Monday, March 17. 2008
Memo Condradicts Nikolai
Your comments on the latest in Alaska welcome.
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Fr. Harris should be the next permanent administrator of Alaska if not the next Bishop of Alaska. It really is time for Alaska to get a good bishop who follows in the foot-steps of + Gregory. RSK had a great hand in ousting both + Gregory and the Kreta's from Alaska via false money mismanagement claims. Now after Gula and Soraich it is time to return to sanity and a REAL bishop.
#1
Anonymous
on
2008-03-17 05:59
If one reads, in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the accepted criteria for *Narcissistic Personality Disorder*, one sees in it a portrait of Nikolai.... He needs our prayers.
#2
Staupitz
on
2008-03-17 06:28
Staupitz-
+Nikolai as well as Fr. Isador do indeed need our fervent prayers.
Here is a direct quote from his "ask Vladyka" section of the North Star Orthodox Site (online via the World Wide Web I might add):
"Believe me I have shortcomings and one of them that is necessary for me to improve is how I am perceived as to strict."
This is in response to someone who claims she sees "no shortcomings" in Vladyka but is offended by what the priests and laity have said about +Nikolai.
After all this time has passed, he has come to the conclusion that he needs to improve on the "perception" that he is too strict. I'm truly saddened.
God forgive me for my lack of courage, faith, and love, for my suffering brothers and sisters in Alaska. My heart burns with love for the Native clergy I have spent time with during my visits to Kodiak. I truly felt wretched being around them as my own faults were exposed by their fierce faith, compassion and humility. Maybe there truly was a telling metaphor every time we would banya (Russian sauna) together. They kept heating up the room until I would run yelping out the door into the Alaskan permafrost. When I would sheepishly re-enter the hot zone, they would simply smile and accept me back like I was one of their own with compassion in their eyes. I feel so privileged to know these men and their families. They spoke of so many hardships and suffering, but of so much joy. Indeed, they did give me a name in their Native tongue. But I feel I have failed them in so, so many ways. Forgive me dear Brothers in Christ!
Josh Little
+Nikolai as well as Fr. Isador do indeed need our fervent prayers.
Here is a direct quote from his "ask Vladyka" section of the North Star Orthodox Site (online via the World Wide Web I might add):
"Believe me I have shortcomings and one of them that is necessary for me to improve is how I am perceived as to strict."
This is in response to someone who claims she sees "no shortcomings" in Vladyka but is offended by what the priests and laity have said about +Nikolai.
After all this time has passed, he has come to the conclusion that he needs to improve on the "perception" that he is too strict. I'm truly saddened.
God forgive me for my lack of courage, faith, and love, for my suffering brothers and sisters in Alaska. My heart burns with love for the Native clergy I have spent time with during my visits to Kodiak. I truly felt wretched being around them as my own faults were exposed by their fierce faith, compassion and humility. Maybe there truly was a telling metaphor every time we would banya (Russian sauna) together. They kept heating up the room until I would run yelping out the door into the Alaskan permafrost. When I would sheepishly re-enter the hot zone, they would simply smile and accept me back like I was one of their own with compassion in their eyes. I feel so privileged to know these men and their families. They spoke of so many hardships and suffering, but of so much joy. Indeed, they did give me a name in their Native tongue. But I feel I have failed them in so, so many ways. Forgive me dear Brothers in Christ!
Josh Little
#2.1
Josh Little
on
2008-03-17 11:02
Greetings in the Lord Josh,
I remember the times we shared at the Cathedral choir during the Pascal Joy, at the seminary grounds, and the infamous banya. I hear that the new banya is very nice, it was built over the old one. I have a really nice picture of us, Fr Alexander, me, and you after the joyful service on Pascha morning. I can't wait to greet you again with the words Christ is Risen! (in person)
Tanqiq is the name that I gave you, because the Uncreated Light eminated from you, and it was truely a joy to be in your presence. Tanqiq means in yupik the bright light.
Your Brother in Christ,
Unworthy Priest Elia
I remember the times we shared at the Cathedral choir during the Pascal Joy, at the seminary grounds, and the infamous banya. I hear that the new banya is very nice, it was built over the old one. I have a really nice picture of us, Fr Alexander, me, and you after the joyful service on Pascha morning. I can't wait to greet you again with the words Christ is Risen! (in person)
Tanqiq is the name that I gave you, because the Uncreated Light eminated from you, and it was truely a joy to be in your presence. Tanqiq means in yupik the bright light.
Your Brother in Christ,
Unworthy Priest Elia
#2.1.1
Anonymous
on
2008-03-17 15:48
Dear Father Elia-
Words cannot express how joyful I am at having received your kind message! I am deeply honored that you share the same memories of our Paschal celebration and Banya times together. I think of you often in these difficult and painful times. Please greet Father Alexander for me and send my love to your families. I will be contacting you.
Your brother in Christ,
Joshua
Words cannot express how joyful I am at having received your kind message! I am deeply honored that you share the same memories of our Paschal celebration and Banya times together. I think of you often in these difficult and painful times. Please greet Father Alexander for me and send my love to your families. I will be contacting you.
Your brother in Christ,
Joshua
#2.1.1.1
Josh Little
on
2008-03-18 07:33
.... No wonder Tikhon (Ret.) got along so well with him. Birds of feather...
Felix
Felix
#2.2
Felix Culpa
on
2008-03-17 12:58
Kondratick Redux
So now Bishop Nikolai is prepared to play the blackmail card--surprise, surprise! As Fr. Andrew so forcefully and accurately observed on the last thread of this site, the Metropolitan is now being hoisted on his own petard. If this were a novel it would be most entertaining and amusing, but alas it is the Church, or at least the OCA!
From Day One it has been obvious that the Special Investigative Commission's (SIC--what a wonderfully ironic acronym!) mandate is to bury the scandal and shield the Metropolitan, just as Bishop Nikolai infers. Surely no one (well, hardly anyone), especially our esteemed editor, is in doubt on this. If not, we have certainly wasted a great deal of time and effort, since the first Commission's work could have been completed, absent hindrance and a predetermined outcome acceptable to the Metropolitan and most of the Synod, long ago. For me, the credibility of SIC II is impeached by the principled resignations of most of those involved in SIC I.
As for Bishop Nikolai's continuing disinformation campaign, it is worthy of the "glories" of the former Soviet Union and, for that matter, Russia under Putin. Perhaps our dithering and pusilllanimous Synod could arrange a transfer or establish an exchange program?
KRT
(Editor's note: Your "esteemed" editor has said or inferred no such thing. I questioned the origins of the SIC; and I think a healthy skepticism towards their efforts is reasonable, given the last 2.5 years. However, all the people I know on the SIC are honorable people; and as I said in my peice, the proof is in the pudding. The Bishop's alletgations put the SIC under even more scrutiny. I sincerely hope they will prove their skeptics wrong with a report that is thorough, complete and accurate. A report that can be factually contradicted the day after it is issued, by evidence new or overlooked ( or at worse ignored) will only make things worse. As with all who care about the OCA, I wish them well. But only the truth, the whole truth, can free us from the chains of this scandal.)
So now Bishop Nikolai is prepared to play the blackmail card--surprise, surprise! As Fr. Andrew so forcefully and accurately observed on the last thread of this site, the Metropolitan is now being hoisted on his own petard. If this were a novel it would be most entertaining and amusing, but alas it is the Church, or at least the OCA!
From Day One it has been obvious that the Special Investigative Commission's (SIC--what a wonderfully ironic acronym!) mandate is to bury the scandal and shield the Metropolitan, just as Bishop Nikolai infers. Surely no one (well, hardly anyone), especially our esteemed editor, is in doubt on this. If not, we have certainly wasted a great deal of time and effort, since the first Commission's work could have been completed, absent hindrance and a predetermined outcome acceptable to the Metropolitan and most of the Synod, long ago. For me, the credibility of SIC II is impeached by the principled resignations of most of those involved in SIC I.
As for Bishop Nikolai's continuing disinformation campaign, it is worthy of the "glories" of the former Soviet Union and, for that matter, Russia under Putin. Perhaps our dithering and pusilllanimous Synod could arrange a transfer or establish an exchange program?
KRT
(Editor's note: Your "esteemed" editor has said or inferred no such thing. I questioned the origins of the SIC; and I think a healthy skepticism towards their efforts is reasonable, given the last 2.5 years. However, all the people I know on the SIC are honorable people; and as I said in my peice, the proof is in the pudding. The Bishop's alletgations put the SIC under even more scrutiny. I sincerely hope they will prove their skeptics wrong with a report that is thorough, complete and accurate. A report that can be factually contradicted the day after it is issued, by evidence new or overlooked ( or at worse ignored) will only make things worse. As with all who care about the OCA, I wish them well. But only the truth, the whole truth, can free us from the chains of this scandal.)
#3
Kenneth R. Tobin
on
2008-03-17 07:36
Mark,
I don't think that Bishop Nikolai is inferring that the synod has given Herman a pass on his role in the financial mess of the OCA. Rather I believe that Nikolai is referring to the long-standing reports of Herman in his personal life and the affairs of state at St Tikhon Monastery and Seminary. To the degree that the SIC is not charged with looking into money laundering of the St Tikhon Bookstore, run by Herman's (Deacon) Klimechev, you may be right in connecting the dots. But I believe that Nikolai is speaking to the letters on file in Syosset from clergy and laity over the years complaining about Herman over the many years (since) he was Kiprian's hand-picked boy.
I suppose we get down to the point of where would such an investigation of the OCA end and where would it begin. The files in Syosset are brimming with letters on clergy and bishops by people who have had an issues of one sort or another. However, if one simply wishes to limit a digging up of the past to Herman, one need not go any further then his questionable financial practices in running (single handily) the fiscal affairs of St Tikhon's and the total control he has through Klimechev of funds running in and out of the country through the St Tikhon "Religious Center."
In closing, it is also entirely possible now that Herman's Syosset file has been purged of any "questionable" entries, except of course if someone took the time to make a backup copy!!!
Time is on the side of truth and the long arm of truth reaches far beyond the grave. So even Herman can't wait out the truth.
I don't think that Bishop Nikolai is inferring that the synod has given Herman a pass on his role in the financial mess of the OCA. Rather I believe that Nikolai is referring to the long-standing reports of Herman in his personal life and the affairs of state at St Tikhon Monastery and Seminary. To the degree that the SIC is not charged with looking into money laundering of the St Tikhon Bookstore, run by Herman's (Deacon) Klimechev, you may be right in connecting the dots. But I believe that Nikolai is speaking to the letters on file in Syosset from clergy and laity over the years complaining about Herman over the many years (since) he was Kiprian's hand-picked boy.
I suppose we get down to the point of where would such an investigation of the OCA end and where would it begin. The files in Syosset are brimming with letters on clergy and bishops by people who have had an issues of one sort or another. However, if one simply wishes to limit a digging up of the past to Herman, one need not go any further then his questionable financial practices in running (single handily) the fiscal affairs of St Tikhon's and the total control he has through Klimechev of funds running in and out of the country through the St Tikhon "Religious Center."
In closing, it is also entirely possible now that Herman's Syosset file has been purged of any "questionable" entries, except of course if someone took the time to make a backup copy!!!
Time is on the side of truth and the long arm of truth reaches far beyond the grave. So even Herman can't wait out the truth.
#4
Anonymous
on
2008-03-17 07:48
I just don't understand why Herman is not under any kind of investigations or retired or on some type of leave. People, priests EVERYONE wants him to be gone, and he just keeps on keeping others in the spot light to avoid how people really feel about him. What a shame?
#5
MP
on
2008-03-17 07:50
Dn. Eric Wheeler said long ago that he made + Herman aware (if he wasn't already) of the private bank accounts at Syosset long before he was dismissed. The result; Dn. Eric left Syosset, + Herman became Treasurer and nothing was done - interesting! Now, we know + Herman was + Kiprian's hand-picked guy for St. Tikhon's and + Herman hand-picked RSK to run St. Tikhon's and Syosset - ANY CONNECTION HERE? Has anyone ever been able to access any financial information or records about St. Tikhon's and the money which has passed through there? St. Vladimir's has always made their financials available. Exactly what was + Herman's involvement in the Syosset money scandal with RSK & + Theodosius???
#6
Anonymous
on
2008-03-17 08:39
If Herman is excused than all of the work on this site will be for not. Both Metropolitans are the blame and soon the real courts will call them both in.
To blame one , that is a farse. MH will go down with this ship. The bishops can't protect you in real court.
To blame one , that is a farse. MH will go down with this ship. The bishops can't protect you in real court.
#7
Anonymous
on
2008-03-17 09:34
Dear Anonymous,
Let's stop with the baiting of "real court." There is no way that RSK will ever be indicted in court for the simple reason there is not enough evidence. Period. If there was, it would have been turned over long ago.
I know on the BEST authority that there is only one person on the SIC who wants criminal charges filed against RSK but that person has been told by the lawyers involved with the SIC that to do so would not only be wrong it would open the Church to massive legal retaliation because there simply is not enough evidence for any charges to stick.
So please folks, enough with this and let's get it through our thick heads that the SIC's conclusions will be the end of this matter whether we like it or not.
The SIC will talk about a particular "culture" that prevailed in Syosset under Theodosius and Herman and Kondratick. They will conclude that the MC did not use its oversight of finances because of this factor or that factor. They will even go so far as to say that Theodosius and Herman knew about things but for the "good of the Church" did not act, or acted at that time in what they thought was for "the good of the Church."
Blah, blah, blah. And so it will end and Herman will continue, but the OCA will suffer mortal wounds.
Let's stop with the baiting of "real court." There is no way that RSK will ever be indicted in court for the simple reason there is not enough evidence. Period. If there was, it would have been turned over long ago.
I know on the BEST authority that there is only one person on the SIC who wants criminal charges filed against RSK but that person has been told by the lawyers involved with the SIC that to do so would not only be wrong it would open the Church to massive legal retaliation because there simply is not enough evidence for any charges to stick.
So please folks, enough with this and let's get it through our thick heads that the SIC's conclusions will be the end of this matter whether we like it or not.
The SIC will talk about a particular "culture" that prevailed in Syosset under Theodosius and Herman and Kondratick. They will conclude that the MC did not use its oversight of finances because of this factor or that factor. They will even go so far as to say that Theodosius and Herman knew about things but for the "good of the Church" did not act, or acted at that time in what they thought was for "the good of the Church."
Blah, blah, blah. And so it will end and Herman will continue, but the OCA will suffer mortal wounds.
#7.1
Anonymous
on
2008-03-18 07:05
I find it interesting the OCA on paper looks financially very solid. Perhaps the solid balance sheet has been overshadowed lately by the cash shortfalls typically caused by graft and the need for the loan.
In our estimates and speculation about what or what +Herman did or did not know, as an accountant, I find it important to recognize these details. They don't minimize the facts.. What are those?
The church ran itself into a credit crisis at some point and needed to borrow a half million dollars. Someone approved of this and this was a critical management error. If the 2nd and politically inferior SIC doesn't identify this issue, I will attest, the investigation is bunk.
If the 2nd and politically inferior SIC doesn't identify in detail what was going on in +Herman's mind the day they bounced Wheeler, Herman must resign.
In our estimates and speculation about what or what +Herman did or did not know, as an accountant, I find it important to recognize these details. They don't minimize the facts.. What are those?
The church ran itself into a credit crisis at some point and needed to borrow a half million dollars. Someone approved of this and this was a critical management error. If the 2nd and politically inferior SIC doesn't identify this issue, I will attest, the investigation is bunk.
If the 2nd and politically inferior SIC doesn't identify in detail what was going on in +Herman's mind the day they bounced Wheeler, Herman must resign.
#8
Daniel E. Fall
on
2008-03-17 10:33
Fr. Harris says it all better than anyone I have read on this site. May God bless him and his family. He couldn't be the bishop and may not want to come out of retirement to take on the administrator job. But he would be perfect in my imperfect opinion.
To Fr. Harris, "Amen, amem, amen." It is because of priests like him and (and people like his daughter, Matushka Tamara) that I haven't given up on Orthodoxy.
With love in Christ,
Linda Elizabeth
To Fr. Harris, "Amen, amem, amen." It is because of priests like him and (and people like his daughter, Matushka Tamara) that I haven't given up on Orthodoxy.
With love in Christ,
Linda Elizabeth
#9
Linda Weir
on
2008-03-17 11:24
Having raised objections to the Holy Synod's handling of this matter, there's something I wish to emphasize: There is a lot of written testimony against +Nikolai. It would be very easy to turn all this into the formal charges he is so impatiently demanding. Why the Synod did not bother to do this immediately we may never know, but surely they are hard at work on that now.
When the Synod does formally charge +Nikolai, they will be entitled to suspend or depose him if he is found guilty of even one severe charge -- more than one of which is already substantiated in writing by multiple witnesses whose good character is already known to the Synod. In other words, he's almost certainly going to be gone soon, and by a process impervious to criticism.
That said, I'd like to ask you something, Mark. You write that "the decision of the Synod to place the Bishop on a mandatory leave of absence after he refused a brotherly request to take one voluntarily, is fully within the canonical and scriptural norms of the Church." Now (keeping in mind also that his commemoration has been forbidden as part of all this) can you substantiate this claim?
Don't get me wrong -- I'd love it if the answer was, "Yes. The excerpt +Nikolai cites from Fr. Viscuso's paper says this, but this ignores the fact that the Synod of Greatexample in 572 said that, which was confirmed by the 6th Ecumenical Council. And we see the same practice at several other times in the Church, such as...."
If we're going to talk about canonical and scriptural norms and tradition -- then let's really do it, out of respect for Church tradition, to be above reproach, and to set a good example for future generations.
(Editor's note: I couldn't agree more. According to informed sources, the Lesser Synod received a paper on this topic by Fr. Alexander Rentel. I certainly hope Syosset would publish this, or a summary, to help everyone understand the issues, citations, canons, etc. more clearly. So, great questions, but let us wait to see when, or even if, Syosset raises to the challenge of helping the whole Church understand the crisis more effectively. Should they fail to do so, it would then fall to others to assist them....)
When the Synod does formally charge +Nikolai, they will be entitled to suspend or depose him if he is found guilty of even one severe charge -- more than one of which is already substantiated in writing by multiple witnesses whose good character is already known to the Synod. In other words, he's almost certainly going to be gone soon, and by a process impervious to criticism.
That said, I'd like to ask you something, Mark. You write that "the decision of the Synod to place the Bishop on a mandatory leave of absence after he refused a brotherly request to take one voluntarily, is fully within the canonical and scriptural norms of the Church." Now (keeping in mind also that his commemoration has been forbidden as part of all this) can you substantiate this claim?
Don't get me wrong -- I'd love it if the answer was, "Yes. The excerpt +Nikolai cites from Fr. Viscuso's paper says this, but this ignores the fact that the Synod of Greatexample in 572 said that, which was confirmed by the 6th Ecumenical Council. And we see the same practice at several other times in the Church, such as...."
If we're going to talk about canonical and scriptural norms and tradition -- then let's really do it, out of respect for Church tradition, to be above reproach, and to set a good example for future generations.
(Editor's note: I couldn't agree more. According to informed sources, the Lesser Synod received a paper on this topic by Fr. Alexander Rentel. I certainly hope Syosset would publish this, or a summary, to help everyone understand the issues, citations, canons, etc. more clearly. So, great questions, but let us wait to see when, or even if, Syosset raises to the challenge of helping the whole Church understand the crisis more effectively. Should they fail to do so, it would then fall to others to assist them....)
#10
A Fellow Orthodox Christian
on
2008-03-17 12:47
Look, you people want to get hung-up on the canons - don't bother. As Fr. Oleksa said before, canons are written as "guides," they are for a specific situation. Canons aren't needed here, just read all the emails and complaints from Alaskan lay people and clergy. + Nicolai has NOT acted like ANY bishop should. His people skills on the scale of 1-10 are a minus 5. + Herman has taken the correct action to ask him to leave the diocese while all of this is investigated. + Herman's authority as Metropolitan with ALL the other bishops agreeing, gives him the authority to ask for this. + Nicolai's refusal puts him in direct conflict of disobedience with the Holy Synod. They will have no choice but to suspend and/or defrock him. + Nicolai is NOT a bishop unto himself; he is NOT a king; he is NOT an absolute ruler appointed by God. He can either leave the diocese and probably retire or be suspended and/or defrocked.
#10.1
Anonymous
on
2008-03-17 13:59
Are you saying that canons were only written to be applied once? Are you sure you know what a canon is and how the Church has (and still does) interpret one?
Also, since when does "guides" mean "things to be ignored"? I am sure that this is not what Fr. Michael meant.
Herman's authority as Metropolitan with ALL the other bishops agreeing, gives him the authority to ask for this.
On what basis do you make this claim? (Not the canons, I assume.) "It seems good to the Holy Spirit and to me"? Shooting from the hip is not the Orthodox way.
It really does have its consequences, you know. Don't you see what is happening now? +Nikolai is setting himself up for an appeal to a broader group of bishops or another local Church. And guess what? Non-OCA bishops will want more justification for what has been done than "emails and complaints," not yet formally investigated, from people they don't even know. "But everyone knows that +Nikolai's a jerk and Tikhon's a nut!" isn't going to cut it. (Oh, and now +Nikolai gets to try to claim that these clergy are schismatic, since they don't commemorate him, and therefore have no standing to bring their specifically ecclesiastical complaints.)
At the very least, we can say that the present spectacle is bringing further discredit on the OCA in the eyes of the Church at large. And what if some other group of bishops does decide to hear +Nikolai's appeal -- and supports it? Even if it's a schismatic jurisdiction, it means he'll retain some voice among Orthodox, and maybe even some followers from the diocese.
Is that what we want? There was never any formal schism in Alaska -- even in all those years of OCA/ROCOR fighting! Now we may get one, all because the Holy Synod, through too-familiar sloppiness, gave him an excuse to appeal outside the OCA.
There's a reason we have these guides -- it's so that we can be guided by them, in order to avoid falling into ditches.
Mark, I wasn't kidding -- I hope Fr. Rentel's paper will be published, and that it will withstand scrutiny. I'd love to hear that the Synod has not played fast and loose here, since it is the last thing this situation needs. But that would be a considerable revelation to me, because their actions so far do not look good in light of our canonical texts and basic principles of Church governance. +Nikolai and +Tikhon may be many things, but they are neither stupid nor untutored in the letter of the law.
Canons may be the last refuge of an Orthodox scoundrel -- but this is all the more reason for those who would call for righteousness in the Church to know them and live them in spirit and letter both.
Also, since when does "guides" mean "things to be ignored"? I am sure that this is not what Fr. Michael meant.
Herman's authority as Metropolitan with ALL the other bishops agreeing, gives him the authority to ask for this.
On what basis do you make this claim? (Not the canons, I assume.) "It seems good to the Holy Spirit and to me"? Shooting from the hip is not the Orthodox way.
It really does have its consequences, you know. Don't you see what is happening now? +Nikolai is setting himself up for an appeal to a broader group of bishops or another local Church. And guess what? Non-OCA bishops will want more justification for what has been done than "emails and complaints," not yet formally investigated, from people they don't even know. "But everyone knows that +Nikolai's a jerk and Tikhon's a nut!" isn't going to cut it. (Oh, and now +Nikolai gets to try to claim that these clergy are schismatic, since they don't commemorate him, and therefore have no standing to bring their specifically ecclesiastical complaints.)
At the very least, we can say that the present spectacle is bringing further discredit on the OCA in the eyes of the Church at large. And what if some other group of bishops does decide to hear +Nikolai's appeal -- and supports it? Even if it's a schismatic jurisdiction, it means he'll retain some voice among Orthodox, and maybe even some followers from the diocese.
Is that what we want? There was never any formal schism in Alaska -- even in all those years of OCA/ROCOR fighting! Now we may get one, all because the Holy Synod, through too-familiar sloppiness, gave him an excuse to appeal outside the OCA.
There's a reason we have these guides -- it's so that we can be guided by them, in order to avoid falling into ditches.
Mark, I wasn't kidding -- I hope Fr. Rentel's paper will be published, and that it will withstand scrutiny. I'd love to hear that the Synod has not played fast and loose here, since it is the last thing this situation needs. But that would be a considerable revelation to me, because their actions so far do not look good in light of our canonical texts and basic principles of Church governance. +Nikolai and +Tikhon may be many things, but they are neither stupid nor untutored in the letter of the law.
Canons may be the last refuge of an Orthodox scoundrel -- but this is all the more reason for those who would call for righteousness in the Church to know them and live them in spirit and letter both.
#10.1.1
A Fellow Orthodox Christian
on
2008-03-18 06:51
Dear Fellow Orthodox,
As you know, there is a similarity between the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Canons, on the one hand, and a Constitution and laws, on the other. In each instance, the first is the basic law that guides and informs the second. Also, while a constitution is by nature changeable only by the overwhelming will of the body that adopted it in the first place, statutes may be adopted and changed more or less at will, often to respond to different circumstances.
I fear this discussion is concentrating far too much on a canon that was adopted in response to the needs of the Church in the Fourth Century. This sixth canon of the First Ecumenical Council must be put in perspective. The Orthodox Church has always had an authority hierarchy: First, the direct teachings of our Lord, and then, in descending order, the teachings of the apostles in the Bible, the teachings of the Apostles in the Apostolic canons, and then the teachings of the successors of the Apostles in later canons.
On another point, it is quite clear from the entirety of the Orthodox Church history and tradition that there have been many accommodations to secular authority over the centuries. These accommodations were justified by our Lord's teaching about obeying secular authority. In the case of the OCA, as a nonprofit corporation in North America, it must conform to the laws of the USA and Canada. The question remains whether there is anything anti Holy Tradition, Holy Scriptures or Holy Canon about the OCA Statutes. I think not.
So, let's sum up:
Is Bishop Nikolai's alleged actions, if proven true, violate the New Testament? If so, there is no need to proceed further. My preliminary answer would be that +Nikolia's actions seem to be in contradiction of our Lord's and Apostle Paul's expectations of a Christian and a Bishop. Now that we have probable cause, the issue becomes how to proceed to get to the bottom of this.
The relevant question is: Are the actions taken by the OCA authorities in accordance with the OCA statutes? If yes, the presumption would be that they were in accordance with Holy Tradition. Those who argue that Canon Six applies have the burden to prove couple of things. First, they need to analyze the facts and circumstances that existed in the Fourth Century as contrasted to the facts and circumstances that exists in our time. Second, if the circumstances are similar, then the actions would have to be analyzed not only for compliance with the Sixth Canon but also with all other canons and the Holy Scriptures.
Well, it is clear that we live in radically different circumstances. While we should keep in mind this particular Canon 6, it is imperative to recognize that the governing "due process" guidelines come from the Lord himself in Matthew 18. As has been posted before, all of the due process steps have been taken. For +Nikolai to claim that he was not made aware of the people's grievances, singly, in groups, or in mass, is to proclaim a self-imposed blindness and deafness. For him to say that he must be informed in person or by fellow bishops betrays a jail house lawyer mentality. His case is terribly weak and also reflects a degree of arrogance that is unbecoming of any man of the cloth. He would benefit from reflecting on the Lord's teachings and Saint Paul's clear description of the characteristics of a Bishop.
Respectfully, Carl
As you know, there is a similarity between the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Canons, on the one hand, and a Constitution and laws, on the other. In each instance, the first is the basic law that guides and informs the second. Also, while a constitution is by nature changeable only by the overwhelming will of the body that adopted it in the first place, statutes may be adopted and changed more or less at will, often to respond to different circumstances.
I fear this discussion is concentrating far too much on a canon that was adopted in response to the needs of the Church in the Fourth Century. This sixth canon of the First Ecumenical Council must be put in perspective. The Orthodox Church has always had an authority hierarchy: First, the direct teachings of our Lord, and then, in descending order, the teachings of the apostles in the Bible, the teachings of the Apostles in the Apostolic canons, and then the teachings of the successors of the Apostles in later canons.
On another point, it is quite clear from the entirety of the Orthodox Church history and tradition that there have been many accommodations to secular authority over the centuries. These accommodations were justified by our Lord's teaching about obeying secular authority. In the case of the OCA, as a nonprofit corporation in North America, it must conform to the laws of the USA and Canada. The question remains whether there is anything anti Holy Tradition, Holy Scriptures or Holy Canon about the OCA Statutes. I think not.
So, let's sum up:
Is Bishop Nikolai's alleged actions, if proven true, violate the New Testament? If so, there is no need to proceed further. My preliminary answer would be that +Nikolia's actions seem to be in contradiction of our Lord's and Apostle Paul's expectations of a Christian and a Bishop. Now that we have probable cause, the issue becomes how to proceed to get to the bottom of this.
The relevant question is: Are the actions taken by the OCA authorities in accordance with the OCA statutes? If yes, the presumption would be that they were in accordance with Holy Tradition. Those who argue that Canon Six applies have the burden to prove couple of things. First, they need to analyze the facts and circumstances that existed in the Fourth Century as contrasted to the facts and circumstances that exists in our time. Second, if the circumstances are similar, then the actions would have to be analyzed not only for compliance with the Sixth Canon but also with all other canons and the Holy Scriptures.
Well, it is clear that we live in radically different circumstances. While we should keep in mind this particular Canon 6, it is imperative to recognize that the governing "due process" guidelines come from the Lord himself in Matthew 18. As has been posted before, all of the due process steps have been taken. For +Nikolai to claim that he was not made aware of the people's grievances, singly, in groups, or in mass, is to proclaim a self-imposed blindness and deafness. For him to say that he must be informed in person or by fellow bishops betrays a jail house lawyer mentality. His case is terribly weak and also reflects a degree of arrogance that is unbecoming of any man of the cloth. He would benefit from reflecting on the Lord's teachings and Saint Paul's clear description of the characteristics of a Bishop.
Respectfully, Carl
#10.1.1.1
Carl
on
2008-03-18 19:31
Carl,
If I understand you correctly, you are saying that, because what the Synod has done conforms to the OCA Statute, it is canonical, since any deviations in the Statute from traditional canonical processes are justified accommodations to secular authority.
But this is what is in dispute. Of course we make accommodations to the demands of secular authority and to other changed circumstances. But is that what this procedure is? To repeat my earlier point, it would have been trivial for the Synod to follow Canon 6. It's dead simple. What need is there for any alteration here because of the times? That's what makes this appear irresponsible to me.
If the only objection were that bishops mustn't meet in conference over the phone, or that they mustn't transmit decrees by fax but have to show up in person (presumably with a scroll), or whatever -- well, yes, all of that is anachronistic nonsense.
The objection that matters is about the basic principle that a bishop cannot be stripped of his authority unless his fellow bishops find that he has done something to deserve it. This has not happened -- even according to Met. Herman -- and yet +Nikolai has been ordered out of his diocese and diocesan clergy forbidden to commemorate him.
Matthew 18 discusses bringing a complaint against one's fellow Christian. But this is not all that is at issue in the case of a bishop's deposition. In this case, authority in the Church is also at issue, especially the sovereignty of a bishop in his diocese and the limits to this. That is why the other "due process" requirements are important too, even in a slam-dunk case such as +Nikolai's malfeasance presents.
Something else at issue is the relationship of a local Church to the rest of the Orthodox world. We can have all the confidence we like in the bishops' improvisational wisdom and in the OCA Statute. But how the rest of the Orthodox world operates should matter to us too, and, when it comes to deposing a bishop, too much deviation on the part of the OCA could, as I've already written, have disastrous practical consequences.
(Incidentally, when I chalked what the Synod has done up to carelessness and contempt for tradition, I was actually being charitable. What if the reason they didn't want to charge +Nikolai with a particular offense is that they couldn't find one that other Synod members weren't also guilty of? +Nikolai should, of course, be deposed. But the only reason he is actually in danger of this happening is a "perfect storm" created by the 1) very public, 2) unanimous, and 3) heartrending complaints of 4) beloved figures in 5) a diocese profoundly dear to every OCA member's heart and, frankly, 6) central to the OCA's image. But now the Synod actually has to pick charges, and if he doesn't seem to be the only one guilty of them, people may start asking why what's good for the goose isn't good for the gander. Perhaps it therefore seems better to provoke him into "disobedience" and then depose him for that?)
If I understand you correctly, you are saying that, because what the Synod has done conforms to the OCA Statute, it is canonical, since any deviations in the Statute from traditional canonical processes are justified accommodations to secular authority.
But this is what is in dispute. Of course we make accommodations to the demands of secular authority and to other changed circumstances. But is that what this procedure is? To repeat my earlier point, it would have been trivial for the Synod to follow Canon 6. It's dead simple. What need is there for any alteration here because of the times? That's what makes this appear irresponsible to me.
If the only objection were that bishops mustn't meet in conference over the phone, or that they mustn't transmit decrees by fax but have to show up in person (presumably with a scroll), or whatever -- well, yes, all of that is anachronistic nonsense.
The objection that matters is about the basic principle that a bishop cannot be stripped of his authority unless his fellow bishops find that he has done something to deserve it. This has not happened -- even according to Met. Herman -- and yet +Nikolai has been ordered out of his diocese and diocesan clergy forbidden to commemorate him.
Matthew 18 discusses bringing a complaint against one's fellow Christian. But this is not all that is at issue in the case of a bishop's deposition. In this case, authority in the Church is also at issue, especially the sovereignty of a bishop in his diocese and the limits to this. That is why the other "due process" requirements are important too, even in a slam-dunk case such as +Nikolai's malfeasance presents.
Something else at issue is the relationship of a local Church to the rest of the Orthodox world. We can have all the confidence we like in the bishops' improvisational wisdom and in the OCA Statute. But how the rest of the Orthodox world operates should matter to us too, and, when it comes to deposing a bishop, too much deviation on the part of the OCA could, as I've already written, have disastrous practical consequences.
(Incidentally, when I chalked what the Synod has done up to carelessness and contempt for tradition, I was actually being charitable. What if the reason they didn't want to charge +Nikolai with a particular offense is that they couldn't find one that other Synod members weren't also guilty of? +Nikolai should, of course, be deposed. But the only reason he is actually in danger of this happening is a "perfect storm" created by the 1) very public, 2) unanimous, and 3) heartrending complaints of 4) beloved figures in 5) a diocese profoundly dear to every OCA member's heart and, frankly, 6) central to the OCA's image. But now the Synod actually has to pick charges, and if he doesn't seem to be the only one guilty of them, people may start asking why what's good for the goose isn't good for the gander. Perhaps it therefore seems better to provoke him into "disobedience" and then depose him for that?)
#10.1.1.1.1
A Fellow Orthodox Christian
on
2008-03-19 14:16
Dear Fellow Orthodox,
Thank you for your considered riposte. My perspective is this: all canons may be interpreted strictly or with economia. In the case of Canon 6, as with the case of the canon that, in my mind, temporarily dispensed with Apostle Paul's description of a bishop as a married man, economia should be applied. Actually, Canon 6 is the perfect candidate for economia as the crux of the problem, in the sense of that which scandalizes the faithful the most, is not usurping a bishop's authority but stopping the misuse of a bishop's authority.
Under a mechanical application of Canon 6, I believe that +Nikolai could have been disposed of by now. Instead, the Holy Synod actually gave him a break by interposing an investigation before any charges are brought forth. However, given the personality and previous actions of +Nikolai, it would have been impossible to conduct an investigation unless he temporarily stepped aside.
The only aspect of this affair that makes me uncomfortable is Metropolitan Herman's edict to the Alaska clergy not to commemorate +Nikolai. This is one instance where I think that you may have a case of premature deposition for disobedience.
Respectfully,
Carl
Thank you for your considered riposte. My perspective is this: all canons may be interpreted strictly or with economia. In the case of Canon 6, as with the case of the canon that, in my mind, temporarily dispensed with Apostle Paul's description of a bishop as a married man, economia should be applied. Actually, Canon 6 is the perfect candidate for economia as the crux of the problem, in the sense of that which scandalizes the faithful the most, is not usurping a bishop's authority but stopping the misuse of a bishop's authority.
Under a mechanical application of Canon 6, I believe that +Nikolai could have been disposed of by now. Instead, the Holy Synod actually gave him a break by interposing an investigation before any charges are brought forth. However, given the personality and previous actions of +Nikolai, it would have been impossible to conduct an investigation unless he temporarily stepped aside.
The only aspect of this affair that makes me uncomfortable is Metropolitan Herman's edict to the Alaska clergy not to commemorate +Nikolai. This is one instance where I think that you may have a case of premature deposition for disobedience.
Respectfully,
Carl
#10.1.1.1.1.1
Anonymous
on
2008-03-19 18:46
Again, + Nicolai is a member of the Synod of Bishops of the OCA. A conciliar decision by them rules the OCA. They will meet on March 27th and + Nicolai will either be suspended due to his "disobedience" to Met. Herman and the SOB's or defrocked. He can appeal to anyone he likes and other bishops, but the fact remains, he is subject to the "conciliar" authority of the SOB's - PERIOD. He can appeal and his side will be heard, but in the long run, like RSK, he looses. If he's smart, he leave Alaska today for his mansion in Las Vegas and go to the casino's and shows. HE'S DONE!
#10.1.1.2
Anonymous
on
2008-03-19 07:09
Look, I want him gone too. We all want him gone. And, as I've said, I'm sure it won't be long.
But what you're saying is just not true. "He is subject to the 'conciliar' authority of the SOB's - PERIOD." This is false. If bishops were subject to their local synods in this way, the Church would not allow bishops who object to the decisions of their local synods to appeal to a larger group of bishops. The Synod only has authority to the extent that they obey holy tradition. If a synod -- that of the OCA or any other -- violates holy tradition, its decisions can be overruled by a larger group of bishops. This is an ancient practice, one which reveals the nature of the bond between a local Church and the whole of the Church on earth.
But what you're saying is just not true. "He is subject to the 'conciliar' authority of the SOB's - PERIOD." This is false. If bishops were subject to their local synods in this way, the Church would not allow bishops who object to the decisions of their local synods to appeal to a larger group of bishops. The Synod only has authority to the extent that they obey holy tradition. If a synod -- that of the OCA or any other -- violates holy tradition, its decisions can be overruled by a larger group of bishops. This is an ancient practice, one which reveals the nature of the bond between a local Church and the whole of the Church on earth.
#10.1.1.2.1
A Fellow Orthodox Christian
on
2008-03-19 14:29
of course we understand that the Kondratick Era is past and the OCA is no longer able to throw Andreas' money at Alaska......quite the opposite, the OCA is cash desperate (if you have really read the fiscal jottings recently published), and Syosset appears to be willing to use any device to alleviate their fiscal impasse with Alaskan assets, even taking a ride on Mark Stokoe's pony.....
#11
Guileless
on
2008-03-17 16:55
Well Guileless (you read as if you are + Nicolai), you're wrong. Again, the problems in Alaska DID NOT originate in Syosset or due to any financial issues with the OCA. The problems in Alaska originated from the clergy and people of Alaska complaining about + Nicolai. Compound this with allegations of sexual misconduct and Syosset had to get involved to investigate. NOTHING ORIGINATED IN SYOSSET. The monies regarding Alaskan lands and any oil settlements will be dealt with openness and transparency by Syosset and after + Nicolai, by those in Alaska.
#11.1
Anonymous
on
2008-03-18 05:29
I too extend my deepest regards and respect to Fr Harris and Matushka Anastasia... Like Fr Michael Oleksa, these people found and embraced that spirit of Orthodoxy that cant be harnessed for a vain mans glory!
I have known both of these men since St Hermans canonization or in the case of Seminarian Oleksa a year before.
Last night I was literally cursed (in an email) by former Bishop Tikhon of the West for my stance on priest Innoncent and former bishop Nikolai... I never ever... for a minute thought that such vile words could ever come from the mouth/hand of a clergy man of any religion... taken a step further... maybe I am right?
tonight, I read, tearfully, the beautiful words penned by our Fr Nick.. all true... about his experiences here in Alaska.
How he was able to see us.. for what we are... a simple people.. who carried that cross firmly planted by St Herman... without priests by the dozens... without money... without jobs, most of us never seeing a bishop until Bishop Gregory, moving forward on faith... never ceasing, never failing... faith.
Like Frs Harris and Oleksa, +GREGORY sought to find the christian soul of the people... not to browbeat them... or abuse them for his personal gain or control, but to learn from them and gather some of those same spiritual tools that we've been using for some 2 centuries. I am not saying that they were not equipped or poorly equipped... to the contrary... but they were quick to learn where lessons could be learned...
I think of my longtime spiritual father Joseph Kreta.. and his Matsushka Marie.. both of whom labored to bring the Seminary to life and teach us more about our faith.. some of us were just told to look forward and believe... no questions... just do it. These directives came from our elders... out of church they would tell us of how we should embrace God and who he might be... always saying that we cant know him because he is too great... for us to know...
Every time the came to our village they would always make time for Church school and teach us new tones or the meanings of our church traditions... they built on what our elders taught... never thinking for a second that any of it should be cast aside as dumb or worthless... like I have heard my parish church in Kodiak called... the church that was worthy of the canonization of St Herman... worthy of the Patriarch of Russia... but not worthy of -nikolai of las vegas?
I have seen one of our priests write about how a bishop is (or was) perceived when he came into a village... he, a more learned man, was seen as our link to the God of our understanding...
Today... that man... who stands in the swamp waters of his own creation pales if ever comparable to those priests whom I have mentioned here...or who Fr Harris mentions with the greatest of respect.
He has grounded a great ship of salvation - single handedly because he didnt learn to listen to others besides himself, now he stands there... dumbfounded (his words) as to what has happened... and blames everyone else for his shortcomings and lack of spiritual leadership. Denouncing the rowers and passengers for his mistake.
I was there the day he first enterd Holy Resurrection Cathedral... when a magpie entered our church screeching likes its life was threatened... repeatedly making attacking motions towards the inner church...as nikolai walked towards St Hermans reliquary...
I leaned over to Fr Joseph and told him... the magpie, when acting this way is bearing bad... bad news... this man this bishop is not a good man... our elders are speaking to us...
I stand by that bird today... my words hollow and melancholy... echo the truth of fallen man and his legacy.
I have known both of these men since St Hermans canonization or in the case of Seminarian Oleksa a year before.
Last night I was literally cursed (in an email) by former Bishop Tikhon of the West for my stance on priest Innoncent and former bishop Nikolai... I never ever... for a minute thought that such vile words could ever come from the mouth/hand of a clergy man of any religion... taken a step further... maybe I am right?
tonight, I read, tearfully, the beautiful words penned by our Fr Nick.. all true... about his experiences here in Alaska.
How he was able to see us.. for what we are... a simple people.. who carried that cross firmly planted by St Herman... without priests by the dozens... without money... without jobs, most of us never seeing a bishop until Bishop Gregory, moving forward on faith... never ceasing, never failing... faith.
Like Frs Harris and Oleksa, +GREGORY sought to find the christian soul of the people... not to browbeat them... or abuse them for his personal gain or control, but to learn from them and gather some of those same spiritual tools that we've been using for some 2 centuries. I am not saying that they were not equipped or poorly equipped... to the contrary... but they were quick to learn where lessons could be learned...
I think of my longtime spiritual father Joseph Kreta.. and his Matsushka Marie.. both of whom labored to bring the Seminary to life and teach us more about our faith.. some of us were just told to look forward and believe... no questions... just do it. These directives came from our elders... out of church they would tell us of how we should embrace God and who he might be... always saying that we cant know him because he is too great... for us to know...
Every time the came to our village they would always make time for Church school and teach us new tones or the meanings of our church traditions... they built on what our elders taught... never thinking for a second that any of it should be cast aside as dumb or worthless... like I have heard my parish church in Kodiak called... the church that was worthy of the canonization of St Herman... worthy of the Patriarch of Russia... but not worthy of -nikolai of las vegas?
I have seen one of our priests write about how a bishop is (or was) perceived when he came into a village... he, a more learned man, was seen as our link to the God of our understanding...
Today... that man... who stands in the swamp waters of his own creation pales if ever comparable to those priests whom I have mentioned here...or who Fr Harris mentions with the greatest of respect.
He has grounded a great ship of salvation - single handedly because he didnt learn to listen to others besides himself, now he stands there... dumbfounded (his words) as to what has happened... and blames everyone else for his shortcomings and lack of spiritual leadership. Denouncing the rowers and passengers for his mistake.
I was there the day he first enterd Holy Resurrection Cathedral... when a magpie entered our church screeching likes its life was threatened... repeatedly making attacking motions towards the inner church...as nikolai walked towards St Hermans reliquary...
I leaned over to Fr Joseph and told him... the magpie, when acting this way is bearing bad... bad news... this man this bishop is not a good man... our elders are speaking to us...
I stand by that bird today... my words hollow and melancholy... echo the truth of fallen man and his legacy.
#12
Ted Panamarioff - Kodiak Alaska
on
2008-03-18 01:27
Ted:
What wonderful words! Regarding the raven; this has always been a sign of approaching danger and evil. Regarding your encounter with +BT, it is well-known and admitted by himself that he suffers from severe depression and is probably bipolar. During his "reign" as Bishop of the West (note the East has always been holy) he slandered and maligned many priests, bishops and lay people. And as we know, + Nicolai is his protege. .....All of this goes to show that when we consider clerics, whether they be priests or bishops, a complete background check and psychological evaluation is necessary.
In any event, your long "Alaskan Night"(mare) is almost over. What the people of Alaska MUST insist on is that your next spiritual leader is someone deserving of such a title. DO NOT let Syosset or the Synod of Bishops force someone upon you you do not want. Alaska just may be the place to reinstate the married episcopate and elect Fr. Michael Oleksa as your next bishop. Remember, marriage IS NOT an impediment to ordination nor consecration, it was only expedient for the church to select monks and celibates. It is long overdue that the Orthodox Church return to our own tradition of the married episcopate.
What wonderful words! Regarding the raven; this has always been a sign of approaching danger and evil. Regarding your encounter with +BT, it is well-known and admitted by himself that he suffers from severe depression and is probably bipolar. During his "reign" as Bishop of the West (note the East has always been holy) he slandered and maligned many priests, bishops and lay people. And as we know, + Nicolai is his protege. .....All of this goes to show that when we consider clerics, whether they be priests or bishops, a complete background check and psychological evaluation is necessary.
In any event, your long "Alaskan Night"(mare) is almost over. What the people of Alaska MUST insist on is that your next spiritual leader is someone deserving of such a title. DO NOT let Syosset or the Synod of Bishops force someone upon you you do not want. Alaska just may be the place to reinstate the married episcopate and elect Fr. Michael Oleksa as your next bishop. Remember, marriage IS NOT an impediment to ordination nor consecration, it was only expedient for the church to select monks and celibates. It is long overdue that the Orthodox Church return to our own tradition of the married episcopate.
#12.1
Anonymous
on
2008-03-18 07:21
I just finished reading the eloquent letter of Fr. Harris in which he begins by quoting St. Paul on the meaning and practice of love. We usually encounter that beautiful passage in the context of a marriage service, but it would be even more appropriate for its regular use in any charge given at the ordination or consecration of clergy to the service, yes service, of the Church.
How many of our bishops can be said to meet even the minimal requirements of that charge? It really is as simple as that. Do not all the other arguments over canons, procedure, ecclesiology, etc. turn to ashes and irrelevance if the fail the test of love?
KRT
How many of our bishops can be said to meet even the minimal requirements of that charge? It really is as simple as that. Do not all the other arguments over canons, procedure, ecclesiology, etc. turn to ashes and irrelevance if the fail the test of love?
KRT
#12.2
Kenneth R. Tobin
on
2008-03-18 09:15
Nice post Ted! Having recently watched a view videos of Alaska when Bishop Gregory served nearly brought tears to my eyes...You could very easily see in the eyes of the faithful how they loved him...Tho he appeared to be in poor health he had that twinkle in his eyes, & it was quite evident that he loved his flock...
Why should anyone have to FEAR their bishop as is the case with Nicholas...For the past few years every picture of him on the Alaskan website invokes a uneasiness that is hard to describe.... He's just plain arrogant,rude, self centered, errie,cold hearted, & the love of CHRIST does not shine forth....
I also believe the Magpie that entered the church was a definite sign of the gloom that was to hit Alaska...
Alaska WILL recover thru the prayers of our holy father ST Herman!!
Why should anyone have to FEAR their bishop as is the case with Nicholas...For the past few years every picture of him on the Alaskan website invokes a uneasiness that is hard to describe.... He's just plain arrogant,rude, self centered, errie,cold hearted, & the love of CHRIST does not shine forth....
I also believe the Magpie that entered the church was a definite sign of the gloom that was to hit Alaska...
Alaska WILL recover thru the prayers of our holy father ST Herman!!
#12.3
Anoymous
on
2008-03-18 11:34
Well, there it is, in black and white! I didn't believe it when I was told of it:
"Last night I was literally cursed (in an email) by former Bishop Tikhon"
Let's focus on those two words: "literally cursed." I wish to state for the record tht I have never cursed Ted Panamarioff, no, not last night or any other night, literally or figuratively.
It is true that Mr. P. initiated a short private correspondence with me asking me how I could support Bishop Nikolai's tonsuring of Terenty Dushkin. I replied, informing him that I did not and do not approve of the canonical violation of making an ex-convict a Reader. (Ex-convicts may very well be saved, but this does not make them eligible to read aloud in Church.)
Here are some of my words:
Bishop Nikolai violated One canon and repented of it and reversed his uncanonical action. The Metropolitan,
members of the Holy Synod, many Priests and Laity, including many such IN Alaska, have violated MANY canons. Why, I ask are they given a "pass" on many canons, while you and others do not want to give
Bishop Nikolai a pass on only one, one which he has corrected?
(Please note: Metropolitan Herman did not have the authority to suspend or depose a Reader or ANYONE in the Alaskan diocese no does he now. Orthodox First Hierarchs do not have Papal-Universal Jurisdiction.)
Ted thanked me in reply to that. Both his first email and this one were framed in most punctilious and respectful language, like this:
"I have gained a much deeper understanding of the man who is under the Omophorion.I will keep and treasure your words to me, they carry an air of hope and forgiveness for me.. in this time of great confusion and demoralization.
Again, your Grace Thank You...
Beseeching your prayers and blessings,"
Theodore "Ted" Panamarioff
I learned soon after this that the same Ted has another "side." Here's his next communication to me:
You are friggin nuts… I was told to beware of you.. the synod thought you lost your egg… now you’ve proven it…Nikolai… and you are both messed up in the head… lost and evil…And of shamans…. What of it… what do you wicked white men; devils in your own heart…have to say?
Don’t write me anymore you son of satan…
tp
I thank Ted for his giving us all this example of the true (he'd call it "cradle Orthodox") Alaskan piety, according to Ted Panamarioff's example. However, I request that his SO-out-of-character lie about my having literally cursed him be retracted. As you see, it is not possible for a "son of satan" to contact him directly.
Accountably and not anonymously,
Bishop Tikhon (Fitzgerald)
"Last night I was literally cursed (in an email) by former Bishop Tikhon"
Let's focus on those two words: "literally cursed." I wish to state for the record tht I have never cursed Ted Panamarioff, no, not last night or any other night, literally or figuratively.
It is true that Mr. P. initiated a short private correspondence with me asking me how I could support Bishop Nikolai's tonsuring of Terenty Dushkin. I replied, informing him that I did not and do not approve of the canonical violation of making an ex-convict a Reader. (Ex-convicts may very well be saved, but this does not make them eligible to read aloud in Church.)
Here are some of my words:
Bishop Nikolai violated One canon and repented of it and reversed his uncanonical action. The Metropolitan,
members of the Holy Synod, many Priests and Laity, including many such IN Alaska, have violated MANY canons. Why, I ask are they given a "pass" on many canons, while you and others do not want to give
Bishop Nikolai a pass on only one, one which he has corrected?
(Please note: Metropolitan Herman did not have the authority to suspend or depose a Reader or ANYONE in the Alaskan diocese no does he now. Orthodox First Hierarchs do not have Papal-Universal Jurisdiction.)
Ted thanked me in reply to that. Both his first email and this one were framed in most punctilious and respectful language, like this:
"I have gained a much deeper understanding of the man who is under the Omophorion.I will keep and treasure your words to me, they carry an air of hope and forgiveness for me.. in this time of great confusion and demoralization.
Again, your Grace Thank You...
Beseeching your prayers and blessings,"
Theodore "Ted" Panamarioff
I learned soon after this that the same Ted has another "side." Here's his next communication to me:
You are friggin nuts… I was told to beware of you.. the synod thought you lost your egg… now you’ve proven it…Nikolai… and you are both messed up in the head… lost and evil…And of shamans…. What of it… what do you wicked white men; devils in your own heart…have to say?
Don’t write me anymore you son of satan…
tp
I thank Ted for his giving us all this example of the true (he'd call it "cradle Orthodox") Alaskan piety, according to Ted Panamarioff's example. However, I request that his SO-out-of-character lie about my having literally cursed him be retracted. As you see, it is not possible for a "son of satan" to contact him directly.
Accountably and not anonymously,
Bishop Tikhon (Fitzgerald)
#12.4
Bishop Tikhon
on
2008-03-18 12:34
Vladyka,
You must know Nikolai's past. How can you still support such an individual? (I dare not say man.)
It is such things that sicken those of us in the pews. While some bishops spend all their energy fighting against such things as those pews in which we sit, the real satan is having his way within our church through laity, clergy and hierarchs! "Alliances" are made for political and personal gain and in the process we lose our youth; we lose our morality; we lose our sense of mission; we are losing our Church!
But God-forbid a priest be seen cleaning out his barn not wearing his priestly attire! God forbid an all-night vigil is not performed every Saturday for the priest and 3 other people who show up! God forbid a priest visit someone on their death-bed and skip a tea party so beautifully arranged by a bishop .... how pretty it must have been -- so "pretty and witty and..." well, I'm sure you know the rest of the song.
I know you're angry with Herman. So are many of us. But please don't try to hurt him by supporting another terrible, terrible bishop. You are only hurting the Church and your own reputation. We can easily see Nikolai already standing nearby with a hand-full of mud ready to sling -- who else will stoop to the level of the pigs to join him?
You must know Nikolai's past. How can you still support such an individual? (I dare not say man.)
It is such things that sicken those of us in the pews. While some bishops spend all their energy fighting against such things as those pews in which we sit, the real satan is having his way within our church through laity, clergy and hierarchs! "Alliances" are made for political and personal gain and in the process we lose our youth; we lose our morality; we lose our sense of mission; we are losing our Church!
But God-forbid a priest be seen cleaning out his barn not wearing his priestly attire! God forbid an all-night vigil is not performed every Saturday for the priest and 3 other people who show up! God forbid a priest visit someone on their death-bed and skip a tea party so beautifully arranged by a bishop .... how pretty it must have been -- so "pretty and witty and..." well, I'm sure you know the rest of the song.
I know you're angry with Herman. So are many of us. But please don't try to hurt him by supporting another terrible, terrible bishop. You are only hurting the Church and your own reputation. We can easily see Nikolai already standing nearby with a hand-full of mud ready to sling -- who else will stoop to the level of the pigs to join him?
#12.4.1
Anonymous
on
2008-03-18 21:46
Why would I retract the truth?
You are a liar... an outright and frank liar...
I do have the letter I sent you.. .and the replies.. all of them..
I have shared them as well.. with other true christians throughout orthodox america.
I can accept your mean accusations of my family members both living and dead... as the rants of a crazed man...
I see you chose not to mention the horrible words you mentioned about Bishop Benjamin - for no reason at all..
No...you lost any and all respect......
You are a liar... an outright and frank liar...
I do have the letter I sent you.. .and the replies.. all of them..
I have shared them as well.. with other true christians throughout orthodox america.
I can accept your mean accusations of my family members both living and dead... as the rants of a crazed man...
I see you chose not to mention the horrible words you mentioned about Bishop Benjamin - for no reason at all..
No...you lost any and all respect......
#12.4.2
Ted Panamarioff - Kodiak Alaska
on
2008-03-19 00:04
As may be seen, Ted Panamarioff directed me not to communicate with him: his own words.
Now, however, he addresses me: I did not address him in my message to this site.
He announces he has not erased any correspondence from his computer. So? I'm lazy, too!
In spite of that, I notice that he is unable to produce any "literal curse", while, at the same time, he brands me a liar. Seems to me that some synapses may not be firing in proper sequence. I continue to pray that he will turn to God in prayer and be healed.
Now, however, he addresses me: I did not address him in my message to this site.
He announces he has not erased any correspondence from his computer. So? I'm lazy, too!
In spite of that, I notice that he is unable to produce any "literal curse", while, at the same time, he brands me a liar. Seems to me that some synapses may not be firing in proper sequence. I continue to pray that he will turn to God in prayer and be healed.
#12.4.2.1
Bishop Tikhon
on
2008-03-19 07:55
Dear Ted
I remember Bishop Tikhon's posting about the late Dr. Black. I could not believe that anyone, especially a bishop, would write such negative and out right nasty things about her. He posted his comments on this web site. I read about Dr. Black and she seemed like a dedicated scholar who had endured much and given so much of herself. Bishop Tickhon could learn a lot from her example. Sadly, I came to the conclusioin that Bishop Tikhon was quite nasty in his comments, and I had lost respect for him. My personal opinion is that Bishop Tikhon's comment have been venemous and counter to what I would expect of a bishop. The fact that he wrote those things in this last posting is no surprise given what he has written before.
I remember Bishop Tikhon's posting about the late Dr. Black. I could not believe that anyone, especially a bishop, would write such negative and out right nasty things about her. He posted his comments on this web site. I read about Dr. Black and she seemed like a dedicated scholar who had endured much and given so much of herself. Bishop Tickhon could learn a lot from her example. Sadly, I came to the conclusioin that Bishop Tikhon was quite nasty in his comments, and I had lost respect for him. My personal opinion is that Bishop Tikhon's comment have been venemous and counter to what I would expect of a bishop. The fact that he wrote those things in this last posting is no surprise given what he has written before.
#12.4.2.2
Sad State of Affairs in Alaska
on
2008-03-19 08:29
Ted
Hold the line brother! My love and prayers to you and your family. Pray for me.
Saint Nilus of Sora, pray for us!
Moses the Tlingit
Hold the line brother! My love and prayers to you and your family. Pray for me.
Saint Nilus of Sora, pray for us!
Moses the Tlingit
#12.4.2.3
Moses
on
2008-03-19 10:20
Ted, Ted, Ted. Pan out. You will not gain anything. You will just get more and more angrier. Just sit back end enjoy GREAT
LENT. Please forgive me.
LENT. Please forgive me.
#12.4.2.4
Anonymous
on
2008-03-19 11:38
What part of being "retired" don't you get? Go fishing, whittle, get a hobby or just go fly a kite. Why are you getting involved with matters of the SOB's? We all realize that Bishop Nicolai is your hand-picked guy, but when someone is blatantly wrong and disobedient they are wrong. Give it a rest; give yourself a rest and maybe a nice, long cruise to the Antarctic is the way to go.
#12.4.3
Anonymous
on
2008-03-19 07:55
If I hadn't read Your Grace's manic missives elsewhere on the Internet I might have thought this was some crank masquerading as you; but as the saying goes, "Often imitated, never duplicated."
Your Grace continues to be one of the greatest wits I know... well at least half anyway.
Herb
Your Grace continues to be one of the greatest wits I know... well at least half anyway.
Herb
#12.4.4
Dr. Herbert Elfers
on
2008-03-19 11:30
Why is this .... still in Alaska? His continued sojourn here is poison! poison! His fellow gangsters in Syosset need to pick up the pace (and therein lies the problem).
Moses the Tlingit
Moses the Tlingit
#13
Moses
on
2008-03-18 09:12
Mark,
It seems if you are going to post a letter from Fr. Nicholas Harris who isn't even in Alaska anymore, you should also post Fr. Innocent's letter.
http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php?topic=15056.0
Marie
It seems if you are going to post a letter from Fr. Nicholas Harris who isn't even in Alaska anymore, you should also post Fr. Innocent's letter.
http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php?topic=15056.0
Marie
#14
Marie
on
2008-03-18 09:40
I couldnt agree more. I would like to see Father Innocents pastoral letter posted on this web site theres seems to be to much one sidedness going on.
Ambrose Stapleton
(Editor's note: The parish bulletin has been widely published in multiple other venues and is readily accessible to anyone who is interested. It provides no new information on the crisis, apart from Fr. innocent's self-justification for commemorating Bishop Nikolai rather than the Metropolitan because he did not get a letter from the Metropolitan. )
Ambrose Stapleton
(Editor's note: The parish bulletin has been widely published in multiple other venues and is readily accessible to anyone who is interested. It provides no new information on the crisis, apart from Fr. innocent's self-justification for commemorating Bishop Nikolai rather than the Metropolitan because he did not get a letter from the Metropolitan. )
#14.1
Ambrose Stapleton
on
2008-03-18 22:03
Here you go:
The Reverend Innocent Dresdow
Rector Dean
Holy Resurrection Cathedral
Kodiak, Alaska
My Dear Flock:
I love you and I write this letter as an expression of that love. My full intent is to serve you by offering my perspective and facts regarding the dilemma in which we find ourselves. I do not know the short term outcome of these issues. I do know the ultimate outcome: God will build His Church and He will be glorified.
I want to address the following items in this letter:
1. The commemoration of His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI
2. My participation in the investigation of Father Isidore
3. What action should we take now?
The Commemoration of His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI
I am commemorating His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI because I have been offered no canonical or biblical reason for doing otherwise. Now let me be more specific.
Priests and laity alike have been placed on the horns of a dilemma: either obey our Bishop or obey the Holy Synod of Bishops.
I believe that our Bishop and the Holy Synod of Bishops are truly concerned for the well-being of the clergy and faithful of Alaska.
I believe all true clergy want to do what will most benefit the faithful of Christ’s Church.
All clergy in the OCA have taken an oath to obey the Holy Synod of Bishops… and this synod now asks us not to commemorate His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI .
All clergy have taken an oath to obey our diocesan Bishop… and our Bishop asks us to proceed per normal Church practice unless there is a canonical reason to do otherwise… and no such canonical process has begun, let alone been concluded.
Although it is true that various communiqués have been posted on various websites, including the OCA website, I have received no official instructions from The Holy Synod with regard to the commemoration of His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI. This is an important distinction: all of the official directives of the OCA as it impacts this parish have come to me in the mail and in hard copy, for example, Pastoral Letters, assignments, etc. No such communiqué has come to me through an Internet posting. Therefore I assume that something so significant as ceasing to commemorate a bishop would be afforded at least the same level of orderliness and decorum. Put simply, it would be irresponsible and imprudent for me to conduct the business of the church without official notice.
In the absence of agreement between our Bishop and The Holy Synod, I must rely on the canons, the history of The Church, and on the oath I took when I became a priest. Nowhere in the history of the Ecumenical Councils do we see a Synod first remove a bishop from his diocese without any formal charges so that they can conduct an “impartial investigation.” I will not, therefore, be even a passive party to a breech in the decent and orderly affairs of The Church. Let me be very clear: I am not saying Bishop NIKOLAI is without fault any more than I am saying that The Holy Synod is without fault. I am saying that the way to determine those faults is to implement Church law. I beg the Holy Synod to take the time to pursue this issue in a calm and disciplined way and according to the oath taken by every bishop. If, having done that, there is a canonical trial called for and if Bishop NIKOLAI is found to be guilty, then I will support the actions of The Holy Synod. I am deadly serious about this. I have been willing and am willing to suffer slander, insinuation, false accusation, and potentially the loss of my priesthood in order to defend the integrity of the Church. And beyond this, I have been willing and continue to be willing for my dear wife and two beautiful children to suffer ostracism and unkind whispers as a result of the stand I have taken.
What is at stake here is not a war between personalities or bishops. What is at stake here is whether or not The Church will function as it has functioned for two thousand years… or whether it will decline into the ordinary and ungodly. For The Church to continue in the tradition of The Fathers, some must have the courage and humility to admit to having mismanaged the process and to correct that mistake.
My Participation in The Investigation of Father Isidore
Many are asking, “Who told the truth? Paul Sidebottom or Father Innocent?”
Paul Sidebottom is the only person who can speak to the veracity of what he has said. I tell you clearly and plainly, I told the truth:
Father Isidore was intoxicated the night in question.
I saw no occurrence of any behavior on the part of Father Isidore that even suggested sexual harassment or “inappropriate touching.”
But even if you don’t believe me, then consider this: Archpriest Alexei Karlgut, the OCA investigator assured Bishop NIKOLAI as far back as November 2, 2007, that none of the allegations made against Father Isidore were substantiated and that Farther Isidore could return to service immediately.
Although the Office of The Diocese of Alaska has released these findings, the findings of the OCA investigator have not been released to the public by the OCA, despite repeated appeals by Bishop NIKOLAI. The failure of the OCA office to exonerate a fellow priest who has been accused and investigated and cleared by that office seems to lack any sense of mercy. This is tragic, if not worse, inasmuch as a great deal of the discontent in our diocese is a result of the assumption that Father Isidore is guilty of sexual misconduct and/or that there is a cover-up led by Bishop NIKOLAI. Nothing could be further from the truth!
I did not corroborate Paul Sidebottom’s allegation of sexual misconduct attributed to Father Isidore. Rather, it was my sin –the sin of letting myself participate in gossip and unsubstantiated allegations—that gave Paul Sidebottom the opportunity to assume I could corroborate his allegations.
What Action Should We Take Now
We must fervently pray for those in authority over us.
We must appeal to The Holy Synod to energetically and precisely apply the rules of the Canons of The Church and let the consequences fall where they will.
We must be hopeful and dwell on that which is holy, pure and peaceable, asking for and seeking the discernment of the Holy Spirit
We must put into practice the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian asking for the grace to not condemn our brothers and sisters, but to be given the grace to confess our own sins
We must continue the good work that has begone here at Holy Resurrection Cathedral. Continue to encourage one another to be involved and to grow in our faith. To involve ourselves in the many classess and ministries offered each week by the church.
Finally, to not lose sight of the fact that the church is a spiritual hospital, that means we are all ill with the sickness of sin, and we must come with the expectation of healing, even if the medicine is not what we want to take.
Concluding Comments
“I came here to die…” With those words I opened my first homily of instruction to you upon my arrival in Kodiak on the Feast of The Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You are witnessing that death. I pray, this is a God-pleasing sacrifice.
As your parish priest, I’ve labored over the last three years to be a living example of a sinful man struggling to lay down the whole of his life for the sake of Jesus Christ. I’ve made a multitude of errors, and caused a multitude of offenses.
Today I am a different person than I was the day I arrived in Kodiak… I have done a lot of dieing. God has blessed me to endure sufferings that humanly I don’t want to endure, but that He deems necessary for my salvation. The only way I can be an effective pastor to you is by dying. There is no other way.
My accountability before God is this:
I promise to uphold the teachings of truth and other pastoral instructions
according to the teachings of the Holy Orthodox, Catholic and Apostolic
Church and the Holy Fathers; to endeavor with my mind, heart and soul to
protect the souls of the faithful entrusted to my care, against every heresy
and schism, and to labor with every means available to return the True
Flock of Christ those who may have strayed from His path;…”
(Oath of Allegiance to the Holy Priesthood)
At the dread judgment seat I will be held accountable for that oath… the very thought of it terrifies me. It is, in part, for that reason that I am giving all that I have in service to you in reliance on God to give me the grace to make up that which is lacking in me.
I do not possess an adequate human capacity to love when insulted, to communicate directly when confronted, to keep my lips from speaking evil of another person, to adequately comfort the afflicted and visit the oppressed. I can do these only if I allow Christ to work through me… that is to say, I can do this only if I die to myself.
I have striven to be a living example of forgiveness and healing. It is with great sadness of heart that I am witnessing the current upheaval in our beloved Church and the lack of love and forgiveness. The evil one alone is to blame for this.
Therefore, glory be to God!
Glory be to God because greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world!
The unworthy Priest Innocent
The Reverend Innocent Dresdow
Rector Dean
Holy Resurrection Cathedral
Kodiak, Alaska
My Dear Flock:
I love you and I write this letter as an expression of that love. My full intent is to serve you by offering my perspective and facts regarding the dilemma in which we find ourselves. I do not know the short term outcome of these issues. I do know the ultimate outcome: God will build His Church and He will be glorified.
I want to address the following items in this letter:
1. The commemoration of His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI
2. My participation in the investigation of Father Isidore
3. What action should we take now?
The Commemoration of His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI
I am commemorating His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI because I have been offered no canonical or biblical reason for doing otherwise. Now let me be more specific.
Priests and laity alike have been placed on the horns of a dilemma: either obey our Bishop or obey the Holy Synod of Bishops.
I believe that our Bishop and the Holy Synod of Bishops are truly concerned for the well-being of the clergy and faithful of Alaska.
I believe all true clergy want to do what will most benefit the faithful of Christ’s Church.
All clergy in the OCA have taken an oath to obey the Holy Synod of Bishops… and this synod now asks us not to commemorate His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI .
All clergy have taken an oath to obey our diocesan Bishop… and our Bishop asks us to proceed per normal Church practice unless there is a canonical reason to do otherwise… and no such canonical process has begun, let alone been concluded.
Although it is true that various communiqués have been posted on various websites, including the OCA website, I have received no official instructions from The Holy Synod with regard to the commemoration of His Grace, Bishop NIKOLAI. This is an important distinction: all of the official directives of the OCA as it impacts this parish have come to me in the mail and in hard copy, for example, Pastoral Letters, assignments, etc. No such communiqué has come to me through an Internet posting. Therefore I assume that something so significant as ceasing to commemorate a bishop would be afforded at least the same level of orderliness and decorum. Put simply, it would be irresponsible and imprudent for me to conduct the business of the church without official notice.
In the absence of agreement between our Bishop and The Holy Synod, I must rely on the canons, the history of The Church, and on the oath I took when I became a priest. Nowhere in the history of the Ecumenical Councils do we see a Synod first remove a bishop from his diocese without any formal charges so that they can conduct an “impartial investigation.” I will not, therefore, be even a passive party to a breech in the decent and orderly affairs of The Church. Let me be very clear: I am not saying Bishop NIKOLAI is without fault any more than I am saying that The Holy Synod is without fault. I am saying that the way to determine those faults is to implement Church law. I beg the Holy Synod to take the time to pursue this issue in a calm and disciplined way and according to the oath taken by every bishop. If, having done that, there is a canonical trial called for and if Bishop NIKOLAI is found to be guilty, then I will support the actions of The Holy Synod. I am deadly serious about this. I have been willing and am willing to suffer slander, insinuation, false accusation, and potentially the loss of my priesthood in order to defend the integrity of the Church. And beyond this, I have been willing and continue to be willing for my dear wife and two beautiful children to suffer ostracism and unkind whispers as a result of the stand I have taken.
What is at stake here is not a war between personalities or bishops. What is at stake here is whether or not The Church will function as it has functioned for two thousand years… or whether it will decline into the ordinary and ungodly. For The Church to continue in the tradition of The Fathers, some must have the courage and humility to admit to having mismanaged the process and to correct that mistake.
My Participation in The Investigation of Father Isidore
Many are asking, “Who told the truth? Paul Sidebottom or Father Innocent?”
Paul Sidebottom is the only person who can speak to the veracity of what he has said. I tell you clearly and plainly, I told the truth:
Father Isidore was intoxicated the night in question.
I saw no occurrence of any behavior on the part of Father Isidore that even suggested sexual harassment or “inappropriate touching.”
But even if you don’t believe me, then consider this: Archpriest Alexei Karlgut, the OCA investigator assured Bishop NIKOLAI as far back as November 2, 2007, that none of the allegations made against Father Isidore were substantiated and that Farther Isidore could return to service immediately.
Although the Office of The Diocese of Alaska has released these findings, the findings of the OCA investigator have not been released to the public by the OCA, despite repeated appeals by Bishop NIKOLAI. The failure of the OCA office to exonerate a fellow priest who has been accused and investigated and cleared by that office seems to lack any sense of mercy. This is tragic, if not worse, inasmuch as a great deal of the discontent in our diocese is a result of the assumption that Father Isidore is guilty of sexual misconduct and/or that there is a cover-up led by Bishop NIKOLAI. Nothing could be further from the truth!
I did not corroborate Paul Sidebottom’s allegation of sexual misconduct attributed to Father Isidore. Rather, it was my sin –the sin of letting myself participate in gossip and unsubstantiated allegations—that gave Paul Sidebottom the opportunity to assume I could corroborate his allegations.
What Action Should We Take Now
We must fervently pray for those in authority over us.
We must appeal to The Holy Synod to energetically and precisely apply the rules of the Canons of The Church and let the consequences fall where they will.
We must be hopeful and dwell on that which is holy, pure and peaceable, asking for and seeking the discernment of the Holy Spirit
We must put into practice the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian asking for the grace to not condemn our brothers and sisters, but to be given the grace to confess our own sins
We must continue the good work that has begone here at Holy Resurrection Cathedral. Continue to encourage one another to be involved and to grow in our faith. To involve ourselves in the many classess and ministries offered each week by the church.
Finally, to not lose sight of the fact that the church is a spiritual hospital, that means we are all ill with the sickness of sin, and we must come with the expectation of healing, even if the medicine is not what we want to take.
Concluding Comments
“I came here to die…” With those words I opened my first homily of instruction to you upon my arrival in Kodiak on the Feast of The Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You are witnessing that death. I pray, this is a God-pleasing sacrifice.
As your parish priest, I’ve labored over the last three years to be a living example of a sinful man struggling to lay down the whole of his life for the sake of Jesus Christ. I’ve made a multitude of errors, and caused a multitude of offenses.
Today I am a different person than I was the day I arrived in Kodiak… I have done a lot of dieing. God has blessed me to endure sufferings that humanly I don’t want to endure, but that He deems necessary for my salvation. The only way I can be an effective pastor to you is by dying. There is no other way.
My accountability before God is this:
I promise to uphold the teachings of truth and other pastoral instructions
according to the teachings of the Holy Orthodox, Catholic and Apostolic
Church and the Holy Fathers; to endeavor with my mind, heart and soul to
protect the souls of the faithful entrusted to my care, against every heresy
and schism, and to labor with every means available to return the True
Flock of Christ those who may have strayed from His path;…”
(Oath of Allegiance to the Holy Priesthood)
At the dread judgment seat I will be held accountable for that oath… the very thought of it terrifies me. It is, in part, for that reason that I am giving all that I have in service to you in reliance on God to give me the grace to make up that which is lacking in me.
I do not possess an adequate human capacity to love when insulted, to communicate directly when confronted, to keep my lips from speaking evil of another person, to adequately comfort the afflicted and visit the oppressed. I can do these only if I allow Christ to work through me… that is to say, I can do this only if I die to myself.
I have striven to be a living example of forgiveness and healing. It is with great sadness of heart that I am witnessing the current upheaval in our beloved Church and the lack of love and forgiveness. The evil one alone is to blame for this.
Therefore, glory be to God!
Glory be to God because greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world!
The unworthy Priest Innocent
This kind of thing is why I am no longer a member of the Orthodox Church. I remember hearing a conversation in my former parish about how amazing it was that these kinds of scandals didn't touch the Orthodox Church. But they do and they're just not talked about.
#15
James
on
2008-03-19 06:58
Ain't talked about?
It'd be interesting to find out how many visits there have been to this site and how many megabytes are required to hold all the discussion.
You didn't state a reason for leaving, but implied it was the lack of dialogue, so it seemed prudent that someone respond.
Go in peace and love God with all your heart, wherever you go, with whomever you go, and take your excess to the poor this Lent.
It'd be interesting to find out how many visits there have been to this site and how many megabytes are required to hold all the discussion.
You didn't state a reason for leaving, but implied it was the lack of dialogue, so it seemed prudent that someone respond.
Go in peace and love God with all your heart, wherever you go, with whomever you go, and take your excess to the poor this Lent.
#15.1
Daniel E. Fall
on
2008-03-19 21:15
True, James. There is a lot of triumphalism and "religious" pride among some Orthodox (especially those who have not been in the Church very long). I am deeply sorry if you were brought into the Church under the false pretense that Orthodox are morally superior than other people or that our earthly institutions are in better repair than others.
Please know that none of the saints, including modern Orthodox holy men and women, have said that sort of thing. It's hard to see how they could, since many of them suffered at the hands of false shepherds of the same kind that the Church has been afflicted with since the beginning.
If you want to get an honest portrait of the faith and of why one might wish to live Orthodox life -- I say this because your comments suggest that you weren't given one -- let me recommend that you turn to people like them. Books by and about a number of Greek elders are now in English (it's these with which I'm most familiar). Some of them are mainly of interest to monastics, but others, like Wounded by Love (about Elder Porphyrios) and Precious Vessels of the Holy Sprit (which is about a lot of elders) are of just as much interest to everyone. Mountain of Silence is another good book about Orthodoxy that is free of vain cheerleading.
Please know that none of the saints, including modern Orthodox holy men and women, have said that sort of thing. It's hard to see how they could, since many of them suffered at the hands of false shepherds of the same kind that the Church has been afflicted with since the beginning.
If you want to get an honest portrait of the faith and of why one might wish to live Orthodox life -- I say this because your comments suggest that you weren't given one -- let me recommend that you turn to people like them. Books by and about a number of Greek elders are now in English (it's these with which I'm most familiar). Some of them are mainly of interest to monastics, but others, like Wounded by Love (about Elder Porphyrios) and Precious Vessels of the Holy Sprit (which is about a lot of elders) are of just as much interest to everyone. Mountain of Silence is another good book about Orthodoxy that is free of vain cheerleading.
#15.2
A Fellow Orthodox Christian (or, in this case, one who hopes for your fellowship
on
2008-03-20 01:19
Well, here it is! Amazing that we could have the presence of the "highly exalted" +BT post here. Anyone who has followed his postings since the early 1990's on various lists and still on the "infamous" Indiana List (heavily ROCOR controlled), knows that +BT sees reality via a very different perspective. It was truly in the OCA and the Church's best interest that he retired. Now, we see him supporting his long-time protege Bishop Nicolai. Why shouldn't any of us be surprised.
The conciliar action of the SOB's is that + Nicolai take a leave of absence and he has refused. As a member of the SOB's of the OCA, he is bound by their decisions. Now, on March 27th, the entire SOB's will meet to discuss this more thoroughly. The outcome from this meeting cannot be good for + Nicolai.
I'm sure there must be enough room in + Nicolai's mansion in Las Vegas for himself, + Tikhon and Isadore.
The conciliar action of the SOB's is that + Nicolai take a leave of absence and he has refused. As a member of the SOB's of the OCA, he is bound by their decisions. Now, on March 27th, the entire SOB's will meet to discuss this more thoroughly. The outcome from this meeting cannot be good for + Nicolai.
I'm sure there must be enough room in + Nicolai's mansion in Las Vegas for himself, + Tikhon and Isadore.
#16
Anonymous
on
2008-03-19 07:46
This is all very complex. While much has been done it might be well to just move forward as they say. Some very positive aspects of Orthodox life are being overlooked. Met Herman will celebrate a memorial at the Jordanville monastery for Met Laurus....who would have thought this possible 10 years ago.....
#17
Gregory
on
2008-03-19 08:41
It is good to hear from the retired Bishop of the West. He is now a "free" man of the west, so it is good that he speaks.
While it may not be a strictly written canon that the Bishop take a leave of absence, there is certainly a prudent man standard that would suggest his reinstatement of the Chancellor and a court filing by a terminated employee, combined with other issues like tonsuring a convict as a reader are worthy of a higher review. Not to mention all those he has booted for various reasons, none too great....
The sadness for me isn't that he has wronged a good handful by his actions, but rather that the church takes no action when a Bishop behaves badly until the action is to depose him.
Bishop Tikhon, how is it right that a Bishop is only accountable to the entire Synod when he violates a Canon and then only to be deposed? If he kicks an old lady out of her home in no violation of a Canon, but a clear violation of ethical and societal and hell, Gospel norms, it seems you are saying its okay because he is a Bishop.
Something ain't right about the entire process because the lines are simply drawn too black and white, and abusive, let's say non-Christian behavior reigns in the middle.
Ain't fair, just, right, or reasonable for any of the parties.
While it may not be a strictly written canon that the Bishop take a leave of absence, there is certainly a prudent man standard that would suggest his reinstatement of the Chancellor and a court filing by a terminated employee, combined with other issues like tonsuring a convict as a reader are worthy of a higher review. Not to mention all those he has booted for various reasons, none too great....
The sadness for me isn't that he has wronged a good handful by his actions, but rather that the church takes no action when a Bishop behaves badly until the action is to depose him.
Bishop Tikhon, how is it right that a Bishop is only accountable to the entire Synod when he violates a Canon and then only to be deposed? If he kicks an old lady out of her home in no violation of a Canon, but a clear violation of ethical and societal and hell, Gospel norms, it seems you are saying its okay because he is a Bishop.
Something ain't right about the entire process because the lines are simply drawn too black and white, and abusive, let's say non-Christian behavior reigns in the middle.
Ain't fair, just, right, or reasonable for any of the parties.
#18
Daniel E. Fall
on
2008-03-19 10:56
I would have to say that the same could be said of Fr. Nicholas Harris' letter, it appeared in many venues and is accessible to people, but you put that on the front page. By making things accessible here, more people can view it - so it seems a little one sided not to post both sides of a story.
Marie
(Editor's note: The question is moot. A reader has beaten me to it. The letter is posted earlier in this comments section. As for being one-sided, I will repeat: the letter contributes nothing to understanding the events in this crisis, beyond Fr. Innocent's own actions, which are of parish significance, little more. )
Marie
(Editor's note: The question is moot. A reader has beaten me to it. The letter is posted earlier in this comments section. As for being one-sided, I will repeat: the letter contributes nothing to understanding the events in this crisis, beyond Fr. Innocent's own actions, which are of parish significance, little more. )
#19
Marie
on
2008-03-19 11:50
I have to completely disagree with your comment Mark. "the letter contributes nothing to understanding the events in this crisis, beyond Fr. Innocent's own actions, which are of parish significance, little more." First let me ask you this, how does Fr. Harris's letter contribute to the whole situation here in Alaska? Why does he rate higher than Fr. Innocent who is in Alaska and whose decisions and stands impacts more than just this Parish. Did you know that many of his fellow clergy in this state and across America are calling him a liar because of the whole Paul Sidebottom scandle, or that many people across this state and country call him a "Nikolai Supporter". You have a double standard in your reporting of events or maybe what Father Innocent has said isnt scandelous enough for you or isnt.... anyways I had better not keep going. I think you should write a retraction for your comments and appologize to your readers for belittleing their inteligence and not leting them decide what is important.
As you can tell I am a little bit upset.
Ambrose Stapleton
(editor's note: I am sorry you are upset. That was not my goal with my comment. I have belittled no one's intelligence by stating my opinion regarding Fr. Innocent's letter, nor have I prevented anyone from reading it, nor have I dissuaded anyone from reading it. It does not, in my opinion, contribute anything beyond describing his parish situation and so I did not publish it. I still don't think it does.
Fr. Harris' letter, on the other hand, was directed to the whole diocese;not just one parish. Fr. Harris' letter offered several interesting new peices of information. (Let me cite a specific example: that Abp. Gregory no longer receives a stipend from the Diocese.) Fr. Innocent's offered nothing we have not heard before.
I realize you may not find any of the above persuasive, but it does explain the major factor I used to make decisions to publish a document or not. Feel free to disagree.)
As you can tell I am a little bit upset.
Ambrose Stapleton
(editor's note: I am sorry you are upset. That was not my goal with my comment. I have belittled no one's intelligence by stating my opinion regarding Fr. Innocent's letter, nor have I prevented anyone from reading it, nor have I dissuaded anyone from reading it. It does not, in my opinion, contribute anything beyond describing his parish situation and so I did not publish it. I still don't think it does.
Fr. Harris' letter, on the other hand, was directed to the whole diocese;not just one parish. Fr. Harris' letter offered several interesting new peices of information. (Let me cite a specific example: that Abp. Gregory no longer receives a stipend from the Diocese.) Fr. Innocent's offered nothing we have not heard before.
I realize you may not find any of the above persuasive, but it does explain the major factor I used to make decisions to publish a document or not. Feel free to disagree.)
#19.1
Ambrose Stapleton
on
2008-03-19 17:47
I would like to thank Fr. Nick for writing the beautiful and caring letter to the Alaska clergy and faithful to show his support of what we’re going through and also to let those outside Alaska know that things were not as dismal as +NIKOLAI has led everyone to believe.
Fr. Nick and Matushka Anatasia worked very hard to build St. Innocent’s Cathedral. They started from humble beginnings - a tiny mission that grew into a full-fledged parish where the Cathedral would overflow with not only parishioners but visiting guests on feast days – Sadly, those days are NO more. The faithful of St. Innocent’s were here from the very beginning putting all their resources and efforts into building up this parish. It was sad to see them being forced out and attend other churches. The Cathedral was built to be the gathering place for all the Alaska faithful who came into Anchorage and who would feel welcome when they attended services… Alas, that is NOT the case today.
In the rural areas, schools and organizations scheduled their business around the church holidays. In many places, the church is the center of the community. Hustle and bustle of the faithful for the arrival of +Archbishop GREGORY into their community was very festive and one that we all were excited about and waited patiently for – those days are NO more.
+Archbishop GREGORY was not a young man when he first came to Alaska and did NOT complain about the difficult conditions in which he had to travel to reach his flock. He traveled by himself to the rural areas and was welcomed with open arms into their community, homes and hearts. Now days, +NIKOLAI brings an entourage with him when he travels. Most of the rural areas he goes to are struggling as it is to help support their church and priest, let alone their families… but now, have the added burden of paying for a deacon(s), subdeacon(s), choir director, the Chancellor, and any others the Bishop brings with him.
Our beloved +Archbishop GREGORY embraced us when he came to Alaska and learned about the ways of the Alaska Natives. He would come into our homes grateful for having been invited, although it was us who were blessed to have him there, and he would partake of what was offered. In some instances, it was all that the people had because the costs were high in the rural areas and sometimes fishing/hunting weren’t good but they gave whatever they could.
When +NIKOLAI came to Alaska, he brought his own staff that included a choir director. When the new choir director took over St. Innocent’s, our Alaskan tones were forgotten and never sung again. By allowing this to happen, it showed a total disrespect of the Alaska Native culture and traditions that are the very being of who we are. Even our churches in the rural areas were not good enough – the new ones being built had to be done “his way.” At the Cathedral he expects fresh flowers in the church as well as on the head table downstairs. He insisted that he would only eat off of regular plates and use regular silverware - never from paper plates. It is also bothersome for the faithful at services to see the subdeacons continually adjusting his Omaphor so that it is not crooked, that his loop on the chain of his panagia (sp?) is hanging straight down his back, and that his mitre is on properly. As previously mentioned, new vestments were worn every other week as well as on feast days…
We, as Orthodox faithful, expect our bishop to be a father who we can go to and who is compassionate enough to give us spiritual guidance on whatever is happening in our lives. There was a specific instance where it became clear that +NIKOLAI does not possess what we expect from our bishop and it broke my heart when I heard about it. It was when one of our priests’ mother passed away and he was not allowed to accompany her home and lay her body to rest because it happened during Great Lent and he was needed at his parish for services. I know not one of his parishioners minded that he was going to miss a couple of services so that he could be with his mother, one last time. I always feel it is probably the most difficult for a priest to perform funeral services for his loved ones but also know that it provides great comfort for them to do so. There are other instances like this but this one opened my eyes to what kind of a man the Bishop really is. It also had me ask myself – how can one man be so cruel when it is that person who should have showed compassion and said – “Go, be with your family in their time of need and I will find someone else to perform the services while you are away. Is there anything I can do to help you or your family?”
I have first hand knowledge that information that should be kept confidential are being discussed in the open and by the Bishop himself. Priests, deacons, and subdeacons are ridiculed and belittled in front of others for their “mistakes”. He laughs afterwards thinking it’s funny – it is NOT. A Bishop should NOT be doing anything of that sort, at all. Belittling and ridiculing others just shows that it is all about “the power” so he can do and say whatever he wants knowing they will not react for fear of retribution or retaliation.
It takes courage for the Alaska priests and faithful to come forward. I have known Fr. Phillip Alexie for a long time and know what a kind-heartened and soft-spoken man he is. It has to take something very troubling and upsetting for him to speak out. The same can be said for the other priests who have come forward because it is not in their nature to be confrontational.
+NIKOLAI has lost the respect of the Alaska clergy and faithful. This has gone on for so long that it will take a miracle for anyone to trust what he has to say or do for now on. His action not to step aside so this can be taken care in a timely manner shows to those of us here in Alaska that he doesn’t believe that the Alaskan faithful are important enough to do just that. Doesn’t he realize that his actions have caused an irrevocable rift among the faithful and that he is the one person who should be the first to step up and be protective of those he was entrusted to care for? He is only worried about if this is handled in accordance with the canons or not. So sad…
Although Fr. Nick and Matushka Anatasia are no longer here in Alaska, they are forever in our prayers and hearts. We know they will never abandon us in our time of need and will always be there for support. That is what a spiritual father does for those he truly loves and cares about. Thank you again, Fr. Nick!
Fr. Nick and Matushka Anatasia worked very hard to build St. Innocent’s Cathedral. They started from humble beginnings - a tiny mission that grew into a full-fledged parish where the Cathedral would overflow with not only parishioners but visiting guests on feast days – Sadly, those days are NO more. The faithful of St. Innocent’s were here from the very beginning putting all their resources and efforts into building up this parish. It was sad to see them being forced out and attend other churches. The Cathedral was built to be the gathering place for all the Alaska faithful who came into Anchorage and who would feel welcome when they attended services… Alas, that is NOT the case today.
In the rural areas, schools and organizations scheduled their business around the church holidays. In many places, the church is the center of the community. Hustle and bustle of the faithful for the arrival of +Archbishop GREGORY into their community was very festive and one that we all were excited about and waited patiently for – those days are NO more.
+Archbishop GREGORY was not a young man when he first came to Alaska and did NOT complain about the difficult conditions in which he had to travel to reach his flock. He traveled by himself to the rural areas and was welcomed with open arms into their community, homes and hearts. Now days, +NIKOLAI brings an entourage with him when he travels. Most of the rural areas he goes to are struggling as it is to help support their church and priest, let alone their families… but now, have the added burden of paying for a deacon(s), subdeacon(s), choir director, the Chancellor, and any others the Bishop brings with him.
Our beloved +Archbishop GREGORY embraced us when he came to Alaska and learned about the ways of the Alaska Natives. He would come into our homes grateful for having been invited, although it was us who were blessed to have him there, and he would partake of what was offered. In some instances, it was all that the people had because the costs were high in the rural areas and sometimes fishing/hunting weren’t good but they gave whatever they could.
When +NIKOLAI came to Alaska, he brought his own staff that included a choir director. When the new choir director took over St. Innocent’s, our Alaskan tones were forgotten and never sung again. By allowing this to happen, it showed a total disrespect of the Alaska Native culture and traditions that are the very being of who we are. Even our churches in the rural areas were not good enough – the new ones being built had to be done “his way.” At the Cathedral he expects fresh flowers in the church as well as on the head table downstairs. He insisted that he would only eat off of regular plates and use regular silverware - never from paper plates. It is also bothersome for the faithful at services to see the subdeacons continually adjusting his Omaphor so that it is not crooked, that his loop on the chain of his panagia (sp?) is hanging straight down his back, and that his mitre is on properly. As previously mentioned, new vestments were worn every other week as well as on feast days…
We, as Orthodox faithful, expect our bishop to be a father who we can go to and who is compassionate enough to give us spiritual guidance on whatever is happening in our lives. There was a specific instance where it became clear that +NIKOLAI does not possess what we expect from our bishop and it broke my heart when I heard about it. It was when one of our priests’ mother passed away and he was not allowed to accompany her home and lay her body to rest because it happened during Great Lent and he was needed at his parish for services. I know not one of his parishioners minded that he was going to miss a couple of services so that he could be with his mother, one last time. I always feel it is probably the most difficult for a priest to perform funeral services for his loved ones but also know that it provides great comfort for them to do so. There are other instances like this but this one opened my eyes to what kind of a man the Bishop really is. It also had me ask myself – how can one man be so cruel when it is that person who should have showed compassion and said – “Go, be with your family in their time of need and I will find someone else to perform the services while you are away. Is there anything I can do to help you or your family?”
I have first hand knowledge that information that should be kept confidential are being discussed in the open and by the Bishop himself. Priests, deacons, and subdeacons are ridiculed and belittled in front of others for their “mistakes”. He laughs afterwards thinking it’s funny – it is NOT. A Bishop should NOT be doing anything of that sort, at all. Belittling and ridiculing others just shows that it is all about “the power” so he can do and say whatever he wants knowing they will not react for fear of retribution or retaliation.
It takes courage for the Alaska priests and faithful to come forward. I have known Fr. Phillip Alexie for a long time and know what a kind-heartened and soft-spoken man he is. It has to take something very troubling and upsetting for him to speak out. The same can be said for the other priests who have come forward because it is not in their nature to be confrontational.
+NIKOLAI has lost the respect of the Alaska clergy and faithful. This has gone on for so long that it will take a miracle for anyone to trust what he has to say or do for now on. His action not to step aside so this can be taken care in a timely manner shows to those of us here in Alaska that he doesn’t believe that the Alaskan faithful are important enough to do just that. Doesn’t he realize that his actions have caused an irrevocable rift among the faithful and that he is the one person who should be the first to step up and be protective of those he was entrusted to care for? He is only worried about if this is handled in accordance with the canons or not. So sad…
Although Fr. Nick and Matushka Anatasia are no longer here in Alaska, they are forever in our prayers and hearts. We know they will never abandon us in our time of need and will always be there for support. That is what a spiritual father does for those he truly loves and cares about. Thank you again, Fr. Nick!
#20
Anonymous
on
2008-03-19 13:22
True, James. There is a lot of triumphalism and "religious" pride among some Orthodox (especially those who have not been in the Church very long). I am deeply sorry if you were brought into the Church under the false pretense that Orthodox are morally superior than other people or that our earthly institutions are in better repair than others.
Please know that none of the saints, including modern Orthodox holy men and women, have said that sort of thing. It's hard to see how they could, since many of them suffered at the hands of false shepherds of the same kind that the Church has been afflicted with since the beginning.
If you want to get an honest portrait of the faith and of why one might wish to live Orthodox life -- I say this because your comments suggest that you weren't given one -- let me recommend that you turn to people like them. Books by and about a number of Greek elders are now in English (it's these with which I'm most familiar). Some of them are mainly of interest to monastics, but others, like Wounded by Love (about Elder Porphyrios) and Precious Vessels of the Holy Sprit (which is about a lot of elders) are of just as much interest to everyone. Mountain of Silence is another good book about Orthodoxy that is free of vain cheerleading.
Please know that none of the saints, including modern Orthodox holy men and women, have said that sort of thing. It's hard to see how they could, since many of them suffered at the hands of false shepherds of the same kind that the Church has been afflicted with since the beginning.
If you want to get an honest portrait of the faith and of why one might wish to live Orthodox life -- I say this because your comments suggest that you weren't given one -- let me recommend that you turn to people like them. Books by and about a number of Greek elders are now in English (it's these with which I'm most familiar). Some of them are mainly of interest to monastics, but others, like Wounded by Love (about Elder Porphyrios) and Precious Vessels of the Holy Sprit (which is about a lot of elders) are of just as much interest to everyone. Mountain of Silence is another good book about Orthodoxy that is free of vain cheerleading.
#21
A Fellow Orthodox Christian (or, in this case, one who hopes for your fellowship
on
2008-03-19 15:05
(My apologies to all: this belonged under #15. It should be there now. Mark, please feel free to delete #21.)
#22
A Fellow Orthodox Christian
on
2008-03-20 01:23
The author does not allow comments to this entry
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