Orthodox Reflections recently did a piece (worth reading, BTW) postulating that Archbishop Elpidophoros was catering to the government to protect the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey.
This got me thinking: Why is Elpi here? Why him? Was he put here to lead the GOA or to undermine it?
Because it’s looking more and more like he is an agent of the government instead of an Orthodox hierarch.
If they wanted to bury the Church and all it stands for, this would be the way to do it. Tell Bartholomew they would not put a noose around the necks of the people who cheated the port authorities and bled St. Nicholas dry in exchange for one of theirs being made the archbishop.
This is what happened in the Catholic Church with Pope Francis. He was groomed for the role.
As I recall, the archdiocese wasn’t given much time to give any input on his elevation. Bartholomew rushed Elpidophoros through, ignoring the rules of the Uniform Parish Regulations, because it had to be him. Maybe that’s why Elpi seems so disinterested that the numbers are dwindling and the parishes are closing.
And maybe that’s the whole point, i.e. to break the back of Orthodox traditionalism in this country.
Is that why the Deep State is so desperate to hold onto Ukraine? To get close enough to Russia to eliminate the only country standing in the way of the Great Reset, which appears to be accelerating?
Do they hate Russia because of Putin’s commitment to traditional values? Maybe too many people on the planet won’t go for further depopulation, transsexualism, human/machine hybrids, etc., and Russia is the one holdout who also happens to be a world power and is not going to capitulate.
For them to be successful, the whole world has to be onboard or ground into submission. How are they going to take on China if Russia is standing in the way?
As George said, more and more of us are having second thoughts about the possibility that Elpidophoros is always “stepping in it” by accident.
I think we’re all in agreement, now, that the baptism thing tells an entirely different story. He clearly knew what he was doing and it appears as if he is doing everything possible to undermine what’s left of the Orthodox Church and it traditional values.
I’m beginning to think the West has gotten further down the path than we thought. Metropolitan Joseph was eliminated just when the Assembly was just getting some traction. That he is now out of the picture can’t be a coincidence.
If I were in the GOA, I would insist on getting rid of Elpidophoros, no ifs, ands or buts. Time to look at the constitution and find something in there that could displace him; maybe because the GOA never got an opportunity to sign off on him in the first place. Forget what Bartholomew says. What’s he going to do? Give up the money? Surely some in the GOA are thinking along these lines.
In the meantime, some of our gifted journalists should be interviewing all the bishops on the same subjects of abortion, women’s rights, politics, etc. See how comfortable they are with Elpidophoros’ agenda. If the Deep State has compromised one hierarch, they’ve surely compromised more.
Gail,
When I read this post it sent chills up my spine as being SPOT ON! This resonates so completely with my moral compass and inner spirit as being an INTENTIONAL plan of “Black Bart” as many Orthodox clergy I know call the Patriarch to destroy the Greek Orthodox Church.
Just as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden were sent in to destroy America I agree with your view this is deliberate and your call to action, for the Greek Orthodox faithful to kick out the corruption. Unfortunately, the replacement could be even worse.
The most realistic solution IMHO is for Greek Orthodox to move away from the overtly corrupt G.O.A. hierarchy and towards ROCOR, a familiar theme many share.
Your article is on point and offers questions we need to reflect upon.
We are living in a violent insane asylum. Many of us are still fast asleep and have no idea what lie ahead. “The monetary system of USA and Western Europe can no longer hold Russia down, who will not stop short of anything less than freeing the world of its unipolar system. There will be new economies, Russia leading one, with the Church, and likely America leading another, with ecumenism.”
https://russian-faith.com/devil-mark-and-hegemoney-n7151
The number of us living in spiritual poverty is humongous. The GOA hierarchs have sold their souls to the United Nations. “United Nations “special expert on freedom of religion” says its time for the world’s leading religions to submit to the authority of the UN and its human rights bodies, even though critics say those bodies are laced with fringe, leftist views.”
https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2020/march/un-religion-expert-wants-world-religions-to-bow-to-un-ideology
It’s right in front of our face. The Catholic Church was already infiltrated. Now it’s Orthodox churches turn. Common sense tells us that intelligent agents are working in the GOA as well as pressure from the State Department, UN, NGO’s – coupled with good fearful priests who do not want to lose their income by speaking against the apostasy forced upon them.
The best thing to do is part ways with the hierarchs, sell the churches, and start autonomous small church communities that pay the salary of the priest. Any priest that forces woke ideology will be released from employment immediately. These new small church communities must be affordable so the big fancy church buildings have to go. Anyone coming to church will need to sign an agreement that they agree to the teachings of the Orthodox Christian theology and cannot sue the church.
This is my simple laymen thoughts at the moment. In the meantime, I will not step into any Orthodox Christian church, because of the infiltration and corruption taking place (at this time) which could last for many years. God help us, save us, and have mercy on us.
Church should be about worship and nothing more. We go to church to worship Our Lord and Savior. We do not worship the coffee hour, activities, etc. We pray. That’s it. We give thanks.
Jane, much food for thought.
May I add House Churches? Literally in the house (or catacomb or clearing in the forest).
As far as priests, perhaps semi-retired men who have a pension? As long as they receive valid ordination from a canonical bishop and an antiminsion, then go forward. The Creed is the sine qua non for belief: if a priest can say those words and believe them, then it’s hard to see how he could lapse into heresy. (Speculation is not heresy.)
All things being equal, they should be paid a decent salary or if they have a pension, at least a stipend along with room, board and travel expenses.
I couldn’t agree more. Time to act. As this article stated,
One of the biggest impediments to planting churches is the insistence that all priests must attend seminary. Take three years out with a family and then try to make it on a parish salary plus side work. Not to mention the perpetual shortage of priests. Then there is the claim that seminaries provide “formation” but what priest is there that has not required retraining once he leaves seminary.
More men should be ordained and the minor orders should be promoted as terminal vocations.
Not subdeacons. No, no,no. Unless a married man is at a cathedral with a bishop, there is no need whatsoever of an ordained subdeacon. Without a hierarch, he’s just a glorified altar boy. And ROCOR is just as guilty as the OCA and others of making subdeacons. One church has a veritable army of them, and not one can vest a bishop!
One of these ordained subdeacons got the bright idea he wanted to be a priest. He had already been made Reader in the OCA. Then he jumped ship to ROCOR where he was ordained subdeacon. That in itself wasn’t an issue, because the two churches were on good terms by this time.
But he got the ordination fever and started shopping around for a bishop to ordain him. He made it to deacon in a third jurisdiction, but by this time everyone was wise to him and no bishop would make him a priest. So he suddenly decided to go Greek Old Calendar just to become a priest.
Now it would be nice to have more deacons, especially in larger communities. What we do need is cathecists, baptized Orthodox to help facilitate those coming into the faith. Fr. Josiah Trenham spoke of this yesterday at Antiochian Village. It was a great conference sponsored by Uncut Mountain Press.
Agree, need catechists and confessors … it seems we are entering a time when courage to confess the Faith is needed to witness to our own brothers and sisters in parish life. We can not be timid, silent believers but joyfully sing what we know to be Truth. Sing and live boldly the Life in Christ, this is a confession and a type of catechesis for the uninitiated as well.
Regarding the Uncut Mountain Press gathering at the Antiochian Village – wow, what refreshment and transformational days! Every teacher was imparting wisdom that pricks the heart and a clear pathway to the experience of God and union with Him. What JOY was this, and, to be with the beloved faithful who desire to be together in Christ! Grateful to God, beyond words.
I have heard these complaints and concerns. My experience is that if one is not WILLING to sacrifice their job and position to uproot their family and move across the country then perhaps they are not ready for a ministry that will require a sacrifice even greater than that. Whether or not they go off to seminary, to not be open to going is a HUGE red flag. It’s not just the priest (or future priest either. It’s his wife and family too) Foxes have holes, birds have nests but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head. Are there great priests that never went to seminary? Of course.
Fr. David,
If a man desires to serve in the priesthood of Christ he must be prepared to sacrifice and in such a way that he cannot begin to comprehend until he bears that cross.
I have heard this line that if a man does not want to pack up his family and go to seminary then perhaps he does not have the right constitution for the ministry. But is this always the case? Two of the three primary Orthodox seminaries are located in major cities where the cost of living is outrageous. Couple that with the fact that most seminarians are now older with families – not young unmarried or newly married men with small children. This complicates the issue greatly. I know current seminarians who sold their homes and are living off what little savings they have in order to attend seminary – that’s even with archdiocesan assistance. Plus, because they have no income and large families, some are on public assistance in order to cover basic necessities. Is this the best way? Did Christ not say to sit down and count the cost? Does this reflect well on the Orthodox community that their seminarians are living off of government resources to attend school?
I think the model that is currently in place needs improvement. Prior to modern history how many priests were required to have a master’s level education? Perhaps we have put too much emphasis on academic standards and less on spiritual formation.
Just some thoughts in response to a common trope I hear from many about seminary. While it is good for those who have the ability to attend to do so, I think we limit ourselves as an ecclesial body to make that the only path. I think we are seeing an effort to address the changing needs with the Antiochian Archdiocese’s MDIV program offered through the Antiochian House Studies or the hybrid seminary program offered through the Ukranian’s St. Sophia Seminary.
I’m in favour of exceptional expectations and requirements for ordination, coupled with exceptional support for those qualifying seminarians and clergy (financial and otherwise).
I have seen too many incompetent clergy who never should have been ordained and too many Godly, selfless clergy being ground up by the profession and hardships from parishes who figure their priest only needs to get paid for a few hours on a weekend (I’m exaggerating, but only slightly).
I can’t agree more. Deacons in this country are amateurs, because, aside from a few cathedrals where services take place every day, they are not paid for their service. They have to combine a regular job with serving on weekends, holidays, and whenever they can take a vacation day to serve in church. That is why I’m trying to earn what money I can now to save up and support my future family if and when God calls me to serve Him.
In ROCOR, many priests also have second jobs, because their parishes are often not in a position to provide them with a living wage. If we can solve the question of clerical compensation, we might get more people willing to serve the Church as ordained clergymen, and possibly in lay positions as well.
My experience with semi-retired priests is they generally don’t have the energy to do the heavy missionary work that it requires.
The problem is that parishioners don’t tithe. If families gave 10% of their income to the Church, then medium-sized missions with as few as perhaps 20 families could support a church building and full-time priest.
The clergy aren’t the only ones who must sacrifice; all of us must financially sacrifice in order to support missionary efforts — not just in foreign lands, but right here in our own land, which is a missionary land both for Orthodoxy and increasingly for Christianity in general.
My parish priest is on the older end of the spectrum, and he is identifying men who can serve as deacons so in the future one of them could be elevated to take over as priest. That is how things ought to be done.
And the strict seminary requirement for priests is an error, I think.
During the Ottoman era, when seminaries were closed, any man who was educated enough to read could be trained to serve the Liturgy and made a priest. Most priests were not blessed to hear confessions (symbolized by the Epigonation, which is a reward), which did require seminary formation. And this is the reason for the lack of a culture of confession in the Greek sphere, and it’s also the reason why Holy Unction is served on Holy Wednesday — it effects the forgiveness of sins, so the people could receive on Pascha even though they hadn’t confessed.
I’m not saying all the compromises are worth it, but the need for priests is real. Over 25% of priests in the OCA, for example, are beyond typical retirement age. We don’t have to accept the culture of parish closures that the Latins are facing. But it also requires the laity to sacrifice financially (as priests must) and for parents to talk to their sons about the priesthood.
George,
“All things being equal, they should be paid a decent salary or if they have a pension, at least a stipend along with room, board and travel expenses.”
GOOD IDEA!
Actually there are nowadays increasingly some new priests in Greece who do have a pension from their job. They do not receive a salary from the church.
Going full on Protestant-esque schismatic is not compatible with Orthodox Christian theology, nor is it how such problems have been handled before.
This is the Protetesant model.
At the cost of his soul. Horrific.
Let’s try not to be naive.
The leadership of the CP are secular humanists. They want an Episcopal Church style GOARCH. They want Orthodoxy to go down this route and merge with an Episcopal Church style RCC. The evil world religion is Western style Liberalism. The mainline Protestant confessions and the RCC are merely expressions of this underlying materialistic faith. They believe in “science”; i.e., Scientism, rather than Christianity. They gut the substance of Christianity and replace it with liberalism, retaining much of the nomenclature and some of the ritual. But they’re all, functionally, atheistic materialists. They believe it is impossible for educated, sophisticated people in the modern world to literally believe in God and religion. It is unthinkable to them. They see us as Neanderthals.
Face it. If they believed in the God of Israel and the New Israel, they would never dare do what they do.
So what is a believer to do? “Let the dead bury their dead.”
Those bishops who actually hold the Faith need to circle the wagons and turn their backs on the rest. This has been lacking, but imperative, for generations. It was the real point of the Sorrowful Epistles of Metropolitan Filaret of thrice blessed memory. When one mentally assumes they are part of the Church, it is by definition a scandal to the faithful. But they are lost. They are more lost than Mormons and Muslims who at least retain traditional morality to a large degree.
Elpi seems such a prodigy of the Latins, he’s definitely following their footsteps in trying to destroy traditionalism, even if it means destroying the whole church to do it.
It’s demonic. He is doing Satan’s work.
I hadn’t heard that about Francis. Are there any videos or articles that track how he was groomed for the role?
Aside, I don’t think it’s just the country of Russia but the Russian Church itself. Though you might well have meaning to indicate both. Orthodoxy is everywhere. But no other country has the same Orthodox representation that is just a massive entity in itself. Serbia and Georgia are also fighting the globohomo agenda but they aren’t as big a powerhouse as ROC is. Seems like the UN and the powers that be have a vested interest in getting rid of the ROC.
My point, exactly.
This weekend… Hellenic College Maliotis Cultural Center youtube group…..discussion and presentation from Fordham’s Dr. Demacopoulos… informing the Church that hymns we have been singing for centuries should not be used any longer. Go to the 39 minute mark…that is where his presentation begins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNFfpsxKQ1w
Good grief.
What is the word he uses for the hymns he dislikes? Idiomelé? So it appears in his writing, but he pronounces it like idiomolé.
Does he mean idiómela, plural of idiómelon? (=hymn with its own melody, not one of the model hymns)
He also pronounces encomia as encopia (1:00:13).
Why would we take seriously anyone who cannot even bother to learn the correct pronunciation of the thing he talks about?
Whom should an Orthodox Christian trust? Saints of the Church, or Dr Demacopoulos?
It’s a fair question. Dr Demacopoulos would advise us all to trust him and his judgment. The Saints of the Church and the millions of martyrs and suffering Christians throughout the centuries would advise us to trust the Church.
Per the video that George and Gail posted not long ago, Dr Demacopoulos is out for pseudo-academic glory, period, to make a name for himself in “secular Orthodox academia,” an oxymoron if there ever was one. He has zero interest in my salvation, or in anyone else’s. I still cannot grasp why anyone pays him and his bizarre theories any heed.
As Fr Seraphim Rose said, the best thing that Dr Demacopoulos and any wannabe-pseudo-Orthodox “academics” out there could do is to crucify their mind.
His schtick is old, tiresome, and, by this point, meaningless.
There are Doctors of the Law
and there are Doctors of Medicine.
Then there are Doctors of Memory (sorry: History).
They can fix it for you – wholesale…
This is the kind of stuff that started cropping up in the 40s and 50s among the Latins, which eventually led to Vatican II and the entire destruction of their liturgical heritage.
“We need to change our liturgy” is a premise we cannot accept. No one has the authority to do this.
ΤΟ ΕΡΓΟ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΟΥ
ΟΧΙ ΤΟ ΕΡΓΟ ΤΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ
[THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE
NOT THE WORK OF GEORGE]
“At the end of the Assembly, Father Alexander was elected to be a member of the Central Committee of the WCC.“
https://www.oca.org/news/headline-news/oca-delegation-sent-to-eleventh-assembly-of-the-world-council-of-churches
The tears keep welling up in my heart. ?
Good Lord! This despite the fact that the overwhelming number of people within the OCA would wish to be rid of this useless organization.
I heartily concur, George!
Speaking about ‘useless’ organizations: https://orthochristian.com/148655.html
Verily laughable, in a sad kind of way!
Ironic, because “human rights” necessitate freedom of religious choice, so his bishops’ persecution of clergy who joined the Russian Church shows how much of a joke this award is.
“Theodoros was chosen because he supports
Constantinople’s self-understanding as the first without equals”
Rome has another self-understanding as the first without equals.
Two firsts without equals is (at least) one first without equals too many.
Yes, absolutely.
It would be awesome if the OCA leadership would publish a piece on their website entitled something like “Why we feel it necessary to maintain active membership in the WCC.”
Most mainstream protestants now despise us, as do most leftist Catholics. Those western Christians who are OK with the Orthodox often view us as museum pieces… “Hmmm, interesting, nice cultural artifact, but let’s not get too close, and certainly don’t touch it.”
This war with Russia has only made things worse. For decades, we were ignored in the West — we really could operate under the radar.
But now, along with traditionalist Catholics, it’s culturally acceptable in the West to publicly demean Orthodox Christians. At least during the Soviet time, secular Westerners somewhat admired us for holding up the faith against communist oppression. Now, many view Orthodox Christians as little more than Putin shills.
So yes, OCA, please let us know why it’s necessary to maintain membership in the western-secularist-dominated WCC. As cultural history, the WCC and such organizations developed years ago as a means to help western protestants from fighting and killing each other, when inter-protestant wars Western Europe were a thing.
FTS, I suspect your question can be answered by the fact that a number of other Orthodox Churches belong to the WCC. So, in the case of the OCA—it’s monkey see, monkey do, I guess.
Patriarch John X was also there. I wonder if Orthodox membership in WCC membership is just a result of inertia from a time when it made more sense. Decades ago, it was unfathomable that any church would endorse homosexual marriage. Yet recently, the Episcopal Church, a member of the WCC, has done just that. Is there anything to talk about with people like that anymore?
Why limit these questions to the GOA? What about OCA? Why is Elpidophoros the head of the bishops assembly? Why is OCA Bishop Alexander of the southern diocese promoting the Orthodoxy-destroying group IOTA? Why have the OCA metropolitans including Tikhon been putting up with these shenanigans for decades? It seems obvious the official Orthodox hierarchy is completely infiltrated, compromised and determined to turn Orthodoxy into a pretense acceptable to the post-Christian world order: a beautiful, ornate fake filled with all manner of unrepentant self-worship. It’s in high gear now, and Tradition-following Russia is the enemy. Very sad, disgusting, and I have no idea how to stop it… St Ignatius Brianchaninov said don’t try to stop it with your weak hand, just struggle to save your own soul, it will be enough. Another saint said that those of the last days who just manage to keep their Orthodox faith but have no other works will be considered greater than the wonder-workers and famed ascetics.
I can answer your first question. The reason Elpidophoros is the head of the Bishops Assembly is because Bartholomew claims the United States is under Constantinople. He seems to think we’re his diaspora, so he brought all the bishops together to form the assembly with one notable exception. He didn’t invite the Orthodox Church of America because if he did, he would be acknowledging they were the head of Orthodoxy in America. Later, Archbishop Demetrios let them in.
True facts but not an excuse. OCA’s roots are Russian, yet OCA took Archbishop Demetrios up on his condescension because they just can’t stop enabling the wannabe pope in Turkey (whoever it may be). If there were one good ball or Orthodox nous between the lot comprising the Assembly, they would have long ago told Bartholomew and his Orthodoxy 2.0 project to get lost. All of which points to the official Orthodox hierarchy as willing tools of deep church and deep state (probably for the sake of money and the appearance of superficial unity) to the progressive destruction of souls. I wonder, is it a coincidence that the Assembly is looking like bishops getting used to performing as cardinals in a papacy?
OCA roots are not pure Russian but largely Carpatho-Russian (Ukrainian). This has been so at least since the time of St. Alexis Toth. As such, it has had a long love-hate relationship with the ROC and ROCOR. They do not behave as Russians but more like semi-Uniates. This is becoming ever clearer but it was true of the Schmemannites, just not so liberal politically as it has become. The DOS is the only holdout of which I am aware, thanks to the late Archbishop Dmitri of thrice blessed memory.
Next to the Fanariotes, they are the most liberal jurisdiction in America.
You are correct about Archbishop Dmitri. However, while it is true that many OCA parishes were originally Uniate, they were also Russophile and very anti-Ukrainian. One could argue that Galicians(one component) are Western Ukrainians, but most Carpatho Russians(or Rusyns) did not consider themselves such. My church offers vespers on the eve of every Sunday and Feast whereas nearby old calendar churches don’t. I serve pretty much like a ROCOR priest, except for being on the new calendar.
I am no great admirer of the liturgical innovations, but we don’t do them here. If anything, St. Tikhon’s Seminary has become more traditional. The Antiochian churches have become more traditional as well.
Rusyns are a distinct bunch. They are a minority of a minority; i.e., many of them live in the Ukraine but they are considered a minority and historically have not been treated that well by Ukrainians. The enemy of my enemy . . .
Many Carpatho-Russians called themselves “Russians” because it was seen as more respectable. This does not mean that they lack that mercurial, radical, independent (and divisive) spirit often associated with Ukrainians and, frankly, Cossacks. This explains some of the history with the Church Abroad.
I should say, this is not a criticism of the CarpathoRus’. I admire that frontier spirit and independence. It’s just that sometimes it’s a bit like herding cats.
What is IOTA? Never heard of it.
Women wanting to hold clerical positions in the Church near as I can figure. “The IOTA Women in the Church Group aims to bring together Orthodox theologians and scholars, women and men, in order to support theological scholarship on matters related to women and their role in the Orthodox churches. “
IOTA is the accreditor of Orthodox scholars for American universities. If you are not in IOTA and you don’t publish on Public Orthodoxy, you don’y qualify to teach about Orthodoxy in secular American universities.
He was so committed that he divorced his wife.
Is there evidence?
… by himself. I held my nose and looked at the blog which shall not be named. There’s audio of a voicemail from him to the woman. Sickening.
Sin doesn’t disqualify us from being Orthodox. If that were true, no one would be in the Church. What makes us Orthodox are our values and commitment to the Church’s teachings. It’s what we aspire to that matters.
We don’t know when that auto recording was made or even if it was him. It all became moot when Metropolitan Joseph retired.
I like Metropolitan Joseph. I hope he’s found innocent, because a retired bishop is still a bishop, as upheld by the Orthodox Church. However, if he’s found guilty, then it would probably only be appropriate for him to be deposed. I don’t see how his retirement makes the results of an investigation a moot point.
By accepting Metropolitan Joseph’s retirement, Antioch has washed their hands of this. There won’t be a formal investigation. If they already know the truth, they have no intention of sharing it. They are seeming comfortable with this solution which is disappointing.
So did he retire because an investigation might shed light on the machinations of some of the members of the Board of Trustees to get rid of him or did he retire because he was guilty? We’ll never know.
All I can say is this: After being in then Bishop Joseph’s diocese for over a 10 year period, I’ve never heard anyone say he is a liar. He says the allegations are untrue. He also publically forgave the people who “lied” about him. He was an influential part of the Assembly of Canonical Bishops, which is technically under Bartholomew & Elpi, and on the Assembly’s behalf, took charge and put himself at odds with the Archbishop of the GOA. Then something from 5 years prior suddenly surfaces taking him out of the equation.
Am I satisfied with the results? No.
If he’s guilty should he be deposed? You and I agree on this point, Joseph. Whatever the rules are for this sort of thing should be applied if he’s legitimately found guilty.
Unfortunately, there is nothing “legitimate” about retiring under a cloud of suspicion.
That’s some low-hanging fruit right there.
As an Orthodox Christian, you are committed to traditional values, traditional morality, and traditional dogma. How many compromises have you made today? How many times have you sinned? I know that I have made plenty of both, but it doesn’t take away the fact that I am committed to the ideal and strive for it.
We all need God. Even Metropolitan Joseph, Peter Sanfilippo, Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Zelinsky, Mark Fisus and Antiochene Son.
Has anyone noticed this lunacy… dated March 2022 …”Girls Statement” to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese at the United Nations … “Climate Change global emergency in context of girls rights”
https://un.goarch.org/-/csw66-girls-statement
“un.goarch.org”
I had no idea this cursed domain name existed.
The “climate” is changing to be sure.
The weather not so much.
AB Elpidophoros is compromised. His recent interview was a classic case of a narcissist avoiding answering questions with straight answers. He lacks empathy and integrity. Who is he to judge others when he himself is dishonest and corrupt. He’s not only catering to his Globalist masters but he is also defiant, violating many tenets of our Orthodox faith. His stance with No vaccine religious exemptions and not caring whether the children of the gay couple will share the faith shows his lack of empathy. He is unfit to be a religious leader and must be removed. Please sign my petition and share with others, requesting he RESIGNS AND REPENTS!: https://ourfight.online/28b91920-00b9-41f1-8be3-c9ea48da29c3
I don’t want to get too far ahead of the curve, but some in the ranks of clergy ought to get ready for what will likely be the result of the rise of the Eurasian Order.
Once the smoke clears and Russia has clearly won, and once the Demorats are soundly defeated, especially if MAGA rises to power, soon it will be quite sexy to be (Russian) Orthodox. Not that this will happen tomorrow, but in decades to come.
I say this because Eurasia is a rising cultural empire and communism is a spent force (and Hinduism has always been an “Indian thing”). So the primary confessional witness emanating from the new empire will be Orthodox Christianity. With the downfall of the West and its reduction to a kind of global backwater, faith in Secular Humanism will be utterly shaken and people will be looking to and fro for a new worldview or mindset to process reality.
Orthodoxy may very well become like McDonalds.
Pfizer Exec Admits COVID Vaccine Was
Not Tested for Preventing Transmission
https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/pfizer-covid-vaccine-never-tested-prevent-transmission-et/?utm_source=salsa&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=7b58ef9a-4d4f-40f3-abba-fde81d1f0816
‘ A Pfizer executive said Monday that before Pfizer released its COVID-19 vaccine into the market, neither she nor other Pfizer officials knew whether the vaccine would prevent transmission because the drugmaker hadn’t tested for it.
A Pfizer executive said Monday that neither she nor other Pfizer officials knew whether its COVID-19 vaccine would stop transmission before entering the market last year.
Member of the European Parliament, Rob Roos, asked during a session:
“Was the Pfizer COVID vaccine tested on stopping the transmission of the virus before it entered the market? Did we know about stopping immunization before it entered the market?”
Pfizer’s Janine Small, president of international developed markets, said in response:
“No … You know, we had to … really move at the speed of science to know what is taking place in the market.”
Roos, of the Netherlands, argued in a Twitter video Monday that following Small’s comments to him, millions of people around the world were duped by pharmaceutical companies and governments.
https://twitter.com/Rob_Roos/status/1579759795225198593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1579759795225198593%7Ctwgr%5E9d42697d9613b742ff2203270b843994c2eb3dd5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrenshealthdefense.org%2Fdefender%2Fpfizer-covid-vaccine-never-tested-prevent-transmission-et%2F
“Millions of people worldwide felt forced to get vaccinated because of the myth that ‘you do it for others,’” Roos said. “Now, this turned out to be a cheap lie” and “should be exposed,” he added. … ‘
It seems all the scientific publications were faked with respect to the peer review process. That’s coming out now too. All the papers are being pulled.
Kwasi-nomics Kwashed!
Kwasi Kwarteng dismissed as UK Chancellor (Finance Minister).
Liz Truss under serious threat of regime change.
Kwestion: Was this knowingly orchestrated by the Bank of England
which announced on Monday that Kwantitative Easing would end
(today), causing Sterling to plummet when Kwasi was in New York
and unable to address the Tories in the House of Commons?
It looks like it…
I believe there is a middle way; for men who have had proper spiritual formation, they should undertake a series of tests which cover the basics in theology & ecclesiology and having passed that milestone, should then undertake a one year “apprenticeship” program at a seminary (or nearby monastery) which covers liturgical rubrics only and graduate with a “licentiate”.
Of the 4 ranks of priesthood, these men would be given the lowest rank and remain in that position for at least 20 years. Think of this as the “non-episcopal track.”
If memory serves, my late father told me this was the way things were done in Greece (as best he could remember).
These men were not given the “faculties” (RC term) to sermonize but when it came to to preach on the gospel passage, they’d step aside & let a specially designated preacher (usually a layman with a ThD exposit on the Gospel passage for the day).