Editorial
from Joanna's notepad
It has been brought to my attention that last November Internet Sobor posted a letter from our Sister Greek synod to our Russian synod aimed to convince us to cease commemoration of the Patriarch Irenaeus (when in the Holy Land).
It is written in the old Russian and won't translate by machine. I'm not going to bother to try to get a good English translation of the letter. It is only one in a series of exchanges that are not meant for our examination or scrutinizing, anyway. Frankly, for us, (GOC and ROCA, mostly lay members), the details are really not our concern. It is enough for us to just be aware that our Synods are discussing the matter and that it will work out to the glory of God.
The Russian readers of Internet Sobor can read old Russian, and so read the letter if they are interested, as a few might be. It is possible there could be some childish interest from some of the less mature of us who see this as some kind of contest and to see who will prevail, Agafangel or Photii. (tsk! tsk!) But the greatest interest in this letter is coming from our enemies – those who delight in any discord between the Sister Churches, those who are envious and hoping for division.
I asked my Russian friend in the GOC-K about this letter, and she says:
"In the short – this letter is to Metropolite Agafangel regarding his commemoration of the Ierinej, the Jerusalem Patriarch. There are bunch of explanation how Patriarch Ierinej was OK until in 2013 he became a part of A World Church and why he is not a part of the True Orthodoxy as he was before that moment. No strong statements but just explanations."
The letter also contains, I understand, the typical loving language reassuring that our Sisterhood is cherished and that we can enjoy open and candid discussions, and bear differences, without fear of offense because of our strong unity which is God-given and blessed by God, etc.
So, let our enemies who are trying to make a big scandal out of this letter (which really should be of no interest to those outside our Sisterhood) be ashamed and go home with their tails between their legs. Again.
I would not have even known about this except that I was warned privately that there is inappropriate interest (coming from the busybodies associated with NFTU) in the Notice of Bishop Rowan's consecration (for ROCA in the Holy Land) that I posted a few days ago on this blog. Because this notice mentions that the consecration was with Patriarch Irenaeus' blessing.
2 comments:
Blog of Fr.. Sergius
http://kondakov.ws/blog/Patriarh-Ierusalimskiy-Iriney-i-sta
Even our archpriest in schism, who could be tempted to use this to further justify his separation from us, Fr. Sergius Kondakov, yet he does not use this matter to his political advantage, and instead he defends ROCA's prerogative in this matter. Our Sister Church can help ROCA make a better informed decision weighing the pros and cons accurately. Our Sister Church is not out of line asking us to examine this situation again.
Reading through the machine translation of the Internet Sobor forum discussion shows that some of our loyal Russian priests are confused over this situation, too.
V. Aga says:
"ROCA was not and is not in communion with the Church of Jerusalem and Patriarch Irenaeus. However, the Patriarch gave his blessing to this consecration. He did not ecumenist and he wanted to help us."
I think we can say, for now, that no, we are not in communion with Patr. Irenaeus, but we do recognize him as the lawful patriarch of Jerusalem. And we have his blessing to serve in his jurisdiction.
Sister Vera expresses my thinking exactly:
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Fr. Nicander, you can ask someone else here does not spread rubbish! We would have to deal with her. Read these "pearls" of the blogs amateur groups sickening and disgusting. Who wants to, he himself would go to them and read. All sensible people have long been clear that there is not a shred of truth and common sense. One deceit, intrigue and innuendo. The enemy only provokes us to respond to all of this and fell into their condition. , Direct all of the Lord!
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"Deceit, intrigue and innuendo"? She must be talking about NFTU.
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