Comments on: How the self governance of the OCA has benefitted Orthodox Christians on this continent

By: Fr John

Fr John — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:52:56 +0000

Years ago, theologians at St. Vladimir’s proposed that the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate be restructured along lines similar to the UN Security Council, with permanent members, like ambassadors, from the other Patriarchates sitting as members of that Synod–a “seat” for the Patriarchates of Russia, Georgia, Romanian, Greece, Cyprus, Serbia, Bulgaria, etc. So that, acting together, each “ambassador” expressing the position of the Church he represents and arriving at a consensus, the Ecumenical Patriarchate as the Chairman of that Synod, could, being truly ecumenical, speak on behalf of the entire, world-wide, Orthodox Communion.

This is one of those ideas that makes such eminent sense that the possibility of its implementation is regrettably remote.

By: Geo Michalopulos

Geo Michalopulos — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:18:11 +0000

In reply to Wesley J. Smith. Mr Smith, I just read a good review of your newest book in The American Spectator. I look forward to buying it soon.

By: Wesley J. Smith

Wesley J. Smith — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:08:31 +0000

To which I would add how the + Herman matter was resolved from within and + Jonah became his successor, a real shot in the arm for the OCA in particular, and I think American Orthodoxy in general, which I see as the action of the Holy Spirit.

By: Geo Michalopulos

Geo Michalopulos — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:08:12 +0000

Amen, Fr Michael. Amen.

By: John Panos

John Panos — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:42:27 +0000

This is precisely why the OCA must never give up its right to self-govern.

Thanks, Fr. Michael, for heralding this important truth of our Church.

Axios!

By: Dean Calvert

Dean Calvert — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:25:46 +0000

Fr Michael illustrates how the Local Church should work…in real time.

..and why the Church Fathers would NEVER have agreed to any of the Old World patriarchates running dioceses half a globe away.

With all it’s failings…the OCA system worked. A bad bishop in Alaska was removed…due to the courage of the Holy Synod…and the determination and efforts of the two bishops who decided to make the trip to investigate.

Later, a crooked metropolitan was removed the same way…and replaced.

For all the warts and bumps in the road – the idea of synergy – the laity working in symphony with the hierarchs and clergy…WORKED!

It’s important that we learn from these events..and contrast them to 1.) what has just occurred in the AOCA (an autonomous church) 2.) what will soon happen in the AOCA following the departure of Metropolitan Philip and 3.) what will happen in the GOA (an eparchial province) when Archbishop Demetrios retires or is forced to retire.

Best Regards,
Dean