Harry, my parish is quite transparent, its the archdiocese that is the problem. Giving alms to me is the scriptural admonition to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, protect the innocent, visit the sick and incarcarated—in general caring for the physical needs of our fellow human beings. Tithing is another thing altogether.

I have a great deal of difficulty ‘tithing’ to a self admitted millionaire bishop who seems to have anger and power issues and who is accountable to no one on this earth (apparently).

The result is that I’m ‘not a member in good standing’ in my parish according to the parish by-laws. That means I have no input into the financial decisions made by the parish or the committees–nothing to do with the scaraments. However, it does separate me to some extent from the life of the parish in more subtle ways. I’m still going to find ways to support my parish financially (though they have made that difficult) but at least some of the money I’d otherwise pledge will go directly to some of the parish ministries such as The Treehouse. I may even buy more books at 8th Day Books because despite its for profit status, it is a ministry in many ways.

Local, local, local. The more local we are, the better we will be. The Church is personal: Cosmic in reach but only realized in the small, still voice within each of us as we greet the Bridegroom.

Michael, when I think of ‘give alms’ the plain meaning is to get value to the people needing alms. As it doesn’t say ‘God’ on the check it must be considered whether one’s church is or isn’t the most effective way of giving alms. For example, if I give to a local food kitchen staffed by volunteers I know that every penny will purchase food. Count yourself lucky if you know exactly where every penny goes when you give it to your parish.

Good or bad bishops we still, each of us, have the resonsibility to pray, fast, give alms, forgive our enemies and repent. The ‘give alms’ part is inclusive of all of the ministries of the Church IMO.

I have decided to keep it simple and remind my bishop, +Basil, frequently of the need for a functioning local synod asking him directly the questions that occur to me.

Unless you are GOA, there is no reason to worry about the GOA really (pray of course) but raise a voice, respectful and persistent where ever you are.

I believe the Holy Spirit is behind the upheavals and the revelations of misdeeds…”all things will be revealed”

George, can you honestly say that even with the most recent reporting on OCAnews.org? This is a sincere question. I fear hope in the OCA’s “stalwart witness”, etc., may be misplaced (even though I love my OCA parish). I’m very disheartened by what seems like serious compromise, indeed even “pusillanimity,” on the part of our Metropolitan. Clericalism and taking the path of least resistance seem to be the order of the day.

Being in the Evangelical camp most of my life, I haven’t been Orthodox long, so I guess I appreciate some perspective on all this. How do Orthodox lay-persons remain faithful to Christ when, seemingly, their only human source of spiritual direction offers something less than a clarion call to righteousness?

thank you for your stalwart Christian witness. Keep up the good work.

Preaching to the choir is useless. We all get together on a mall someplace and lament the slaughter of the unborn. Those who are pro-life give impassioned speeches, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Some pro-abortion protesters show up and yell some and hold up signs. People become more polarized because of the animosity. Opinions are very, very seldom changed. Really, it’s just noise.

But it is the “American way” and perhaps it makes some people feel better, like they’re “doing something”. If you actually do want to do something, I suggest you donate to pro-life pregnancy help centers and other services for expectant mothers to help them make the right decision. Rallies, marches, etc. are a waste of time, energy and money. Work instead, give the money to pregancy help centers. That’s time better spent.

Now, National Day of Prayer is a different matter. I can see great value in making a public expression of religion in a country where one party wishes to cleanse the public square of Christianity.