Orthodoxy stands at a critical juncture, demanding a remedy for the pervasive pestilence of Russkiy Mir and a profound reconsideration of the Russian Orthodox Church's standing within the broader Orthodox community. The alarming promotion of a patriarch advocating, even to vulnerable believers and children, that murder – specifically fratricide – is an acceptable means of dispute resolution presents a glaring deviation from the teachings of Christ and the foundational principles upheld by His Great Church.
0 Comments
With Lent on the horizon, it's time to reflect, renew, and make positive changes. I'm saddened by the Orthodox Church's current state. Some leaders speak out against the Muscovite church’s abuses, while others remain silent or even perpetuate Cyril’s malevolent phronema.
Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, has denounced the Patriarchate of Moscow for its attempts to “justify an unjustifiable, unholy, unprovoked, diabolical war against an independent country.” He has reminded us that “the Russian Church must share the blame for the crimes committed in Ukraine.” Despite the few rational voices within my church, silence implies approval, and I do not endorse it. The Orthodox Deplorables, Instigators of Schism
Throughout the annals of Church history, ecclesiastic unity persisted even in the face of acknowledged errors, ecclesiological disparities, and doctrinal heresy. Unity is a paramount virtue of Orthodoxy, a straightforward concept that Moscow appears to struggle with. Orthodoxy, the timeless beacon of wisdom, in Russian hands will be reduced to a flickering candle in the hands of those who seem to mistake obscurity for enlightenment. The Kariye Djami -From Byzantine Sanctuary to Controversial Mosque
The Kariye Djami, originally known as the Chora Monastery or the Monastery of Christ (Μονή του Χριστού της Χώρα), stands as a captivating symbol of Istanbul's rich history. Nestled in the Roman Capital, Constantinople, present-day Istanbul, Türkiye, this ancient structure resides near the Charisios Gate (Edirnekapı) and south of the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus (Tekfur Sarayı). The term "chora" (χώρα), suggesting "land" or "in the country," resonates with the rural nature of its location, originally beyond the city walls constructed by Constantine. The site likely remained sparsely populated even during the Ottoman era, contributing to the mystery surrounding Chora's early history. In the grand tapestry of Orthodox Christianity, the Muscovite church's insatiable expansionism strives to assert authority over the entire ecclesiastical and political realm. Since the 15th century, this far-fetched narrative has utilized deceit to undermine canonical ecclesiology. As in modern Ukraine, the Moscow Patriarch seeks to delegitimize the local Church, thereby making their desired territory available for ecclesiastic invasion. The Moscow Patriarchate's trajectory toward apostasy has reached its culmination, prompting Orthodox observers, theologians, and historians to grapple with deciphering and clarifying for the layman an understanding of the Moscow Patriarchate’s problematic evil conduct.
The connection is profound, marked by a symbiotic relationship that some perceive as parasitic while others consider commensalism. Regardless of the viewpoint, it is evident that the Russian people are firmly entwined in this intricate and incestuous Church-State relationship, with no discernible alternative reality, since the inception of the Muscovite church, which customarily pursues its desires without concern for consequences.
Navigating a Complex Legacy: The Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Russian Church Within Orthodoxy, a narrative - voiced solely by Russian hierarchical circles - persists that seeks to equate the Ecumenical Patriarchate's privileges, those endowed by the ecumenical councils, with actions similar in intent to Roman Catholicism's Papal throne (infallibility) as many Russkiy mir bishops retorted a few years back: “If we wanted a pope, we'd go to the real one.” Nevertheless, in this narrative lies a profound truth that transcends theological discourse: the recognition that no institution, no matter how revered or esteemed, is immune to the human frailty of fallibility. Recognizing these imperfections, we embark on a journey to explore the seldom-discussed moments when the venerable Ecumenical Patriarchate, a paragon of wisdom and righteousness, succumbed to worldly fallible judgment. Through the annals of history, we unveil these compelling episodes with a measured dose of introspection, discernment, and a commitment to the pursuit of truth.
"We must not mind insulting men if by respecting them we offend God." ~ Saint John Chrysostom
Our beloved All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew says, “We call once again for an immediate end to the fratricidal war, which, like any war, undermines human dignity." And Patriarch Cyril says, dying in the fratricidal war against Ukraine "cleanses away all sins."
Archbishop Anastasios, you and those silent hierarchs are on the wrong side of history. In a surprising twist, the Albanian Autocephalous Church and Archbishop Anastasios, who consistently assert that they are not aligned with the Russian worldview, have resorted to employing tactics reminiscent of the Soviet era. Following yesterday's extensively documented disclosure by archonelias.com, which highlighted that "every synodal press release since Pascha were attacks upon the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Hierarchs, Clergy, and Archons by the Albanian Synod," they have scrubbed all but one of these "Press Releases" from their website. The alterations made to the Albanian narrative are rather amusing, as they have introduced (edited) a feeble propaganda attempt to support Russian claims over Ukraine. They continue relying on sentimentalism and an emotional appeal rather than adhering to canonical principles. This leads to the query of whether the facts were enough, or it was my recommendation to defend “her" (for those in the know), or the hint of "further developments" that played a role in influencing this shift in their position. The Church of Albania, even in its restored state, needs a catharsis. September 12, 2023It's important to note that discussing religious or cultural matters can be sensitive, and different people may have varying opinions on what changes or actions the Church of Albania might need. "Catharsis" typically refers to a process of emotional release or purification. In the context of the Church of Albania, this could be interpreted in various ways:
|
Most Popular Posts
Archives
March 2024
Categories
All
Αγιογράφος
Ηλίας Δαμιανάκης Άρχων Μαΐστωρ της Μεγάλης του Χριστού Εκκλησίας AuthorBy the Grace of God Archon Elias Damianakis has ministered in the study of Holy Iconography since 1980. In his biography you can read about Elias' life and on his portfolio page you can see where he has rendered some of his hand painted iconography or visit the photo galleries to see some of his work. There is a complete list of featured articles, awards and testimonials which you can visit, as well as a list of notable achievements here below. Please contact Elias for more information or suggestions for this website, thank you and God Bless. |