Category Archives: Eastern Orthodox Church

New Orthodox Site: SmartVote

Posted on by
Reply

There’s a new Orthodox site up to help generate reflection and conversation for the forthcoming US Presidential election. While the content isn’t necessarily something I always agree with, I thought it might interest some folks. Please take a look at SmartVote.com and let them (and me!) know what you think!

In Christ,

+Fr Gregory

SmartVote in their own words:

Piercing the Fog…

The fog was created by the failure our of our national and local media to present to the American people a clear picture of the problems we are facing politically, morally and economically, instead obscuring essential facts with a cloud of disinformation, because of their establishment and interests in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and New York, and their friendships and philosophical alliance with one side of the debate, the side of the status quo.

We at SmartVote aim to pierce this “political fog” by gathering in one place tools to put into your hands for navigating the current political map of our country so that you can make better informed voting decisions.

We believe the key is for Americans of all backgrounds to be re-anchored in the design and philosophy of our unique form of government, the most stable and freedom-protecting in the world, that has benefited us for over 200 years.  To do this we want to reacquaint you with our founding principles so that you can “pierce the fog” surrounding the information in the everyday national media.

VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

The Declaration of the Highest Church Council Regarding the Sentence in the Case of the Desecration of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow

Posted on by
Reply

(Source: Pravmir.com)

The highest council of the Russian Orthodox Church has published an official statement regarding the decision of Moscow’s Khamovnichesky District Court about the disorder in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

The Russian Orthodox Church considers it essential to clarify once again her position with regard to the blasphemous act committed in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and likewise regarding the decision  rendered upon it.

While we acknowledge the necessity of a corresponding reaction from the state, we must call attention to the fact that the judicial evaluation of this act falls outside of the sphere of competency of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. The determination of measures of prevention and of punishment belong entirely to the prerogative of the secular court. The Church does not possess the leverage of power necessary to implement right judgement, and does not strive to possess it. Therefore we shall not examine what falls out from political or aesthetical points of view. The pastoral duty of the Church is to render a moral evaluation of the events that have taken place.

That which has taken place is blasphemous and sacreligous. It is a conscious and intentional offense against holy things, the manifestation of a crude enmity towards millions of people and their feelings. It is therefore entirely impossible to agree with the attempts to present what has happened as a prayer, albeit in an entirely non-traditional form. Regretably, such attempts have disoriented many people, including certain members of the Church, who remain ignorant concerning the blashpemous and nasty words that were pronounced on the amvon of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The disorder in the temple was a continuation of some deeply immoral public actions that had been previously committed by these same persons and their associates, which actions have gone unpunished.

Blasphemy is a grave sin. An Orthodox Christian may neither participate in blasphemy, nor approve of it, nor support it directly or indirectly.

There is a difference between sins against man and sins against God. If a Christian find himself to have personally received offense, he is called to forgive the one who has sinned against him. But the forgiveness of one who sins against God is not possible without the sincere repentance of the one who has sinned against Him. We read in the Gospel how Christ, while he forgave those who encroached upon Him as a man, at the same time warned against the possibiity of sin against the Holy Spirit: “But whoever sins against the Holy Spirit will not have forgiveness unto the age, but an eternal judgement is attributed to him.” (Mark 3.29) Blasphemy is the chief distinction of an enemy of God, as it is written in Revelations: “And he opened his mouth to blaspheme against God, to blaspheme His name, and His dwelling, and those who dwell in heaven.” (Revelation 13.6). Continue reading →

VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Philip Jenkins: The New Soviet League of Militant Godless

Posted on by
1

(Source: RealClear Religion). It sounds like a scriptwriter’s dream.

Here we have Russia, a vastly powerful country with a floundering democracy, facing the imminent threat of tyranny. That danger is personified by Vladimir Putin, a former KGB man who looks like, well, a former KGB man, as imagined by John Le Carré. Standing in his way is a gallant resistance movement symbolized by an all-female rock band, a group of punky young performance artists called Pussy Riot.

After playing for democracy in a daring public venue, they face a show trial that could send them to prison for years. Around the world, politicians and celebrities speak out, supporters organize solidarity demonstrations. The film is a natural: can we get Aubrey Plaza as the band’s leader? Will Madonna do a cameo? This is too good to be true!

And indeed it is. Putin may be a thug, and Pussy Riot might be feminist warriors for human rights, but the particular act for which they faced trial is much more controversial than is commonly reported in the West. Continue reading →

VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 1.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0 (from 2 votes)

Archbishop Nathaniel issues Pastoral Letter marking the beginning of the Dormition Fast

Posted on by
Reply

His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, Locum Tenens, issued a pastoral letter concerning the Dormition Fast, which begins on August 1, 2012.

The text of the letter reads as follows.  It may also be accessed in PDF format here.

Pastoral Letter on the Beginning of the Dormition Fast

July 26, 2012

Feast of Saint Jacob of Alaska

To the Worthy Clergy, Pious Faithful and Monastics:

“Most Holy Birthgiver of God Save Us!”

Dearly Beloved in Christ, we are at the outset of the Fast of the Falling-Asleep of the Holy Birthgiver of God. At the end of the prescribed time of fasting and reflection, we shall joyfully celebrate the translation of the Theotokos to the heights of heaven. She is our constant intercessor with her Divine Son, our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Orthodox tradition is: first the fast and then the feast! So, the Church in North America is also in a time of fasting and reflection in anticipation of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on our special All-American Electoral Council.

I am Nathaniel, Archbishop of the Romanian Episcopate of the Orthodox Church in America. Inasmuch as I am the oldest in date of ordination into the Holy Episcopacy (1980), I was appointed by the Holy Synod, according to the Statute, to be the Locum Tenens of our Church until the election of a new Metropolitan. My role is temporary; to oversee, together with the Holy Synod, an orderly transition from the present status and to prepare the Church for the special All-American Electoral Council. His Grace, Bishop Michael of New York and New Jersey was appointed by the Holy Synod to be the Temporary Administrator of our Church. He has a “hands-on” obligation.

The Holy Synod is in constant contact among members, acting according to the Statute to prepare for the election. In addition to daily communications, the Holy Synod will meet in a special session on August 13, just before the conclusion of the Fast and in anticipation of the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Virgin. Our agenda is to decide on what is necessary to move forward with a decision on the time and place of the Council. For this, we ask your prayers. Other matters, of course, will be taken up.

Dearly beloved, the Church in this period of fasting and spiritual reflection is preparing for the Electoral Council at which we shall elect a new Metropolitan. The Holy Synod is fasting and praying for guidance even as you are fasting and praying for the “peace for the Holy Church of God.” The Holy Synod, knows that some in the Church are saddened and wondering what will be taking place; we are aware of this sadness and are laboring to change that into joy.  After the election, “we shall rejoice in the Lord.”

Each hierarch in his own diocese is going about his apostolic labor as shepherd of his flock and, as a member of the Holy Synod, working together serving our Holy Church in North America. Each clergyman, each lay person, each monastic is exhorted to continue “to serve the Lord in fear and trembling” during this opportune period of fasting in anticipation of the joy which will come at the celebration of the Most Holy Virgin, and in due time, the resolution of the office of Metropolitan.

Across North America – Canada, Mexico, and the United States – let us all beseech the Holy Virgin to intercede for us and call upon all the Saints of North America the founders and benefactors, the martyrs and teachers, the pioneers who brought the faith to be with us in the days ahead so that our fasting and prayers may be pleasing to God and a good preparation for the work which lies ahead of us, “that is the salvation of our souls” (1 Peter 1:9).

The Lord bless!

+ Nathaniel
Archbishop of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate
Locum Tenens of the Orthodox Church in America

VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 5.7/10 (3 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Metropolitan Jonah tenders resignation

Posted on by
1

(OCA) In a letter addressed to the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops dated Friday, July 6, 2012, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah tendered his resignation as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. His Beatitude composed and signed the letter at his residence in Washington, DC, in the presence of Archpriest John Jillions, OCA Chancellor. On Saturday, July 7, the letter was presented to the Holy Synod in the course of a conference call in which all of the hierarchs participated, except His Eminence, Archbishop Alejo of Mexico City. The text of His Beatitude’s letter reads as follows.

“To the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America, “Brothers, “As per your unanimous request, as conveyed to me by Chancellor Fr. John Jillions, I hereby tender my resignation as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, and humbly request another Episcopal assignment. “I had come to the realization long ago that that I have neither the personality nor the temperament for the position of Primate, a position I never sought nor desired. “It is my hope that due consideration will be made for my financial situation, both in any interim and in consideration for any future position. I am the main financial support for both my parents and my sister, beyond my own needs. “I will appreciate your consideration in this, and beg forgiveness for however I have offended you, and for whatever difficulties have arisen from my own inadequacies and mistakes in judgment. “Asking your prayers, I remain faithfully yours, “Metropolitan Jonah, Archbishop of Washington”

The hierarchs again will meet via conference call on Monday, July 9, after which additional information will be made available.

VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Tell Pharoh to Keep His Money

Posted on by
Reply

Ismael Hernandez has a piece for Crisis Magazine where he argues that the Catholic Church should have never taken federal dollars to support its charitable works. Addressing his own bishops he writes:

With candor and humble submission, I suggest that it is also time for the Church to stop accepting Federal funds to sustain its charitable activities. If it is true that we are in the midst of a momentous historical crossroads for the fate of religious freedom, it is as well the case that for too long the Church in America not only ignored government intrusion but cooperated with it by allowing the role of the state to expand without protest. The assumption seemed to have been that Catholic social teaching places a great burden of responsibility for the common good on government, which justifies an abundance of Federal programs to attend social needs.  But was it not obvious that governmental meddling would also be accompanied by the imposition of moral injunctions contrary to faith at some point?

You can read the rest here.

As the Orthodox Church here in America continues to grow and as we become more more involved philanthropic ministries, the Catholic Church’s experience can serve as a lesson here for us.

As Orthodox Christians need to support our own charitable ministries and to do this without relying on federal money. Christ commanded us it is to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and visit this sick and those in prison. Morally and prudentially we must do this from our own resources and not as independent contractors on behalf of the Federal government.

Remember, he who drinks the king’s wine, sings the king’s song.

In Christ,

+Fr Gregory

h/t: Fr Peter-Michael Preble

VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 7.0/10 (4 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: +2 (from 4 votes)

Priestly Formation: A Suite in Four Parts

Posted on by
Reply

Being a pastor is more like being a jazz musician than it is being say an engineer. All three of these occupations require a great deal of technical skill to be sure. But the pastor, like the jazz musician, is often called upon to improvise on a theme more than, like the engineer, apply a theory to a problem. This is all to say that pastoral ministry is more art than science.

Over the last 10 years or so I’ve worked with communities in transition. What I’ve notice is that typically problems arise in the parish when someone—it needn’t be the pastor—takes what we might call an engineering approach to the life of the congregation. They have a theory and they are going to fit the community into its framework.

This is also something I see frequently as a spiritual director and confessor. When I talk with people about the different ways they go off track in their prayer lives, at work or with their family and friends the source of their suffering is that life just isn’t working out according to [their] plan. Problems in living arise when life becomes a project to be completed or a problem to be solved and not the other way around. When I lose a living sense of awe in the face of reality, or when I don’t see my life as a mystery to be lived, this is when life becomes a problem. Continue reading →

VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Metropolitan Jonah addresses ACNA

Posted on by
3

RIDGECREST, NC [OCA]

At the invitation of Archbishop Duncan, presiding Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America [ACNA], His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, addressed the ACNA Assembly here June 7 and 8, 2012.

The event marked the second time since ACNA’s founding conference in 2009 that Metropolitan Jonah as addressed ACNA faithful and representatives.

Metropolitan Jonah spoke of the growing friendship between the Orthodox Church in America and ACNA, offering support for the latter’s efforts in striving to maintain Nicene Christianity and challenging them to return fully to Orthodox Christianity.

Over the past three years, there have been a variety of meetings — some local, for example among parishes of the OCA Dioceses of the South and Western Pennsylvania and their neighboring ACNA dioceses, and some broader — as follow-ups to the Metropolitan’s initial words and challenge set forth in 2009. Other efforts have included the reconvening of the Fellowship of Saints Alban and Sergius in the United States and several conferences on historic Anglican-Orthodox relations. Continue reading →

VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.9.20_1166]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)