-granted1/
Greatly Saddened
Thanks for the post
“Russia warns of schism in Orthodox Christianity after Ukrainian church granted independence”
And there you have it, folks
So many short sighted posters blabbing on an on, trying to wax eloquent even, about how acceptable it is for the EP to step in and solve this little problem in the Ukraine [of which he has absolutely no right to do. The Phanar is full of it]
We are talking world schism. Worse than 1054
Look, get real. Both the EP and Moscow have churches all over the globe. That’s just the facts
Moscow will excommunicate Constantinople for sure. It will be compelled to do so and I’m afraid it may indeed be needful to do
[Hey, we can’t have a Pope]
That will then absolutely split the Orthodox world in two
And most likely possibly worse
Get ready to see it hit the fan
Maybe no one will end up going to church
Everybody will just stay home and watch the made for TV movie,
“Dude, where’s my Church?”
Patriarch Kirill will be played by Gene Hackman
The part of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to will be played by Grumpy Cat
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Catholic News Agency website.
Home » News » Europe
Orthodox Patriarch commits to independent Ukrainian Church, snubs Moscow
Istanbul, Turkey, Oct 11, 2018 / 01:00 pm
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/orthodox-patriarch-commits-independent-ukrainian-church-snubs-moscow-25047
President Poroshenko also said:
“For us, our own church is a guarantee of the spiritual freedom. This is the key to social harmony. I guarantee that the State of Ukraine will respect the choice of those who decide to remain in the church structure, which will maintain its unity with the Russian Orthodox Church. But I also guarantee that the state will protect the rights of those priests and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, who voluntarily decide to leave the influence of Moscow to establish, along with the others, the Autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Today I can already say that the appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch with the request to provide Autocephaly was supported by a group of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. They endured pressure, blackmail, threats and intimidation, yet they appealed with their signatures to the Ecumenical Patriarch. And this is worth acknowledgment.”
https://www.president.gov.ua/en/videos/zayava-prezidenta-ukrayini-u-zvyazku-iz-rishennyam-sinodu-vs-1062
Poroshenko also said this:
“As President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, I share the opinion of the majority of citizens, more than 60%, who stand for the political-diplomatic settlement. Liberation of Donbas by political and diplomatic means. This is my strategy of struggle for peace and de-occupation…”
The political-diplomatic strategy is a guarantee of peace in all Ukraine, including in the front-line Mariupol, throughout the Donetsk region, in the neighboring Luhansk region. We need to protect Mariupol, Kramatorsk, Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk. Protect not only from military aggression, but also from the hybrid threat.”
https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/glava-derzhavi-politiko-diplomatichna-strategiya-zaporuka-po-50394
He also said:
“The scale of the work of military doctors is impressive. From the beginning of Russian aggression, I would like to emphasize that more than eleven thousand wounded Ukrainian soldiers received medical assistance at the medical institutions of the Ministry of Defense.”
https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/mi-vidnovili-infrastrukturu-vijskovoyi-medicini-i-adaptuyemo-50398
It’s been a few years now since Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has been barred from visiting Ukraine.
Indeed, even his first visit as Patriarch in 2009 caused quite an uproar:
Russian Patriarch’s Visit Creates Storm In Ukraine
https://www.rferl.org/a/Russian_Patriarchs_Visit_Creates_Storm_In_Ukraine/1789959.html
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
“THOSE WHO INITIATED AUTOCEPHALY DO NOT WANT PEACE IN OUR LAND”
Metropolitan Mitrophan of Gorlovka and Slavyansk
http://orthochristian.com/116462.html
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Orthodoxie website.
Headlines News
Metropolitan Rostislav’s letter to Patriarch Kirill
By Emma Cazabonne
12 October 2018
https://orthodoxie.com/en/metropolitan-rostislavs-letter-to-patriarch-kirill/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
HOLY SYNOD RESOLUTION: MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE CEASES EUCHARISTIC COMMUNION FOR CLERGY AND LAITY WITH THE CONSTANTINOPLE PATRIARCHATE
Minsk, October 15, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116517.html
Below please find an article from today on the Reuters website.
Russian Orthodox Church breaks with Constantinople in row over Ukraine
Andrei Makhovsky
Metropolitan Hilarion, Chairman of external relations department of the Moscow Patriarchate and permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, speaks during a news conference in Minsk, Belarus October 15, 2018.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-church-russia/russian-orthodox-church-breaks-with-constantinople-in-row-over-ukraine-idUSKCN1MP24G
Below please find an article from today on the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty website.
RUSSIA
Russian Orthodox Church Breaks Ties With Constantinople Patriarchate
Last Updated: October 15, 2018 17:41 GMT
RFE/RL’s Belarus Service
https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-orthodox-church-to-break-with-patriarchate-of-constantinople/29545003.html
Below please find an article from today on The Guardian website.
Russian Orthodox Church cuts ties with Constantinople
Religious schism driven by political friction after Ukraine church granted independence
Andrew Roth in Moscow and Harriet Sherwood, religion correspondent
Mon 15 Oct 2018 14.54 EDT
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/15/russian-orthodox-church-cuts-ties-with-constantinople
Below please find an article from Friday on the Hurriyet Daily News website.
News World
October 12 2018 10:03:00
Patriarchate in Istanbul recognizes independence of Ukrainian Orthodox Church
ISTANBUL / MOSCOW
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/amp/patriarchate-in-istanbul-recognizes-independence-of-ukrainian-orthodox-church-137795
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Byzantine, Texas website.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Official: Moscow breaks Eucharistic communion with the EP
http://byztex.blogspot.com/2018/10/official-moscow-breaks-eucharistic.html?m=1
Below please find an article by the Associated Press on The National Herald website.
Russian Orthodox Church Breaks Ties with Constantinople
By Associated Press
October 15, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216684/russian-orthodox-church-breaks-ties-with-constantinople/
Below please find an article from yesterday in The National Herald.
Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Announcement on the Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine
By TNH Staff – October 15, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216663/ecumenical-patriarchates-announcement-on-the-autocephaly-of-the-orthodox-church-in-ukraine/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
GREEK METROPOLITAN CALLS FOR EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF HOLY SYNOD TO ADDRESS UKRAINIAN CRISIS
Kythira, Greece, October 16, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116573.html
Below please find another article on the Orthodox Christianity website.
EXPERTS ON THE CONSTANTINOPLE PATRIARCHATE’S SCANDALOUS DECISIONS
Anton Pospelov, Yuri Pushchaev
10/15/2018
http://orthochristian.com/116500.html
Below please find an article from yesterday on The New York Times website.
Russia Takes Further Step Toward Major Schism in Orthodox Church
By Neil MacFarquhar
Oct. 15, 2018
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/15/world/europe/russia-orthodox-church.html
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Atlantic Council website.
Ukraine Alert
OCTOBER 15, 2018
What Really Happened in Constantinople Last Week
BY CYRIL HOVORUN
http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/what-really-happened-in-constantinople-last-week
Below please find an article from Saturday on the Bloomberg website.
Politics & Policy
Putin Is the Biggest Loser of Orthodox Schism
As Ukraine’s church moves toward independence, the Russian president could lose his role of defender of the faith.
By Leonid Bershidsky
October 13, 2018, 10:00 AM EDT
https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2018-10-16/putin-s-tough-guy-act-is-getting-old-russians-say
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Union of Orthodox Journalists website.
In Sumy provocateurs attempt to disrupt the service of UOC
15 October 2018, 11:56 Editorial board UOJ
http://spzh.news/en/news/56630-v-sumah-provokatory-pytalisy-sorvaty-bogosluzhenije-upc
Below please find an article from today on the Pravmir website.
The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church has Considered it Impossible to Remain in the Eucharistic Communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople
Source: DECR
PRAVMIR.COM TEAM | 16 OCTOBER 2018
http://www.pravmir.com/the-holy-synod-of-the-russian-orthodox-church-has-considered-it-impossible-to-remain-in-the-eucharistic-communion-with-the-patriarchate-of-constantinople/
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find an article from today in The National Herald. Unfortunately, the article is locked and doesn’t appear in its entirety. I will continue to be on the lookout for the article in its entirely, and if found, I will post.
Archbishop Demetrios Probably Will Be Replaced in November
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 16, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216773/archbishop-demetrios-probably-will-be-replaced-in-november/
Please take note, the above article which appeared in The National Herald is unlocked and in its entirety.
Archbishop Demetrios Probably Will Be Replaced in November
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 17, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216773/archbishop-demetrios-probably-will-be-replaced-in-november/
Below please find an article from today on the RT website.
Home World News
The new Great Schism? What’s next for the world of Orthodox Christianity
Published time: 16 Oct, 2018 20:47
https://www.rt.com/news/441455-russia-orthodox-constantinople-ukraine/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
CONSTANTINOPLE RECOGNIZED ALL CLERGY OF KP AND UAOC AS CANONICAL—PATRIARCHAL EXARCH
Kiev, October 16, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116578.html
Below please find an article from today on the Financial Times website.
Ukraine conflict
Putin suffers Crimea blowback with Orthodox Church schismRecognition of Ukrainian church’s split from Russia is proxy for wider independence battle
October 14, 2018 1:30 pm by Max Seddon in Moscow and Roman Olearchyk in Kiev
https://www.ft.com/content/72934a1e-ce29-11e8-b276-b9069bde0956
Below please find an article from Friday on the Pravda Report website.
Author’s name Lyuba Lulko
12 Oct 2018 at 18:26
Constantinople wants to break the spine of Orthodoxy
http://www.pravdareport.com/society/stories/12-10-2018/141776-orthodoxy-0/
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Orthodoxie website.
News Europe Headlines
The Serbian Patriarch Irinej, ”What the Ecumenical Patriarch is doing is unheard of!”
By Jivko Panev
16 October 2018
https://orthodoxie.com/en/the-serbian-patriarch-irinej-what-the-ecumenical-patriarch-is-doing-is-unheard-of/
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find an article from today on The National Herald website. Unfortunately, the article is locked and doesn’t appear in its entirety. I will continue to be on the lookout for the article in its entirely, and if found, I will post.
Meetings of Eparchial Synod and Archdiocesan Council in New York
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 17, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216949/meetings-of-eparchial-synod-and-archdiocesan-council-in-new-york/
Please take note, the above article which appeared in The National Herald is unlocked and in its entirety. Also, note the comments below the article.
Meetings of Eparchial Synod and Archdiocesan Council in NY
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 19, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216949/meetings-of-eparchial-synod-and-archdiocesan-council-in-new-york/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
UKRAINIAN SCHISMATIC LEADERS DISAGREEING OVER HOW TO UNITE
Kiev, October 17, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116602.html
It sounds like Patriarch Filaret and Metropolitan Makary will need to be retired.
That wasn’t in the plans though, was it?
It may be in the EP’s plans for their retirement. They are both shrill voices with chips on their shoulders. My guess is that an autocephalous Ukrainian church will not be made a Patriarchate by the EP.
I guess we’ll find out what happens if and when the tomos is issued. I say “if” because I wouldn’t be surprised by Putin somehow attempting to stop this through political means.
George,
If you read this, the ROCOR is saying basically the same thing I said in response to M. Bauman regarding ecclesiological heresy:
https://orthodoxlife.org/epistles/rocor-synod-ukraine-communion/
“. . . the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia has no option except, with profound sorrow and yet with full conviction, publicly to register her assent with the decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Moscow, which recognises that continuing Eucharistic communion with the Church of Constantinople is impossible, at any level, until this ancient and once-glorious sister Church repents from its introduction of false and alien teachings about primacy and universal authority, contrary to the ancient Orthodox Faith, and ceases from its lawless actions.”
ROCOR seems to be explicitly characterizing it as heresy. Inventing doctrines and insisting that they be imposed on the rest of the Church is indeed a form of heresy.
The MP, in passing, said essentially the same thing:
“One’s appropriation of powers to reverse court judgements and other decisions of other Local Orthodox Churches is only one of the manifestations of a new false teaching proclaimed today by the Church of Constantinople and ascribing to the Patriarch of Constantinople the right of ‘the first without equals’ (primus sine paribus) with a universal jurisdiction.” – https://mospat.ru/en/2018/10/15/news165263/
This article is as clear as mud. There’s not one thing in it that says anything. Who has listened to and understood the actual interview, linked to in the article?
Below please find an article from yesterday on the BBC News website.
Orthodox Church split: Five reasons why it matters
By Laurence Peter
BBC News
16 October 2018 Europe
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45877584
Below please find an article from Saturday on the Orthodoxy Cognate Page website.
Filaret Denysenko – “The Formation of the Unified Ukrainian Orthodox Church Will be on a Voluntary Basis”
by ORTHODOXY COGNATE PAGE
on OCTOBER 13, 2018
Liju Cherian (Chief Editor) – OCP News Service – 13/10/18
http://theorthodoxchurch.info/blog/news/filaret-denysenko-the-formation-of-the-unified-ukrainian-orthodox-church-will-be-on-a-voluntary-basis/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
TURKISH ORTHODOX “CHURCH” FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE
Constantinople, October 18, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116629.html
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Orthodox Christianity website.
OFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE DEFROCKING AND ANATHEMATIZATION OF PHILARET DENISENKO
Documents of the June 1992, 1994, and 1997 Bishops’ Councils of the Russian Orthodox Church
Translated by Jesse Dominick
10/17/2018
http://orthochristian.com/116586.html
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find an article from today in The National Herald. Unfortunately, the article is locked and doesn’t appear in its entirety. I will continue to be on the lookout for the article in its entirely, and if found, I will post.
Analysis: Unavoidable Comparisons
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 18, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216928/analysis-unavoidable-comparisons/
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Orthodox Christianity website.
WHERE IS THE OLD PHILARET?
Commentary and translation by Matthew Casserly
Pravoslavie.fm
10/17/2018
http://orthochristian.com/116596.html
Below please find a press release from yesterday on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website.
NEWS OFFICIAL NEWS 2018
Synod Members Visit St Nicholas at WTC
Stavros Papagermanos
PressOffice@goarch.org
https://www.goarch.org/-/synod-members-visit-st-nicholas-at-wtc
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find an article from yesterday on The National Herald website. Also take note of the comments below the article Unfortunately, the article is locked and doesn’t appear in its entirety. I will continue to be on the lookout for the article in its entirely, and if found, I will post.
Archimandrite Makris Reinstated at Brooklyn’s Holy Cross (Vid)
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 18, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216895/archimandrite-makris-reinstated-at-brooklyns-holy-cross-vid/
Please take note, the above article which appeared in The National Herald is unlocked and in its entirety.
Archimandrite Makris Reinstated at Brooklyn’s Holy Cross (Vid)
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 19, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216895/archimandrite-makris-reinstated-at-brooklyns-holy-cross-vid/
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find an article from today in The National Herald. Unfortunately, the article is locked and doesn’t appear in its entirety. I will continue to be on the lookout for the article in its entirely, and if found, I will post.
Archdiocese Ignored Spiritual Court’s Decision about Archimandrite Makris
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 23, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/217442/archdiocese-ignored-spiritual-courts-decision-about-archimandrite-makris/
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find a press release from yesterday on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website.
NEWS OFFICIAL NEWS 2018
Special Investigative Committee Releases Phase II Saint Nicholas Report
October 18, 2018
Stavros Papagermanos – Press Office pressoffice@goarch.org
https://www.goarch.org/-/special-investigative-committee-releases-phase-ii-saint-nicholas-report
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find an article from yesterday on The National Herald website.
Report on Sprawling Toronto Metropolis Real Estate
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 18, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/216921/report-on-sprawling-toronto-metropolis-real-estate/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
CONSTANTINOPLE FOLLOWS DOUBLE STANDARD IN UKRAINE AND MACEDONIA—UKRAINIAN CHURCH REP
Kiev, October 19, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116659.html
Below please find another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
STATEMENT OF THE HOLY SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OUTSIDE OF RUSSIA
New York: October 18, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116644.html
Joseph Lipper and Dino
Please read in full the statement ROCOR has made that Greatly Saddened has posted a link to:
“Proceeding from a false assertion that the ancient prerogative of receiving appeals for pan-Orthodox mediation equates to an autonomous and unilateral power held by the See of Constantinople, that See now arrogates non-existent powers to itself in the attempt to justify its interference in the canonical contexts of other Local Churches. The reality, however, is that the Church of Constantinople possesses no such canonical authority and, in exercising this lawless abrogation of authentic primacy, distorts the true nature of the concept of being “First among equals,” directly opposing canonical Orthodoxy.
For the sake of the clear understanding of the present situation amongst the faithful, we hereby make explicit that the just anathematisation by the Bishops’ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church of schismatics that persist in their errors, cannot be and has not been overturned by the unilateral action of the Church of Constantinople. In the eyes of God, and in accordance with the Holy Canons and the teachings of the Orthodox Church, these individuals remain under their just condemnation, and are considered in schism; that is, fallen away from Holy Orthodoxy. Moreover, we remind the faithful of the Holy Canons which clearly express the principle that those who intercommune with the justly deposed, themselves enter into schism from the Orthodox Church (cf. Antioch, 2). Therefore any who, following the lawless decision of the Church of Constantinople, enter into communion with these schismatic individuals, do thereby depart from Orthodox canonical unity into schism, and the mortal peril it represents to the soul.”
It is not a light matter that the EP did what he did
His actions are not an option as they are outside the Orthodox faith
Billy, the EP claims to be the mother church. That’s really the crux of their argument and what gives them full canonical authority, in their viewpoint.
If Ukraine is just another part of Russia, then why does it constitute a separate autonomous church within the Moscow Patriarchate?
The Moscow Patriarchate was born out of the church established in Kiev, not the other way around.
Joseph Lipper
“Billy, the EP claims to be the mother church. That’s really the crux of their argument and what gives them full canonical authority, in their viewpoint.”
Bingo
And
Absolute heretical anti-Orthodox nonsense
From 2nd Rome to 2nd Roman Catholic Church
Joseph,
I love you. I really do. But ponder your last sentence for a moment.
What caused the ‘Supreme’ Patriarchal throne to be in Rome? Why was it moved to Constantinople? Where was the seat of the Russian empire when the Slavs were converted? Where was it for 300 years before the communist revolution, and where is it now?
If we were to follow only the historical ‘logic’ of the locations of Patriarchal thrones (something I am not suggesting), the EP in Istanbul would have ceased to exist long ago. And if what Churches were born from what Churches were to be our guide, Patriarch Theophilus II of Jerusalem, Mother of all Churches (You know – as in, “In the beginning” with the Word; the “life and light of the Churches” and such), would unquestionably be the EP.
Historical logic alone, regardless of one’s interpretation of it, simply isn’t helpful; nor does it serve us well as a guide. The order of the Byzantine empire is long gone and not likely to return in any form anywhere (including Moscow).
Someday, I don’t know when, we will wake up to the fact that rules (canons, precedents, etc.) alone are meaningless apart from obedience to the commandments of Christ.
Brian,
The rise of Constantinople as New Rome didn’t abolish the historic Patriarchate of “old” Rome. Neither did it abolish the historic Patriarchates of Jerusalem, Antioch, and Alexandria.
Likewise, the rise of Moscow as the center of a Slavic empire didn’t abolish the fact that already there was a separate autonomous Church centered around Kiev and under the EP. That the Moscow Patriarchate eventually did take over the Church of Kiev, and without the consent of the EP, was wrongful.
This was partially remedied by the more recent restoration of Ukraine’s autonomy by the Moscow Patriarchate in 1990. However, according to church order, the Metropolitan of Kiev is still supposed to be commemorating the Ecumenical Patriarch as primate. Unfortunately, Moscow did not remedy this.
We all know that the Ecumenical Patriarchate still exists 565 years after Constantinople fell in 1453. It may be a mere shadow of it’s former self, but that shadow still retains the outline of the Church’s image and order. The idea that Moscow somehow became the new “Third Rome” is simply a self-proclaimed revisionist history. There never was any Ecumenical Council that proclaimed Moscow as “Third Rome”.
Brian, I am hopeful and believe this will all be straightened out at a future Church Council. For now, life is obedience, and obedience is life.
“EP claims to be the mother church. That’s really the crux of their argument ”
EP lost all rights to the Rus church after XV century apostasy and becoming Uniate.
“The Moscow Patriarchate was born out of the church established in Kiev”
The original Kiev metropolia evacuated to Vladimir, and later to Moscow after destruction of Kiev by the Mongols. Later the lands of the future Ukraine were conquered by the Lithuanians/Poles who abolished Orthodox church there through Unia.
Martin, the EP restored Orthodoxy to Ukraine after it became Uniate. That was one of the main points of the EP’s argument as mother church.
If Ukraine and Russia are all just the same, then why does the Moscow Patriarchate TODAY recognize an autonomous Ukrainian church instead of just considering it an eparchy?
“EP restored Orthodoxy to Ukraine after it became Uniate”
Joseph, Joseph. EP was not able to do such feat even in the areas much closer to its home, like Anatolia for example.
Orthodoxy was restored on the left bank of Dnieper by the insurgents and Moscow. The rest of restoration was done in the end of XVIII and first half of XIX.
“If Ukraine and Russia are all just the same”
Not nice, to put never spoken words in your interlocutor mouth.
Below please find an article from today on The National Herald website. Also, note the comments below the article.
Special Investigative Committee Releases Phase 2 Saint Nicholas Report
By TNH Staff – October 19, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/217126/special-investigative-committee-releases-phase-2-saint-nicholas-report/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
THE DECISION OF THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH IS UNCANONICAL
Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radovich)
His Eminence, Amfilohije, Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, and of the Highlands of Brda, and Exarch of the Throne of Peć gave an interview to “Channel One” Russia.
10/20/2018
http://orthochristian.com/116670.html
This article/interview with Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radovich) is a great source of information. I was so glad to have read it. His Eminence does not, however, give a solution. He does not state what he thinks should be done to help the Orthodox Christians in Ukraine. He also falls back on the popular idea that the Ecumenical Patriarchate has gone insane.
(Well, at least we now know that the EP has not stolen $10 million from the GOA! WHEW! I’ll bet my eyeteeth he wasn’t blackmailed, either. But that’s just me.)
Here’s a fact: The EP receives money from the State Department, and so does Poroshenko. Anybody know about the pastor who was recently released from a Turkish prison? It might help to read this article on the release of Pastor Brunson. (Excerpt: “The Order is grateful to the Trump administration for its efforts to free Pastor Brunson. We hope that the freeing of Brunson will herald a new flowering of respect for religious freedom in Turkey, leading to the granting of full religious freedom to the Orthodox Christians of Turkey, the reopening of the Halki Seminary, and the granting of full rights to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”
Respected Orthodox leaders, here are a few questions. Are there any answers?
What should the EP do when petitioned by Ukrainian Orthodox who are “fractured into a desperate condition”? Should they do what Russia wants them to do? What DOES Russia want the EP to do, and would happen then? Does Russia want Ukraine to fold back into Russia? What will happen to the tens of millions of Ukrainians who don’t belong to the UOC-MP?
The EP reasons like this:
“The Orthodox population in Ukraine is divided into three groups: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyivan Patriarchate (“UOC-KP”) (25%/~11,000,000 adherents); Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Moscow Patriarchate (“UOC-MP”) (15%/~6,600,000 adherents); and Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (“UAOC”) (1.8%/~ 790,000 adherents)[1]. This division started in the 1920s and was greatly complicated by powerful geo-political events. The twentieth century was a brutal era for the Ukrainian people. During the Soviet period millions of Ukrainians perished under a ruthless regime. Historians estimate that in 1932-33, three to five million Ukrainians starved to death in the Holodomor(in Ukrainian, literally “death by starvation”). This genocide was orchestrated by Stalin to enforce collectivization in Ukraine. This catastrophe was followed by the heinous Nazi occupation of Ukraine during World War II. Ukraine was the epicenter of what is referred to as the “Bloodlands” — the territory which both the Russians and the Germans fought to integrate into their empires. In the last 15 years Ukraine has experienced renewed strife with Russia. In 2014 an international crisis arose when the Russian Federation, ignoring fundamental principles of international law and recognized tenets of national sovereignty, militarily occupied and annexed the Crimean peninsula in Ukraine and fomented civil war.
“The division of the Orthodox population arises out of the Ukrainian people seeking an autocephalous church and their desire for “Ukrainianization” of their local church (i.e.,use of Ukrainian in church services and respect for local church customs).
“The entire Church structure in Ukraine has fractured into a desperate condition.”
https://www.archons.org/-/ukrainememo?fbclid=IwAR3Yt_N6oUZ06Ke3bPNzkxkNvb3yCkwgO5HRikpXMZv4XJfFJ1ni6cQXMLU
Dear Ms. Hamilton:
I implore you to read http://www.orthodoxethos.com deeply and widely — all articles well before the Council in Crete, during, and after to begin to understand how concerned many have been about the uncanonical, unOrthodox approach the EP has been taking. The Holy Fathers and Holy Monks of Mt Athos and those out in the world who were once there or whose spiritual fathers are there etc. Have a SPIRITUAL not a secular or nationalistic understanding. We in the US think individualistically and autocephaly has a great ring to it for us, as it did for Adam and Eve, which was spiritual disaster for them. When a teen asks for full “rights” before ready to live maturely and without heeding guidance from those wiser than he/she (since our neurons are not even fully connected until we are 26), we know how unwise that is. Relying on our own secular/individualistic/western way of thinking is natural but fortunately Orthodoxy is able to heal us of this perspective. You did not reply to GS’s posting using the words of Met. Filaret 2 years before he was deposed. Please read that post above. He sounded like a different and faithful Orthodox clergyman at the time. He was then in tune with the tradition of the Orthodox Church. Please try to understand canonicity. It is meant to soothe and heal our “inflamed” and impassioned worldly thinking. We are not to come up with the solution for someone crying for something. God has bequeathed that to us through our Holy Orthodox Church and Tradition. Please try to see it differently. This will be my last appeal to you. All the best in Christ to you on your path to Him, Nicole
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Greek News Online website.
Changes in plans caused the increased construction costs of St Nicholas, says the Special Investigative Committee
OCTOBER 19TH, 2018
COMMUNITY, ECONOMY, GREECE, TOP STORY
http://www.greeknewsonline.com/changes-in-plans-caused-the-increased-construction-costs-of-st-nicholas-says-the-special-investigative-committee/
Who cares? The truth doesn’t matter.
Below please find an article from yesterday on The New York Times website.
The Orthodox Schism and the Spiritual Limits of Politics
A serious rift in the church could have big consequences in Ukraine, Russia and Greece.
By Nikos Konstandaras
Oct. 19, 2018
Mr. Konstandaras is a columnist at the Greek newspaper Kathimerini.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2018/10/19/opinion/konstandaras-orthodox-church-russia-ukraine.amp.html
Below please find another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
SERBIAN-ANTIOCHIAN JOINT STATEMENT CALLS FOR PAN-ORTHODOX RESOLUTION TO UKRAINIAN CRISIS
Belgrade, October 20, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116672.html
Below please find an announcement on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website.
NEWS OFFICIAL NEWS 2018
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD
https://www.goarch.org/-/announcement-of-the-holy-eparchial-syn-7?fbclid=IwAR3mSkwbA5ZWS-VkjXhbxMrtwbZMN1lem7KI49hTCVcK62Xdqd9ruS0_J3c
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find an article from yestetday on The National Herald website. Unfortunately, the article is locked and doesn’t appear in its entirety. I will continue to be on the lookout for the article in its entirely, and if found, I will post.
Fordham’s Orthodox Center Scholars Speak with TNH
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 20, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/217054/fordhams-orthodox-center-scholars-speak-with-tnh/
Please take note, the above article which appeared in The National Herald is now unlocked and in its entirety.
Fordham’s Orthodox Center Scholars Speak with TNH
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 20, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/217054/fordhams-orthodox-center-scholars-speak-with-tnh/
Below please find an article from Thursday on the Orthodox Synaxis website.
Ukraine Church Controversy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
https://orthodoxsynaxis.org/2018/10/18/ukraine-church-controversy-frequently-asked-questions-faq/
So did the US Attorney’s Office drop the case? Is Mr. NGO (Rev. Alexander Karloutsos) part of this new “legal entity that may be affiliated with, but is independent from, the GOA?” So many questions and too few answers.
In order for the EP to remain solvent, the GOA has to remain solvent. Wouldn’t it be a “kicker” if the 25M the EP was purportedly expecting from Poroshenko was to bail out the GOA so they could carry on and continue to serve as his chief source of income? If so, the State Department may have asked the US Attorney’s Office to back off hoping the EP can light a fire under all those schematics (nationalists) hoping they can distract Russia while Ukraine ushers in NATO. NATO is trying to solve a Rubix cube of a puzzle and they haven’t gotten all of the colors to line up. Hungry has to say yes and they’re saying no. If I had a Magic 8-Ball, it would say, “Outlook does not look good.”
BTW, when I said they were going to ignite a global war and we were all going to be dragged into it, I didn’t say “nuclear” war. That honor belongs to the Fordham bunch. I was shocked when I read they said that.
How paranoid are you?
Below please find an article from today by the Associated Press, on The National Herald website.
Birth of a New Ukrainian Church Brings Fears of Violence
By Associated Press
October 21, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/217224/birth-of-a-new-ukrainian-church-brings-fears-of-violence/
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Orthodox Christianity website.
“KIEV PATRIARCHATE” DECLARES KIEV CAVES AND POCHAEV LAVRAS TO BE UNDER PHILARET
Kiev, October 20, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116683.html
Below please find an article from Friday on the Public Radio International (PRI) website.
Religion
Orthodox Christianity faced with a political divide
PRI’s The World
Friday, October 19, 2018 – 11:15am
By Matthew Bell
https://www.pri.org/stories/2018-10-19/orthodox-christianity-faced-political-divide
Below please find an article from yesterday on the Crux website.
Moscow’s veto on Catholic/Orthodox dialogue may be slipping away
John L. Allen Jr.
Oct 20, 2018
EDITOR
https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2018/10/20/moscows-veto-on-catholic-orthodox-dialogue-may-be-slipping-away/
Below please find an article from today on the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) website.
news
Moscow-Constantinople split highlighting Estonia’s role in Orthodox church
FEATURE
Jason Van Boom, PhD candidate, University of Tartu
Today at 06.20
https://news.err.ee/870633/moscow-constantinople-split-highlighting-estonia-s-role-in-orthodox-church
Below please find an article from Friday on the Interfax Religion website.
News
19 October 2018, 17:36
Constantinople refuses to sever communion with Russian Orthodox Church (updated)
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=14609
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
“I HAVE DOUBTS” ABOUT UNIFICATION PROCESS— MAKARY OF UKRAINIAN AUTOCEPHALOUS CHURCH
Kiev, October 22, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116715.html
Below please find another article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE BACKS BID FOR UKRAINIAN AUTOCEPHALY
Washington, D.C., October 22, 2018
http://orthochristian.com/116713.html
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find an article from today in The National Herald. Unfortunately, the article is locked and doesn’t appear in its entirety. I will continue to be on the lookout for the article in its entirely, and if found, I will post.
Mockery and Propaganda
By Theodore Kalmoukos
October 22, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/217430/mockery-and-propaganda/
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find a “Letter to the Editor” from today in The National Herald, by Dennis Menos of Potomac. MD. Also, note the comments below his letter.
Letter to the Editor: There is a Need for Pan-Orthodox Unity
October 22, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/217367/letter-to-the-editor-there-is-a-need-for-pan-orthodox-unity/
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find a news release from Saturday on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website.
NEWS OFFICIAL NEWS 2018
Archdiocesan Council Convenes First Meeting for 2018-2020 – Archdiocese on Firm and Promising Ground
Stavros Papagermanos/Press Office pressoffice@goarch.org
October 20, 2018
https://www.goarch.org/-/archdiocesan-council-convenes-first-meeting-for-2018-2020-archdiocese-on-firm-and-promising-ground
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find a news release from Friday on the Moscow Patriarchate website.
19.10.2018 23:02
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk meets with Pope Francis
https://mospat.ru/en/2018/10/19/news165499/?fbclid=IwAR3DawUkokTUnDCC9eMAeLvqprIZ1MumbgOjxU1rp8bkpn4jYq060VqDpUo
Metropolitan Hilarion continues his “ecumenical walk” with Pope Francis, giving the Pope a debriefing of the situation in Ukraine from the point of view of the Moscow Patriarchate.
The theme of the “Robber” Council of Florence is taken up on this website frequently. So does anyone else notice the similarities between the political alliance that Metropolitan Hilarion appears to be negotiating with the Pope, and the political alliance that was negotiated at the Council of Florence by the Russian Metropolitan Isidore “The Apostate”?
http://tass.com/society/1026890
Joseph, it’s worth noting the Pope started distancing himself from the EP the previous fall and then made this announcement in May.
* * *
The following is the greeting the Holy Father Francis addressed to the delegation from the Patriarchate of Moscow, whom he received in the study of the Paul VI Hall before the general audience on Wednesday 30 May:
“In a special way before you, my dear brother…”
Greeting of the Holy Father
Thank you so much for your visit, and also for this meeting, which helps us so much to live our faith in unity and in the hope to walk together.
I am happy to take the road of unity with you: the only road that promises us something certain, because the path of division leads us to war and destruction.
[Note: in these lines, the Pope seems to be making an oblique reference to the fighting in eastern Ukraine, and perhaps even to the long history of tension and distrust between Orthodox and Catholics over any centuries.]
And before you I would like to reiterate — in a special way before you, my dear brother, and before all of you — that the Catholic Church will never allow an attitude of division to arise from her people.
[Note: Here the Pope directly addresses Hilarion as “my dear brother,” and one sense that the words reflect prior conversations the two have had.]
We will never allow ourselves to do this, I do not want it.
[Note: This rhetoric — “I do not want it” — seems clearly not that of a Vatican staff person, writing a text for the Pope to read. These seem clearly to be the Pope’s own words. He would not speak so personally in a text prepared by others.]
In Moscow — in Russia — there is only one Patriarchate: yours.
[Note: Here the Pope begins to address the question of “one Patriarchate.” This is a bit strange, since there has not really been any controversy over whether there should be more than one Patriarchate in Moscow, or in Russia. There has been no call for the establishment of a Catholic Patriarchate of Moscow. So why does the Pope raise the matter? It seems it may be an oblique reference to the controversy over the Patriarchate of Kiev, which currently does not, according to Orthodox tradition, exist (because Kiev is under Moscow). This is a present controversy: whether to erect another Patriarchate in Kiev, not in Moscow, for the Ukrainians. Is the Pope referring to this? It is not clear.]
We will not have another one.
[Note: for the same reasons as stated above, these words are not clear.]
And when some Catholic faithful, be they laypeople, priests or bishops, raise the banner of Uniatism, which does not work anymore, and is over, then it causes me pain.
[Note: Here the Pope is clearly speaking of Ukraine, not of Russia, for the phenomenon of “Uniatism” is a Ukrainian phenomenon, with its own special history — the “uniting” of formerly Orthodox Ukrainians and Russians especially in the western part of Ukraine with Rome, becoming Catholics, but keeping their eastern, Byzantine, Orthodox liturgy. The much-persecuted, long-suffering Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, suppressed under Stalin in 1946 (made illegal) is the chief representative of this “Uniatism.” But why is the Pope referring to this now, suddenly? Evidently, if is on his mind, and it is on his mind, one might imagine, because he has been talking about this phenomenon with the man in front of him — Hilarion. Hilarion has made no secret of his conviction that “Uniatism” is not the correct path for a reunion between Orthodox and Catholics. So it is to be assumed that the matter was part of his private discussions with Pope Francis. And here, in public, Pope Francis is saying, more or less, “I agree” that Uniatism is not the path to be followed today toward Christian unity. But what is the path forward, then? The Pope is about to speak about that…]
The Churches that are united in Rome must be respected, but Uniatism as a path of unity is not valid today.
Instead it brings me comfort when I find this: the extended hand, the fraternal embrace, thinking together, and journeying.
[Note: So this is the alternative path toward Church unity that the Pope favors.]
Ecumenism is made by journeying.
We walk.
Some think — but this is not right — that there must first be doctrinal agreement, on all the points of division, and then the journey.
[Note: Here he raises the understandable objection: how can we walk together when doctrinal disagreements still separate us?]
This does not work for ecumenism, because we do not know when agreement will come.
I once heard a man of the Church, a man of God, who said: “I know which day a doctrinal agreement will be signed.” They asked him: “When?” — “The day after the coming of Christ in glory.”
[Note: And this is his answer: because, humanly speaking, we will never come to a complete and final doctrinal agreement until the end of the world, until the Lord’s return, or rather, until after the Lord’s return. So, practically speaking, we must set out now, if we are to make some progress, along a different path…]
We must continue to study theology, to clarify the points, but in the meantime let us walk together, let us not wait for these things to be resolved in order to walk, no.
[Note: So the advice is, to begin to walk together…]
We journey together and also do this, but walking in love, in prayer; as in this example of the relics.
[Note: And these are the things that walking companions do — they pray for each other, they exchange gifts…]
Prayer together, for each other, in dialogue.
This is so good.
The meeting with His Holiness Kirill was very good for me, I found a brother.
[Note: He is referring back now to the meeting on February 12, 2016, in Havana, Cuba, at the airport, when for the first time ever a Roman Pope met with a Russian Orthodox Patriarch, in this case, with Patriarch Kirill.]
And now, spiritually, we walk together.
And a couple of words to finish.
[Note: So, having said something about the unity of the Moscow Patriarchate, and then about walking together before doctrinal issues are resolved, Francis is minded to say two more things, “a couple of words to finish.”]
One on the respect of Catholics towards you, Russian Orthodox brothers: the Catholic Church, the Catholic Churches must not get involved in internal matters of the Russian Orthodox Church, nor in political issues.
[Note: So he re-emphasizes something: that the Catholics, the Catholic Church and the Catholic Churches, “must not get involved in internal matters of the Russian Orthodox Church.” This could not be clearer. Since the Russian Orthodox Church, canonically, is one-third in Ukraine, the Pope is saying that even in regard to those territories of their Church, Catholics “must not get involved” when at issue is something internal the Orthodoxy. He is saying “that is not our business.”]
This is my attitude, and the attitude of the Holy See today.
[Note: So, he emphasizes this point.]
And those who meddle do not obey the Holy See.
[Note: And he re-emphasizes it…]
This regards politics.
[Note: And this is the punctuation point — it is politics, not Christian faith…]
The second thing: piety.
[Note: So now he is wrapping up his remarks, and he turns toward something deeper, more personal…]
It is important that we pray for each other, also in personal prayer.
https://insidethevatican.com/news/newsflash/the-pope-and-the-patriarchate/
I like your detailed notation and analysis, Gail. Good work!
Please excuse me for posting this here as I wasn’t sure where to post.
Below please find an article from yesterday in The National Herald. Unfortunately, the article is locked and doesn’t appear in its entirety. I will continue to be on the lookout for the article in its entirely, and if found, I will post.
Intentions and Results
By Antonis H. Diamataris
October 21, 2018
https://www.thenationalherald.com/217285/intentions-and-results/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodoxia Info website.
Russia paying big money for articles, black propaganda in light of Ukraine developments: Patriarch Bartholomew
Text: English Edition 22/10/2018 * 14:09
https://orthodoxia.info/news/russia-paying-big-money-for-articles-black-propaganda-in-light-of-ukraine-developments-patriarch-bartholomew/
Below please find an article from today on the Orthodox Christianity website.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUES BROUGHT UP BY PATRIARCH IRINEJ OF SERBIA IN HIS LETTER TO ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW
http://orthochristian.com/116702.html