I am an inquirer. I am taking weekly classes and attend the Divine Liturgy every week. Been doing this for about 2 months now. My wife is a preacher's kid. We both grew up in the denominational Church of Christ. She was raised more strictly than I. My parents rarely went to church. She is not interested in becoming Orthodox at all and she and her Dad have tried to convince me that it is wrong. I know that it is right and true. I was wondering if anyone else has found themselves in this situation. I need prayers, guidance and friends. My parish is a very small and very new missionary church with a handful of members. We have custody of 2 of our grandchildren who both go to Liturgy with me also. I need tips on getting them started with prayer life. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
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It's recently become apparent that the World Orthodoxy is being torn apart by controversy. It is already clear that the Pan-Orthodox Council has become a mere formality and will not bring any significant fruit. Islamic extremists are killing Christians, Islamist authoritarian regimes are threatening freedom of worship for other faiths, taking away their property and even churches.Against this background, the question of who will be the next Ecumenical Patriarch after His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew is being raised more and more frequently in private conversations. And His Eminence Metropolitan of Bursa Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) is among the most mentioned possible candidates . Will he be able to take responsibility for the fate of Orthodoxy and to solve the problems facing the Phanar (with God's help)? Let's try to evaluate his chances for election.Indeed, the Pan-Orthodox Council, which was referred by the Ecumenical Patriarch as a historical event and its main achievement, has been criticized by conservatives as well as by modernists. Of course, the very fact of the meeting is a big step forward, but it is necessary to think about whether we will be able to go further and to revive the tradition of conciliarity in the universal scale. Will next Councils be more meaningful and fruitful? Undoubtedly, Metropolitan Elpidophoros' experience of serving as general secretary of the Holy Synod is priceless, as well as his thorouh familiarity with the hard and elaborate work on finalizing agenda and development of a clear pastoral vision of the most complex theological and ecclesiological issues.Along with this, the Phanar should restore its teetering authority in relations with heterodox, prove his ability to speak with the rest of the Christian world and to take the initiative. In this context, Metropolitan Elpidophoros' friendly relationship with Catholics and Protestants will help us to avoid any misunderstanding and will be a solid basis for the deepening of the dialogue.Equally important is the willingness of His Eminence to defend the high canonical position of the EP as primus sine paribus (the first without equals) among other Autocephalous Orthodox Churches. So, an eloquent proof of this willingness is a brilliant theological answer of the Metropolitan of Bursa to the Moscow's criticism and charges of "papism" . After all, only the strong Ecumenical Patriarchate will be able to stop infighting between the Autocephalous Churches, gather disunited Orthodox community of America under its omophorion, unite the Christian World around one Truth , as well as to promote peaceful coexistence and dialogue with other faiths.Of course, this is also necessary to populate the Phanar with new excellent clergy who share these ideas and are ready to work tirelessly for the unity of Orthodoxy. There is already a lot of such people in Metropolitan Elpidophoros' inner circle. These are the very faithful people who will contribute to the prosperity of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and attract new believers from over the world.It is also necessary to ensure further succession and the highest level of training of the clergy. Of course, I mean the opening of the seminary at the Holy Trinity Monastery on Halki. And negotiability and comparative youthfulness of His Eminence are his additional trump cards as a possible Patriarch in this issue. Perhaps, these are qualities that will be decisive since they may be helpful in convincing the Turkish authorities that the EP's activity will be predictable for many decades and won't become a threat to Turkey's national interests.There's a rumor that the very abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery don't mind to use patriarchal dignity to make educational process here - within the walls that've already become home to him,- finally resumed.Actually, why not? His Eminence has a rare combination of energy, practical experience, spiritual and theological maturity. I guess he really would be able to protect Orthodoxy and the high position of the Constantinople Patriarchate from all threats and attacks. What do you think about this?
Quite surprising, I've noted this topic being discussed on another Christian forum. A lot of people express their opposition to the "primus sine paribus" idea. But there are speculations that the leadership of Constantinople is urgently needed to counterbalance the influence of Russian patriarch Kirill. "The perspective is clear – without Elpidophoros we’re gonna see Kirill and Putin dominate and manipulate the whole Orthodox church", - some of the users say.Besides that, there are posts about the Patriarch Bartholome's poor health. "He’s had Parkinson for many years and in addition now people say he suffers from some kind of oncology. That’s no surprise – remember his look at the opening of the Holy and Great Council! His hands were shaking horribly! That’s why he hurried to hold the Council. Now he obviously needs a successor. There was a good idea to hold Councils every 3-5 years, but who will do that?".Some other possible candidates who may succeed His All Holiness Bartholomew I as Ecumenical Patriarch are mentioned as well. For example, a supporter of Bursa Metropolitan wrote: "One of the first steps for Elpidophoros is to become archbishop of America – that would be a good opportunity to find the right people and effectively organize Patriarchate activities. That’s clear to everybody that only he can do it. Who else? Metropolitan of Pergamon? – We remember him sleeping at the last Holy and Great Council, we see him living in his own imaginary world full of personalism, existentialism and solipsism! Metropolitan Emmanuel? He is weak and unconfident, he can’t demonstrate any opposition and some people say he is corrupt and immoral in personal life!".However, Met. Emmanuel was also reported to slander Elpidophoros in the face of EP. And even Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis was said to being restrained from the real decision-making due to his connections with the ambitious Metropolitan of Bursa.I didn't want to think about all this infighting between members of the episcopacy. It's too disturbing for me. It's seemed to draw us away from saving souls. But should we be absolutely unaware of such issues as next Ecumenical Patriarch and the future of Orthodox Church in the World while leaving them solely to God?
I've seen an interesting article on Facebook recently. Quite an opinion piece but very sincerely written. Here is the link:http://theorthodoxchurch.info/blog/news/the-holy-great-council-will-it-split-the-orthodox-world-or-unite/What do you think about it?As for me, I'd say postponement of the Holy and Great Council is the best option. It'd be good for all - for the World Orthodoxy as a whole.All these months since January Holy Synods of all Autocephalous Churches have been preparing their propositions. But it seems like they haven't had enough time to discus the wording of these propositions with others at the preparatory meetings. Even if something is discussed at the Council in Crete, it would be virtually impossible to reach consensus by the June 27.In the same time, I believe that all these disagreements may be solved with some extra meetings. All Churches are really interested in the Council but want their opinions to be taken into account. Just more time is needed so as to they agreed on accurate wording of the Council's documents.The more preparation done - the more fruitful the Council will be. And nobody will doubt the Council's status and decisions! I.e. there will be no threat of the schism.Even EP's Metropolitan Kallistos has acknowledged that postponement is a sensible option:http://orthodoxie.com/le-metropolite-calliste-de-diocleia-ware-il-faut-reporter-le-concile-panorthodoxe-jusqua-des-temps-meilleurs/
Recently, I've saw a link to the post on a Slavic forum. It was devoted to the visit of the OCA Primate, Metropolitan Tikhon, to the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the Sunday of Orthodoxy. It seemed interesting for me, and I've decided to translate it in English:
Primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), Metropolitan Tikhon visited Phanar on March 19-20 this year, where he concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Bartholomew on the day of the Triumph of Orthodoxy Liturgy. A few days later, on March 23, His Beatitude’s statement on the results of this visit was published on the OCA website.
Despite the cautious tone of the document, some users of Orthodox websites began to express elation and optimism – no, not about the victory over iconoclasm which was commemorated that day by the Church, but about the con-celebration between Metropolitan Tikhon and Ecumenical Patriarch. However, what did the OCA actually look like at the event?
One could understand the joy of the faithful if their church hadn’t been recognized as canonical till that time, and the Ecumenical Patriarch suddenly recognized her and decided to con-celebrate with their Primate. But there are no doubts or controversies about the OCA’s canonicity itself, it has been enjoying mutual communion with all Local Churches for a long time already. As for the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in America, nothing has changed. But judging from the rank among other clergy which was taken to Metropolitan Tikhon at the worship service, questions arose about what kind of future awaits the OCA.
As you can see in the photos, the head of the OCA Metropolitan Tikhon was the last, but two among 12 bishops who con-celebrated with Bartholomew – just after the Metropolitan of San Francisco Gerasimos and before Metropolitans Maximos of Selymbria and Amphilochios of Adrianopolis. For the oldest and the second largest Orthodox church in the USA such hierarchical position of her Primate is an overt affront. Is it possible that Metropolitan Tikhon no longer is the Primate of the OCA? May be he became a cleric of the Constantinople patriarchate? How did the advisers to the OCA’s Primate make such a shame for their Metropolitan and the whole church? Didn’t the head of Chancery John (Jillions) feel ashamed to look into the His Eminence’s eyes, did he? May be he just followed the orders of the Patriarch Bartholomew?
It is worth noting that the uncanonical interference in the internal affairs of other churches have become commonplace for Constantinople long ago. The previous Primate of the OCA Metropolitan Jonah was deposed for defending the OCA’s viewpoint in the face of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and for a good relationship with their Mother Church – the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). The circumstances of Metropolitan Herman’s resignation also raise suspicions about the possible involvement of Phanar and pro-sodomy pseudo-Orthodox journalists. Did Metropolitan Tikhon want a quiet old age without any shocks and therefore His Eminence simply arrived in the Phanar to surrender his Church?
Recent events speak volumes about just how deeply tentacles of the Constantinople Patriarchate penetrated into the body of the OCA. For example, on February 1, 2016 the Ecumenical Patriarch’s adviser on environmental issues Archdeacon John (Chryssavgis) delivered a lecture at the St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Despite the fact that the lecture was dedicated to the 33th anniversary of the repose of the OCA Archpriest Alexander Shmeman who contributed a lot to the restoration of communion with the ROC and the autocephaly. In his speech, Archdeacon John has described the ROC and a number of other autocephalous churches as a vain paranoid nationalists and almost heretics sabotaging the Holy and Great Council. And representatives of the OCA Holy Synod quietly endure the defamation of their Mother Church which has been trying hard for almost 50 years so as to the OCA head became on a par with other Primates of autocephalous Churches!
Such behavior of Constantinople is understandable. After all, the EP has been being under the Turkish yoke for hundreds of years and has virtually no own lambs. Therefore, not a peace-loving but an aggressive foreign policy aimed at the subordination of churches from other jurisdiction is the hallmark of the recent Constantinople Patriarchs.
Nowadays, while Phanar is trying to take advantage of Tikhon’s weakness or its agents infiltrated to the His Eminence’s Chancery, you can see how all its intentions toward the OCA become evident. It is a pity that the successors of this ancient Christian See are fighting not for the purity of Orthodoxy (as did their predecessors) but for the new sources of funding. And this is despite the modest needs of the small quarter in Istanbul! Why they want OCA parishes to fill the Turkish coffers?What do you think about the future of OCA?
Seems like the Ecumenical Patriarchate abandoned its aim to recognize and subject so-called Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyivan patriarchate and therefore decided to get OCA instead...
Metropolitan Tikon has always seemed like a very humble man. I doubt he took offense.
Today I've seen the link to an article on Ukrainian religious situation in Facebook. It seemed as quite comprehensive for me. Of course, external dificulties are not as essential for the faithful as the internal/spiritual ones. Nevertheless the social climate is an important thing. That's why I decided to share that article with you. Please, pray for us. Your spiritual support is highly appreciated! On religious freedom in the "European" Ukraine Recently, amid scandalous resignations of several Ukrainian Government members and the lack of any progress in the fight against corruption, relations between Kyiv and the EU took a significant nose-dive. But in addition to socio-economic issues one should not forget about the protection of human rights and democratic values. For example, even the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is concerned over violations of religious freedom in Ukraine. In particular, representatives of the schismatic Kyivan "Patriarchate" supported by the nationalists and the local authorities illegally seizure temples of Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate, UOC-MP) with increasing frequency. Referring to the one-sided or even false messages of such Ukrainian media as the TV channel "1+1", the opponents of the canonical Orthodox Church always profess that believers convert to the "Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate" (UOC-KP) voluntary. The "Religious Information Service of Ukraine" website even has a map of such "convertions": 28 parishes marked as a change of jurisdiction, 32 – as divided ones. In a number of cases there are reports (just like a status reports from the battlefield) saying that "on this day UOC-KP believers took the temple." It is such a grudging term that was used to cover the illegal seizure of religious buildings in the villages Uhryniv (Volyn region), Badovka and Pticha (Rivne region), Katerinovka (Ternopil region). The Kyivan "Patriarchate" supporters often state that the main reason for the change of jurisdiction is "unpatriotic nature" of the UOC-MP. Indeed, in contrast to the schismatics, nobody says "He helped the Ukrainian Insurgent Army" while giving you a holy icon of St. Amphilochius of Pochaev in a church of the Moscow. They do not use the names of men of faith for political purposes, misrepresenting them as almost nationalists. The canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine continues the apostolic preaching of Christ and distance themselves from the dubious policy of the current country's neo-fascist leaders. That is why alternate services proposed as a compromise in the dispute over church property appears to be unacceptable for the UOC-MP. In addition, a lot of examples of the pro-Filaret schismatics' perfidy are evident for the faithful. For example, as soon as "UOC-KP" members were allowed to serve in the temple of Katerinovka village (Ternopil region) in turns with UOC-MP community to avoid hostility, they simply occupied the church building. Then, on September 21, 2015 the faithful of the canonical Orthodox Church who came for feast's prayer were brutally beaten by the "Right sector" fighters and the so-called MIA volunteer battalion "Ternopil-2"! At the same time, law enforcement officials took no action to stop the massacre and to restore order. Meanwhile, the Kyivan "Patriarchate" refers to the participation of nonresident nationalists in the seizures of the churches as "an assistance in avoiding provocations". What does this really mean, you can see with your own eyes in these videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIC84WuzGq4 Turka, Lviv region, 10/05/2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lEWYs9HnfE Stinka, Ternopil region, 03/22/2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUjVwFSln-A Katerinovka, Ternopil region, 09/21/2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDx5JVLZAWM Zaluhov, Volyn region, 11/14/2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGyWBUCWoYs Pticha, Rivne region, 12/18/2015 It is worth noting that the schismatics often appeal to certain believers' petitions in favor of changing community's jurisdiction to the "UOC-KP". But "credibility" of such documents is well illustrated by the example of the Novostav village (Ternopil region). In the spring of 2014, there were 575 signatures collected for both denominations in the village, although the total number of adult faithful inhabitants was only 382! Moreover, with reference to their "majority", ones who want to convert to the "UOC-KP" are trying by hook or by crook to change the jurisdiction of the whole community in order to retain the right to use its temple. It stands to reason that such an imposing of their will on those who remain committed to their Church contradicts the national legislation, according to which everyone has the right to choose freely their religious affiliation! Probably, this is the reason why some members of the country's parliament are trying to change the law concerning the religious freedom and to legalize majority-based transition of the faith community from one jurisdiction to another in spite of the Constitution of Ukraine and in violation of the international human rights law. Now, due to the politicization of the issue and the government-led russophobic campaign, Kyivan "Patriarchate" enjoys considerable lobbying power among local officials. For example, on September 4, 2015 the council of the Bashuki village (Ternopil region) took the decision to move the parish from the UOC-MP to the "UOC-KP" jurisdiction so as to a believers' complaint over the capture of the Archangel Michael temple by the schismatics and the "Right sector" rebels would not be heard in the court. However, on November 24, 2015 the Ternopil Court of Appeal ruled the decision of the village council as illegal. The courts sided with the canonical Church in disputes over the churches in the villages Gribovitsa (Volyn region), Kolosova (Ternopil region), Pticha (Rivne region) and others. However, the compilers of the map of the "voluntary transitions" to the Filaret jurisdiction are silent about the such judicial decisions. As well as about the numerous facts of vandalism, arson of churches, threatening and attacks on the UOC-MP priests (for example, the one in the Kazatin town of Vinnitsa region)... Let the Europeans decide whether the situation with freedom of speech and religion in Ukraine meet EU standards, but at least the Christian values and conventional norms of the social life are violated for sure!
I was led to believe maybe half of Ukrainians profess no religion at all. I wonder whether the dispute is between actual churchgoers or folks who don't pray in the first place.
I'm afraid for the Filaret it's merely a matter of number of people who associate themselves with the "Kyivan Patriarchate"...
Of course, if bishops more firmly exercised their ancient right to be sovereign within their own dioceses, I suppose de facto it wouldn't matter whether Kiev is with Constantinople or Moscow because the local bishops would handle their own affairs locally. Oh well, in these confused times, God only knows what comes next. Lord have mercy.
I'm certainly no expert on these matters, but it seems to me due to church lineage, if Kiev wishes no more to be with Moscow's synod, no longer with Moscow's patriarch, then first step is to seek permission to revert to her original status as member of Constantinople's synod, under Constantinople's patriarch. Anything more than that would be a next step to think about only after achieving the first one.
I'm certainly no expert on these matters, but it seems to me due to church lineage, if Kiev wishes no more to be with Moscow's synod, no longer with Moscow's patriarch, then first step is to seek permission to revert to her original status as member of Constantinople's synod, under Constantinople's patriarch. Anything more than that would be a next step to think about only after achieving the first one.
Thank you for your reply! Personally, I wouldn't question any hierarch's authority in general since it descends from the God... But politics really "seems to play too large a role in such decisions"! IMO, It's their free will., but Christian community may have its own and should pray for them at least...