Friday, January 16. 2009
+ Nikolai Sues OCA for $11 Million
Exile? Scapegoat? Without Cause? Last for Life? Where does one start? But try, people, try, and share your thoughts and comments here.
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I’m no lawyer, but I cannot imagine a court in the land that would touch that suit, other than to dismiss it. I suspect Nikolai knows this and his intention is to force the OCA to spend vast sums to protects its position.
And while we’re on the subject, why did Metropolitan Jonah and Fr. Garklavs visit Robert Kondratick in Venice, FL right after +Jonah’s enthronement? To dissuade Kondratick from continuing his lawsuit? Think again – Kondratick is not rationale nor is he the gracious sort. Kondratick, too, wants to burden the OCA with enormous legal costs as the case makes its glacial pace through the courts.
And while we’re on the subject, why did Metropolitan Jonah and Fr. Garklavs visit Robert Kondratick in Venice, FL right after +Jonah’s enthronement? To dissuade Kondratick from continuing his lawsuit? Think again – Kondratick is not rationale nor is he the gracious sort. Kondratick, too, wants to burden the OCA with enormous legal costs as the case makes its glacial pace through the courts.
#1
Terry C. Peet
on
2009-01-16 17:54
We shouldn't delude ourselves into thinking that evil somehow goes away. As in the case of Nikolai, it just shrinks away and hides for awhile. Saddam Hussein, Adolf Hitler, and Josef Stalin all eventually met their just rewards. It is just a matter of time before the cancer and stench of Nikolai leaves this planet.
In the mean time, we are called to be patient and fight the good fight.
Glory to God!
In the mean time, we are called to be patient and fight the good fight.
Glory to God!
#2
Anon
on
2009-01-16 18:07
So much for bearing wrongs patiently, one of the seven spiritual works of mercy printed in the old prayer books, or not resorting to lawsuits in the secular courts of non-believers, as laid out in 1 Corinthians 6:1-8. It's bad enough when laypeople engage in such behavior -- but what is one to think when a bishop, who is supposed to be "not greedy for money" (Titus 1:7), takes that tack? What kind of example does that set for the world? Such news makes one weep; it discredits Christianity and gives atheists reason to gloat.
"The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?" (1 Corinthians 6:7). Why not indeed? It's the path so many of the saints followed: Saint John Chrysostom, a bishop, never sued for wrongful termination when deposed and exiled from his see uncanonically. One hopes and prays Bishop Nikolai will reconsider his course of action, to spare his soul, the Church, the integrity of the bishopric and the credibility of Christianity any further damage and disrepute.
Lord, have mercy on him and us all: help us to put your Gospel into practice, especially when it is difficult and not to our advantage or self-esteem.
"The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?" (1 Corinthians 6:7). Why not indeed? It's the path so many of the saints followed: Saint John Chrysostom, a bishop, never sued for wrongful termination when deposed and exiled from his see uncanonically. One hopes and prays Bishop Nikolai will reconsider his course of action, to spare his soul, the Church, the integrity of the bishopric and the credibility of Christianity any further damage and disrepute.
Lord, have mercy on him and us all: help us to put your Gospel into practice, especially when it is difficult and not to our advantage or self-esteem.
#3
Gregory Orloff
on
2009-01-16 18:23
Lawsuits on top of lawsuits, now THAT'S a truly American Expression of Orthodoxy - OCA style!
#4
Anonymous
on
2009-01-16 18:31
This is what happens when the OCA Synod refuses to hold these bishops and priests fully accountable for their misdeeds, abuses, and dereliction of sacramental duties. Just "retiring" Nikolai was a weak and ineffective approach to follow given his behavior and un-Christian conduct. The same goes for "retiring" +Herman. No surprises here! Until the OCA leadership finally understands that confronting evil and demanding accountability for squandering God's talents is indeed Orthodox, this kind of stuff will continue unabated.
No news in any of this, seems like a last stand as his efforts in Australia are meeting fierce and growing resistance. he is cornered and is keen to get any scraps he can before the axe falls on this sorry episode. truth is he should have been deposed before he was forced out of Alaska. Now we have the spectacle of a bishop suing the church!!!!!!!!!! O Lord what have we come to???? I feelsorry for the poor Australians who have had to put up with this man who has by many repoorts tried to build a little empire there.......I wonder how long it will take the Serbian Church to oust this fellow, hopefully his deposition is just around the corner, maybe then, just maybe he will start to concentrate on his soul rather than his ego.......poor poor Isadore and Panteleimon following this blind guide.....Lord have mercy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#6
Steve
on
2009-01-16 19:18
It is so sad when a disgraced Bishop like Nikolai dances with the devil in filing a suit against OCA. The poor soul has had a real hurt lodged in his heart long before he entered the priestly orders. His behavior reeks of intrinsic disorder.
I surmise that Bishop Irinej in Australia has no jurisdiction to officially reduce Nikolai to the rank of simple monk so that Nikolai can then, without the distraction of office title, work out his hurt, name and confess and repent of his transgressions and receive forgiveness and then take Holy Communion so that one day he may repose with peace in his heart.
I surmise that Bishop Irinej in Australia has no jurisdiction to officially reduce Nikolai to the rank of simple monk so that Nikolai can then, without the distraction of office title, work out his hurt, name and confess and repent of his transgressions and receive forgiveness and then take Holy Communion so that one day he may repose with peace in his heart.
#7
Vladimir Bogolyubov
on
2009-01-16 20:55
He gave a canonical reason to be deposed, even without going into detalies of Alaskan misdeads.
#8
anonymous
on
2009-01-17 05:03
If the Synod is going to act like a bunch of politicians or lawyers, the least it could have done was to have forced Nikolai to sign a no law suit release before letting him quietly leave the country with his office and pension intact. Of course, he should have been deposed for cause and movie rights secured by the OCA, so it could have recouped some of the financial expense of this fiasco.
This whole episode has revealed, to a shocking degree, the lengths to which the Episcopate will go to protect its self-defined prerogatives and privileges. Holding Nikolai accountable for his demonic behavior, yes DEMONIC behavior, never seems to have occurred to the Synod, probably because they themselves wish to be exempt from such accountability. We do well to remember that it was only an uprising in the OCA that brought about his departure. Left to its own devices, the Synod would still be allowing Nikolai to ravage the Diocese of Alaska (Oh, sorry, I forgot, The God Blessed Russian Orthodox Diocese).
Nikolai will not win any law suit. Of course, the OCA might be stupid enough to settle so that all this will quickly go away. That would be consistent with its past track record of treating this whole matter as something to be hushed-up and wished away, to preserve us all from scandal. Right!
KRT
This whole episode has revealed, to a shocking degree, the lengths to which the Episcopate will go to protect its self-defined prerogatives and privileges. Holding Nikolai accountable for his demonic behavior, yes DEMONIC behavior, never seems to have occurred to the Synod, probably because they themselves wish to be exempt from such accountability. We do well to remember that it was only an uprising in the OCA that brought about his departure. Left to its own devices, the Synod would still be allowing Nikolai to ravage the Diocese of Alaska (Oh, sorry, I forgot, The God Blessed Russian Orthodox Diocese).
Nikolai will not win any law suit. Of course, the OCA might be stupid enough to settle so that all this will quickly go away. That would be consistent with its past track record of treating this whole matter as something to be hushed-up and wished away, to preserve us all from scandal. Right!
KRT
#9
Kenneth R. Tobin
on
2009-01-17 07:19
Dear Anon: While it would seem evident that Bp Nikolai isn't the nicest of persons, he hasn't committed mass genocide. I think your comment is way out of bounds.
#10
Michael Strelka
on
2009-01-17 08:22
It may well have been to dissuade RK from his lawsuit--and would, I think, be in character for +MJ--but that doesn't necessarily mean they were successful.
#11
Fr. Dennis Buck
on
2009-01-17 08:43
Why,O Why,did MJ honor RK with a visit? No reason in the world is logical! I thought all Bishops knew Canon Law? If they do,why didnt they,and dont they do things in their proper order? Has RK,MH and MT ever repented for twhat they have done. Have they fulfilled any penance? It seems nothing has changed.....
#12
Anon
on
2009-01-17 09:11
SHAME ON HIS GRACE, BISHOP NIKOLAI!
Has he not read the Scripture, "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to the law, that is the unrighteous, and not before the saints?...If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goes to the law against brother, and before unbelievers! Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go the law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?"
Saint Paul's words (1st Corinthians 6:1-11) could not be any more clear. The Holy Apostle states that we are to deal with matters with in the Church, and then accept those decisions even if we feel that we have been wronged and cheated.
Has His Grace, Bishop Nikolai, never hear of the examples of the saintly hierarchs like Nectarius of Pentapolis, of Saint John Chrysostom, and of countless other bishops whom the Church has glorified as saints, who were in actual fact (not in subjective personal perception) treated unjustly and still accepted that cross in humility as God's will for them at that particular time?
It is truly a disgraceful embarrassment when Orthodox bishops behave like this. If the bishop is to function as the living icon of Christ among the people of God, then we must ask the question, Did we see Christ engaging in litigation when He was wrongfully accused and executed?
I shake my head in complete amazement, and then hang it in shame because these type of arrogant, hypocritical actions heap disgrace upon our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith.
May God have mercy upon His Grace, Bishop Nikolai, and upon all Orthodox Christians!
Has he not read the Scripture, "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to the law, that is the unrighteous, and not before the saints?...If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goes to the law against brother, and before unbelievers! Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go the law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?"
Saint Paul's words (1st Corinthians 6:1-11) could not be any more clear. The Holy Apostle states that we are to deal with matters with in the Church, and then accept those decisions even if we feel that we have been wronged and cheated.
Has His Grace, Bishop Nikolai, never hear of the examples of the saintly hierarchs like Nectarius of Pentapolis, of Saint John Chrysostom, and of countless other bishops whom the Church has glorified as saints, who were in actual fact (not in subjective personal perception) treated unjustly and still accepted that cross in humility as God's will for them at that particular time?
It is truly a disgraceful embarrassment when Orthodox bishops behave like this. If the bishop is to function as the living icon of Christ among the people of God, then we must ask the question, Did we see Christ engaging in litigation when He was wrongfully accused and executed?
I shake my head in complete amazement, and then hang it in shame because these type of arrogant, hypocritical actions heap disgrace upon our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith.
May God have mercy upon His Grace, Bishop Nikolai, and upon all Orthodox Christians!
#13
Christ's unprofitable servant, Seraphim
on
2009-01-17 09:45
Bishop Irinej actually likes Nikolai. They are two peas in a pod. It is a sad state of affairs for the Serbs in Australia.
#14
Annonymous
on
2009-01-17 09:49
Hello Anon.
I don't think you should jump so quickly to (and then share) the conclusion that the visit to Mr. Kondratick was either an honor or an example of dark machinations. I believe we waste a lot of time and energy here when people try to read tea leaves they can't even really see. In the end one usually tends to read into the rumors and fragmented (and possibly distorted) version of "facts" that gets circulated that which is already in the individual's own heart. An anonymous pessimist, then, sees his own reflection - as does the nameless optimist who views matters from a sunnier spot. In the end I think we probably sin against our own selves, not to say God, the Church and our fellow man, when we get in the habit of lighting ourselves and others up by sticking our noses into business that we are not even remotely well-situated to understand, let alone mind. No, I am not denying or devaluing the stubborn determination here and elsewhere to work for change in the OCA over the last few years. In fact I think and say "bravo," but as individuals who really have a fundamental need to focus our hearts and minds elsewhere, let's not get carried away by the new-found vigilance.
love,
Fr. George
I don't think you should jump so quickly to (and then share) the conclusion that the visit to Mr. Kondratick was either an honor or an example of dark machinations. I believe we waste a lot of time and energy here when people try to read tea leaves they can't even really see. In the end one usually tends to read into the rumors and fragmented (and possibly distorted) version of "facts" that gets circulated that which is already in the individual's own heart. An anonymous pessimist, then, sees his own reflection - as does the nameless optimist who views matters from a sunnier spot. In the end I think we probably sin against our own selves, not to say God, the Church and our fellow man, when we get in the habit of lighting ourselves and others up by sticking our noses into business that we are not even remotely well-situated to understand, let alone mind. No, I am not denying or devaluing the stubborn determination here and elsewhere to work for change in the OCA over the last few years. In fact I think and say "bravo," but as individuals who really have a fundamental need to focus our hearts and minds elsewhere, let's not get carried away by the new-found vigilance.
love,
Fr. George
#15
Fr. George Washburn
on
2009-01-17 10:27
The underlying problem is the chief priests and hierarchs of the OCA don't believe they are accountable to anyone. The only way the thing will change is if the existing band of brothers ultimately hold themselves accountable to misdeeds through some correction of the statute.
In some ways, the Nikolai thing might have some teeth. The problem is his damages are preposterous. His damages cannot be greater than what he lost unless he has been damaged in some further degree, which he isn't by all accounts.
my thoughts..
In some ways, the Nikolai thing might have some teeth. The problem is his damages are preposterous. His damages cannot be greater than what he lost unless he has been damaged in some further degree, which he isn't by all accounts.
my thoughts..
#16
Daniel E. Fall
on
2009-01-17 11:33
Nikolai has no case. And in fact, by suing, he now opens himself for deposition. He was not deposed before because there were no depositional actions done by him.
As for the Bette Kondratick lawsuit, well that is another matter. When the OCA deposed Kondratick they opened themselves to a lawsuit. When those charged with protecting the church, the former primate, treasurer and the current chancellorwho all lied in depositions regarding her leaving the pension board and said that Kondratick's had manufactured documents, they lied again.
Don't blame Jonah for trying to tie off the misdeeds of Herman and Kucynda and Garklavs when they lied. This lawsuit will cost the OCA money and prestige. How much is the only question.
As for the Bette Kondratick lawsuit, well that is another matter. When the OCA deposed Kondratick they opened themselves to a lawsuit. When those charged with protecting the church, the former primate, treasurer and the current chancellorwho all lied in depositions regarding her leaving the pension board and said that Kondratick's had manufactured documents, they lied again.
Don't blame Jonah for trying to tie off the misdeeds of Herman and Kucynda and Garklavs when they lied. This lawsuit will cost the OCA money and prestige. How much is the only question.
#17
Anonymous
on
2009-01-17 13:16
It is time the people of the Church rose up and demanded that their voice be heard. Nikolai MUST be defrocked and thrown out. If the hierarchs only do this beacuse of a lawsuit and NOT because of his bad record in Alaska then they too are false shepherds and are not worthy to lead the Church. Enough is enough! Stop thinking of reputation and money and start thinking of souls. This goes to show that these matters should not be handled only by bishops the priests, deacons and people MUST also be involved in the decision making about bad clergy. And while they're at it the bishops might like to defrock the two who ran away with Nikolai, but then again maybe they won't, they don't have a lawsuit....(yet....) is our Church doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past?
#18
Anon2
on
2009-01-17 14:40
DOOMED! DOOMED! WE ARE DOOMED! Really?
Met. Jonah is not the savior, Jesus Christ is. +Nikolai and the others are not the devil although +Nikolai is obviously deeply troubled and not of the spirit of the Church.
What is of God will stand, what is not will fall. God will provide, but He is not a magician, but neither is He absent, far away in His Heaven. God is with us! Hard to remember I know, but true nonetheless.
So the instant parousia that some expected with the election of +Jonah has not come? Is that really surprising? We are directed by Holy Scripture to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. No matter who the leaders are, we have the same responsibilities. Good, pious leaders make it easier but that is all.
Obviously, we have a lot of work to do. Prayer, especially for +Jonah and the Holy Synod is an absolute necessity. Guarding our own hearts against both unwarranted enthusiasm (putting our hope in men and the world) or despair is the next step.
Lord have mercy.
Met. Jonah is not the savior, Jesus Christ is. +Nikolai and the others are not the devil although +Nikolai is obviously deeply troubled and not of the spirit of the Church.
What is of God will stand, what is not will fall. God will provide, but He is not a magician, but neither is He absent, far away in His Heaven. God is with us! Hard to remember I know, but true nonetheless.
So the instant parousia that some expected with the election of +Jonah has not come? Is that really surprising? We are directed by Holy Scripture to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. No matter who the leaders are, we have the same responsibilities. Good, pious leaders make it easier but that is all.
Obviously, we have a lot of work to do. Prayer, especially for +Jonah and the Holy Synod is an absolute necessity. Guarding our own hearts against both unwarranted enthusiasm (putting our hope in men and the world) or despair is the next step.
Lord have mercy.
#19
Michael Bauman
on
2009-01-17 15:03
According to Canon Law, the OCA had due cause to relieve + Nikolai of his duties. Case closed.
Lawyers taking such suits should really think about what they are doing. I'm sure their law firm will have a great reputation.
Lawyers taking such suits should really think about what they are doing. I'm sure their law firm will have a great reputation.
#20
Anonymous
on
2009-01-17 15:18
To me, the lawsuit from +Nikolai is not surprising. It just seems to be part of the fall-out of the OCA having taken its time about getting its house in order. I surmise that even if he thinks he won't get a penny, he is doing it to aggravate the OCA who left him so high and dry in his "forced" retirement. I was in agreement that he needed to go, but to me, his leaving was also because the OCA just had not been able to deal effectively with management issues.
A big issue continues to be how money is managed in each diocese. The Diocese of Alaska has many land properties and just remains a potential for someone to take advantage of it. I am far from ever believing a treasurer of any diocese should be a volunteer position or not be a certified CPA. I am far from ever believing any bishop should be running the finances all by himself, or have that type of power to do so. I know we have diocesan councils and so forth, but what happened in Alaska to so called budgets, mortgages, and missing funds?
The OCA has had to learn so many lessons of good management and continues to learn lessons of good management. The painful growth to maturity in the OCA is not taking over night. However, I guess it is a bit painful to watch.
I think the most important thing now is to see how the "new administration" handles these challenges that are before them.
Patty Schellbach
A big issue continues to be how money is managed in each diocese. The Diocese of Alaska has many land properties and just remains a potential for someone to take advantage of it. I am far from ever believing a treasurer of any diocese should be a volunteer position or not be a certified CPA. I am far from ever believing any bishop should be running the finances all by himself, or have that type of power to do so. I know we have diocesan councils and so forth, but what happened in Alaska to so called budgets, mortgages, and missing funds?
The OCA has had to learn so many lessons of good management and continues to learn lessons of good management. The painful growth to maturity in the OCA is not taking over night. However, I guess it is a bit painful to watch.
I think the most important thing now is to see how the "new administration" handles these challenges that are before them.
Patty Schellbach
#21
Patty Schellbach
on
2009-01-17 17:45
I would like to know more about this. Is there any more info on this meeting?
#22
Anon.
on
2009-01-17 19:36
It is obvious from the lawsuits filed by the Kondraticks that, whether rightly or wrongly, they have "something against" the OCA. Consequently, I wonder if it has occurred to you and others that perhaps the visit by the Metropolitan and OCA Chancellor to RSK was an attempt by His Beatitude to
a. personally and humbly ask the Kondraticks to drop their suits, instead of staying ensconced on our Long Island Olympus and going through lawyers;
b. fulfill the Lord's mandate in Matthew 5:23-24 to at least try to effect reconciliation;
c. be obedient to the apostolic injunction in Romans 12:18, "if it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (NKJV).
None of that concedes anything; none of that violates a single one of the Sacred Canons; and all of it is godly and right.
Many were yowling about the purported pride and lack of spirituality in in the last Metropolitan; but when the new Metropolitan actually lives out humility and obedience to the Scriptures, there's still caterwauling....by those who apparently have not yet grasped the meaning of I Corinthians 13:7, wherein the Apostle teaches that love "believes all things," not in the sense that love is stupidly gullible, but that love always chooses to believe the best about others and their intentions.
Such pride, vainglory. self-righteousness and lack of spirituality on the part of the critics has a name: blatant hypocrisy.
Fr. Philip
a. personally and humbly ask the Kondraticks to drop their suits, instead of staying ensconced on our Long Island Olympus and going through lawyers;
b. fulfill the Lord's mandate in Matthew 5:23-24 to at least try to effect reconciliation;
c. be obedient to the apostolic injunction in Romans 12:18, "if it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (NKJV).
None of that concedes anything; none of that violates a single one of the Sacred Canons; and all of it is godly and right.
Many were yowling about the purported pride and lack of spirituality in in the last Metropolitan; but when the new Metropolitan actually lives out humility and obedience to the Scriptures, there's still caterwauling....by those who apparently have not yet grasped the meaning of I Corinthians 13:7, wherein the Apostle teaches that love "believes all things," not in the sense that love is stupidly gullible, but that love always chooses to believe the best about others and their intentions.
Such pride, vainglory. self-righteousness and lack of spirituality on the part of the critics has a name: blatant hypocrisy.
Fr. Philip
#23
Igumen Philip (Speranza)
on
2009-01-18 04:44
Proof the man was never a monk. $11 million will not save him from hell.
Alex
Alex
#24
Alex
on
2009-01-18 06:29
re: "This goes to show that these matters should not be handled only by bishops the priests, deacons and people MUST also be involved in the decision making about bad clergy."
Come now, are our memories so bad that "we the people" of the OCA have so soon forgotten that many of the participants here on OCANEWS tried to sic the State Attorney Generals on the former Metropolitan and the hieararchs in the name of saving and reforming the OCA?!
This is all just business as usual for the OCA. Why the sudden outrage?
Come now, are our memories so bad that "we the people" of the OCA have so soon forgotten that many of the participants here on OCANEWS tried to sic the State Attorney Generals on the former Metropolitan and the hieararchs in the name of saving and reforming the OCA?!
This is all just business as usual for the OCA. Why the sudden outrage?
#25
Anonymous
on
2009-01-18 13:17
None of us can be sure even we ourselves would not commit the most extravagant of violent sins were history so to have put us in a time and place where we had such power and opportunity.
Its not that +N or you or I or the baba in the pew have or have not committed genocide; its that from time to time we, each of us, do in fact act to the extent of the limited capacity actually given to us to lash out. The lashing out of someone so placed in the world that he cannot but act other than through the courts (or by gossip, or by mockery, or by indifference, or by a cuff on the cheek, or by even the most feckless and pragmatically meaningless, even comical, action) rather than by ordering genocide, is a separate issue.
The comparison, thus, is not all that inapt; though we, none of us, can neither judge the heart nor envision a soul's final choice. Here, the comparison seems apt inasmuch as the bad actor has, like the more infamous characters sited, shrunken away to lash out from a safe, dim place.
Calling the nature of the act by its name is important, so that we can both defend and pray (for us and for the attacker).
Its not that +N or you or I or the baba in the pew have or have not committed genocide; its that from time to time we, each of us, do in fact act to the extent of the limited capacity actually given to us to lash out. The lashing out of someone so placed in the world that he cannot but act other than through the courts (or by gossip, or by mockery, or by indifference, or by a cuff on the cheek, or by even the most feckless and pragmatically meaningless, even comical, action) rather than by ordering genocide, is a separate issue.
The comparison, thus, is not all that inapt; though we, none of us, can neither judge the heart nor envision a soul's final choice. Here, the comparison seems apt inasmuch as the bad actor has, like the more infamous characters sited, shrunken away to lash out from a safe, dim place.
Calling the nature of the act by its name is important, so that we can both defend and pray (for us and for the attacker).
#26
Anonymous
on
2009-01-18 16:04
Yes, Nikolai needs to have his rank removed post-haste. But he also needs to be under the direct supervision of an Abbot, living out the rest of his days as a newly tonsured monk in total submission to the Abbot. Throwing him out onto the street does not solve the internal troubles that obviously plague him and does not reflect well on the OCA as a Church.
In no way do I excuse the crimes Nikolai has committed, NO!!! The man needs to be in the Intensive Care Unit, for his heart, soul, spirit, and mind are shipwrecked and need spiritual and pedagogical guidance.
In no way do I excuse the crimes Nikolai has committed, NO!!! The man needs to be in the Intensive Care Unit, for his heart, soul, spirit, and mind are shipwrecked and need spiritual and pedagogical guidance.
#27
Vladimir Bogolyubov
on
2009-01-19 10:16
Regardless of the reason I feel that MJ should not have "honored" RK with his presence. Obviously it was not a visit for "honors" sake.I would not have wasted my time....Hopefully,it was not a waste of MJs time....
#28
Anon
on
2009-01-19 13:34
Nikolai sure has a short memory:
Tonsuring convicted sex offenders,
Firing staff as retaliation,
Allowing clergy to continue to serve who are clearly out of control alcoholics,
Mortgaging the life out of the diocese,
Practically destroying a seminary,
Shame on him and shame on the pathetic synod that didn't have the guts to complete the task of deposing him months ago.
Tonsuring convicted sex offenders,
Firing staff as retaliation,
Allowing clergy to continue to serve who are clearly out of control alcoholics,
Mortgaging the life out of the diocese,
Practically destroying a seminary,
Shame on him and shame on the pathetic synod that didn't have the guts to complete the task of deposing him months ago.
#29
Anon.
on
2009-01-20 04:36
Is it any wonder at all why Constantinople does not accept the autocephaly of the OCA?
If this is Orthodox behavior I'm an astronaut.
I converted because I thought this was the Real Church.....
All I can say is, the mercy of God will amaze you. Does anybody in the OCA believe the Bible?
-The bible says don't sue your brother and Nicoli sues
-The bible says don't defraud your brother and Herman is a thief
-The bible says not to raise up a novice and the OCA elects a guy to be primate with 3 months experience as a bishop, just because he gives a nice speech
Where will this end?
(Editor's note: As a point of fact, the Metropolitan had 11 days of experience as a Bishop, not three months. One should point out that Ambrose of Milan had even less when he was elected, and that did not turn out so badly, so one can always have hope. No one in the OCA will defend Bishop Nikolai's lawsuit, so join the crowd: and you are wrong to call the former Metropolitan a thief before he has even been accused of anything. All we can say is that he mortgaged a great deal, and are still investigating whether he had the authority to do so. While it in nor way justifies misdeeds, the OCA is in better shape knowing misdeeds may have occurred and trying to fix them, rather than just ignoring them, right? Isn't that the whole nature of repentence, which is, after all, what we preach? As for where this ends, it ends in the Kingdom of God. Otherwise, we are wasting your, and our, time.)
If this is Orthodox behavior I'm an astronaut.
I converted because I thought this was the Real Church.....
All I can say is, the mercy of God will amaze you. Does anybody in the OCA believe the Bible?
-The bible says don't sue your brother and Nicoli sues
-The bible says don't defraud your brother and Herman is a thief
-The bible says not to raise up a novice and the OCA elects a guy to be primate with 3 months experience as a bishop, just because he gives a nice speech
Where will this end?
(Editor's note: As a point of fact, the Metropolitan had 11 days of experience as a Bishop, not three months. One should point out that Ambrose of Milan had even less when he was elected, and that did not turn out so badly, so one can always have hope. No one in the OCA will defend Bishop Nikolai's lawsuit, so join the crowd: and you are wrong to call the former Metropolitan a thief before he has even been accused of anything. All we can say is that he mortgaged a great deal, and are still investigating whether he had the authority to do so. While it in nor way justifies misdeeds, the OCA is in better shape knowing misdeeds may have occurred and trying to fix them, rather than just ignoring them, right? Isn't that the whole nature of repentence, which is, after all, what we preach? As for where this ends, it ends in the Kingdom of God. Otherwise, we are wasting your, and our, time.)
#30
Anonymous
on
2009-01-20 06:14
-Nikolai suing? That's rich...maybe the small handful of his supporters still here in Alaska (you know who you are) can help with his legal fees? I can't imagine this is going to go anywhere, although it is indicative of the mess that is the OCA. A truckload of Febreze can't cover that stench...
Moses the Tlingit
Moses the Tlingit
#31
Moses
on
2009-01-20 11:45
Can there be a shred of doubt left in any reasonable mind that the horribly painful things we went through in Alaska to rid ourselved of this blight on the Hierarchy and the Priesthood of Jesus Christ was the right course? I once made the statement to a Priest that I thought the man was evil. The retired Bishop is proving me right. This is not Christianity, this is not monastacism, this is of the evil one and I pray that +Nikolai and his two companions repent in time to save their souls.
#32
annon
on
2009-01-21 15:24
Part of the serious problem with our legal system is the number of shady attorneys who push these kinds of cases. An ethics complaint should be launched by a citizen or citizen's group with the Supreme Court that overseas the Nassau County court for filing a frivolous lawsuit. Frivolous lawsuits are contrary to the rules of legal professional ethics. We legal laypeople need to start shouting to our legal authorities to put a stop to these kinds of frivolous cases that subvert justice. These unscrupulous attorneys file these cases because nobody polices them. Other attorneys don't police them because the bad attorneys just make more work for the better ones. The judges don't police them because their dockets are too full and policing takes a lot of time. The Supreme Court Disciplinary systems are peopled with attorneys who turn a blind eye at a lot of this misbehavior for fear they will be attacked once they leave the employ of the Disciplinary Counsel they work for.
If we are to have a better legal system, then non-lawyers are going to need to start speaking up and speaking out. Soraich's lawyer just sees an opportunity to push the OCA into a settlement (and likely a piece of the action for himself). We must fight back against this kind of abuse of our legal system. Otherwise, the rule of law will be rendered meaningless. It is becoming a playground for unscrupulous attorneys who live on the ethical edge all the time. We must move our legal system back to the middle.
With regard to this lawsuit, the zebra is simply displaying his stripes. Too bad he was allowed to dupe so many people for so long.
If we are to have a better legal system, then non-lawyers are going to need to start speaking up and speaking out. Soraich's lawyer just sees an opportunity to push the OCA into a settlement (and likely a piece of the action for himself). We must fight back against this kind of abuse of our legal system. Otherwise, the rule of law will be rendered meaningless. It is becoming a playground for unscrupulous attorneys who live on the ethical edge all the time. We must move our legal system back to the middle.
With regard to this lawsuit, the zebra is simply displaying his stripes. Too bad he was allowed to dupe so many people for so long.
#33
Anon
on
2009-01-21 19:19
DEAR JERK! MAYBE THEY ALL TOLD THE TRUTH! GET OVER IT! THE NEW MT STATED CLEARLY " ITS OVER" DID YOU KNOW THAT PEOPLE WHO WRITE IN ON THIS WEBSITE CAN BE SUED IN COURT? IF THEY TRY TO DESTROY ONES CHARACTER! THAT MEANS YOU STOKOE! I HOPE RSK GOES AFTER YOU AND OTHERS WHO HAVE POSTED LIES ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE! MANY PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED BECAUSE OF THE "GOSSIP" YOU PUT OUT ON THIS WEBSITE! ASK YOURSELF IS THE CHURCH GROWING NOW? THE PRIESTS THAT HAVE RESPOND TO THIS EVIL WEBSITE HAVE GONE AWAY? WHY? IS IT BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE LEFT THE CHURCH? BISHOPE JOB AND STOKOE WEBSITE HAS FAILED! PEOPLE HAVE BEEN LIED TO BY STOKOE AND COMPANY? THIS WEBSITE HAS DONE MORE HARM THAN 100 KONDRATICS! SHAME SHAME SHAME!
#34
Anonymous
on
2009-01-23 11:52
Irinej is exactly like Nikolai. I'm ashamed to say he is from my hometown. You can read about him on Serbs in Sydney. They call him Mirko (his first name) the Magician for all the stuff he pulls off!
Anyway, let Nikolai bring it on. I would love to get to the bottom of all the stuff he did while in Alaska and what better place to expose him than in a court. I'd like to see him come back along with Isidore and Panteleimon so we can get to the bottom as to why they ran to Australia too. Although we now know our gov. found in favor of Paul Sidebottom. So let them all come back! I think they'll find more than they bargained for. We only talk about "sin". The gov. would be talking about breaking the law with penalties!
Anyway, let Nikolai bring it on. I would love to get to the bottom of all the stuff he did while in Alaska and what better place to expose him than in a court. I'd like to see him come back along with Isidore and Panteleimon so we can get to the bottom as to why they ran to Australia too. Although we now know our gov. found in favor of Paul Sidebottom. So let them all come back! I think they'll find more than they bargained for. We only talk about "sin". The gov. would be talking about breaking the law with penalties!
#35
anon
on
2009-01-23 15:29
The more I read about insanity like what -NIKOLAI (sorry, no + from me) are doing, I am reminded of the Lord's parable of the "wheat and the tares". Gotta let both grow together, as they will be separated at the end.
As much as this sort of thing disgusts and angers me, the Lord has a purpose in allowing the sun to shine on the wicked. It's for our salvation to be allowed to suffer at the hands of others. Jesus did. Are His followers about their Master?
Whether it be a wife's cancer, threat or actuality of a lay-off....multiple surgeries needed for a child, a nasty parish priest, or a narcissist like NIKOLAI, the Lord allows these troubles for our suffering and testing of our faith.
Some people seem to be completely surprised at this.
Sure, be angry and say so. It's fine to discern right from wrong, but we should also be praying for God's mercy, upon ourselves and the ones who anger us. Our secret sins are no worse or better than some people's publicized sins.
LORD, HAVE MERCY!
Rdr. Alexander Langley
As much as this sort of thing disgusts and angers me, the Lord has a purpose in allowing the sun to shine on the wicked. It's for our salvation to be allowed to suffer at the hands of others. Jesus did. Are His followers about their Master?
Whether it be a wife's cancer, threat or actuality of a lay-off....multiple surgeries needed for a child, a nasty parish priest, or a narcissist like NIKOLAI, the Lord allows these troubles for our suffering and testing of our faith.
Some people seem to be completely surprised at this.
Sure, be angry and say so. It's fine to discern right from wrong, but we should also be praying for God's mercy, upon ourselves and the ones who anger us. Our secret sins are no worse or better than some people's publicized sins.
LORD, HAVE MERCY!
Rdr. Alexander Langley
#36
Rdr. Alexander Langley
on
2009-01-27 07:56
Well Nikolai had his big day out last Sunday at St Sava's monastery....his "sermon" was all about ....."himself" and his suffering since he came to Australia! Word is out that Isidore is heading back to the USA next week we're hoping his master and the pup aren't far behind.......his behaviour here has been disgraceful...spreading division, spending money that isn't his and behaving like the alternative bishop has caused alarm to many.....Irinej has shown a massive lack of judgement in letting Nikolai roam free here.....the monastery they have been staying at has had an extreme Nikolai makeover....exhausting all the monastery funds!....
#37
Steve
on
2009-01-27 13:50
oooh....look....all caps guy is back...
#38
anon
on
2009-01-27 14:12
It's your blog, Mark, but I am beginning to wonder about the wisdom of posting All Caps Anonymous Guy's rants. It's evident that the poor man is deeply disturbed and consumed by rage and hatred. Maybe it would be best for everybody, including him, if he lacked this particular platform for his venom. It's not as if he's adding anything useful to the discussion.
(editor's note: One has to ask oneself, how many are out there, like him, consumed by rage and hatred, angry and bitter, about the last few years? But you are right, he adds nothing. )
(editor's note: One has to ask oneself, how many are out there, like him, consumed by rage and hatred, angry and bitter, about the last few years? But you are right, he adds nothing. )
#39
Scott Walker
on
2009-01-27 14:49
Constantinople's non-acceptance of the OCA's autocephaly has nothing to do with orthodoxy or orthopraxis in that body -- heaven knows the Phanar is in no position to throw stones when it comes to those two areas either. Rather, it has everything to do with Constantinople's claim to jurisdiction virtually everywhere in a way that is uncomfortably close to papism.
#40
Gregory Orloff
on
2009-01-27 15:49
Nikolai, please no more. God is merciful, you will find mercy in Him. I am more sinful than you, yet there is hope. But, you will not find it in millions. Please no more.
#41
ann
on
2009-01-27 21:53
"The lashing out of someone so placed in the world that he cannot but act other than through the courts... rather than by ordering genocide, is a separate issue."
Excuse me, but that's a lot of bushwah. There is NO comparison between the offenses committed by Nikolai and those committed by genocidal maniacs.
Excuse me, but that's a lot of bushwah. There is NO comparison between the offenses committed by Nikolai and those committed by genocidal maniacs.
#42
Michael Strelka
on
2009-01-28 09:15
I am a former resident on "Nick's" home state and have seen and heard the horror that this man is all about. I hope he wins. The people that made someone like this a bishop must share his character flaws, perversions, and over all insanity. His win will destroy the treasury of an organization that puts people like this in authority and then doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to formally defrock him. Reap what you sow. How long will this org keep "pretending" to be in pre Rev Russia.
#43
Anon
on
2009-01-28 10:27
Golly, maybe he will donate to our building fund for our new monastery Church if he wins?????
Vladiko Lazar.
Vladiko Lazar.
Well, bailout fever is sweeping America. I guess Bishop NIKOLAI just wants a piece of the action!
(sarcasm off)
(sarcasm off)
#45
Wayne Matthew Syvinski
on
2009-01-28 19:35
When will the OCA DO SOMETHING about Bishop Soraich? He is publicly serving with Isidore and Panteleimon who are suspended yet we here NOTHING about Soraich being held accountable for his uncanonical acts. Is this another scandal brewing that will boil over just after we've started to get over the whole Alaska fiasco?....
At least let the Metropolitan tell us what he is doing about the $41m grab for money (OUR MONEY) by Soraich. But as usual, Syossett is all quiet, how much has changed???????
(editor's note: OCANews.org officially asked the OCA for information on the current status of Bishop Nikolai, and was informed that a press release would be forthcoming later today, January 29th. )
At least let the Metropolitan tell us what he is doing about the $41m grab for money (OUR MONEY) by Soraich. But as usual, Syossett is all quiet, how much has changed???????
(editor's note: OCANews.org officially asked the OCA for information on the current status of Bishop Nikolai, and was informed that a press release would be forthcoming later today, January 29th. )
#46
Joseph Matic
on
2009-01-29 02:31
Amen, Fr. Philip, Amen.
#47
Archimandrite Melchisedek Pleska
on
2009-01-29 05:27
I second Mr. Walker’s proposal. The humor of these posts has long been exhausted. This is getting ugly.
(Editor's note: Getting? The really bad ones don't get posted. They go into my file called "Glorious Hate Mail" never to see the light of day. Which is good, since most of them don't do well in daylight.)
(Editor's note: Getting? The really bad ones don't get posted. They go into my file called "Glorious Hate Mail" never to see the light of day. Which is good, since most of them don't do well in daylight.)
#48
Karina Ross
on
2009-01-29 16:42
why do you judge?
" judge not that you be not judged for with what judgment you judge, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. and why do you look at the speck in your brothers eye, but do not consider te plank in your own eye? or how can you say to your brother let me remove the speck from your eye and ok a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! firstremove the lank from your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye. do not give what is holy to the dogs nor cast your pearls before swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn and tear you in pieces" Matthew 7 1:6
" judge not that you be not judged for with what judgment you judge, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. and why do you look at the speck in your brothers eye, but do not consider te plank in your own eye? or how can you say to your brother let me remove the speck from your eye and ok a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! firstremove the lank from your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye. do not give what is holy to the dogs nor cast your pearls before swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn and tear you in pieces" Matthew 7 1:6
#49
John Askoak
on
2009-01-29 16:53
Dear Vladimir,Since Bishop Nikolai,like all bishops,is already a monk,he probably wouldn't be a "newly-tonsured monk."Unless His Grace only recieved the first order of riasophore monk, such as Archbishop Job did some years ago when he was the celibate priest,Fr.John Osacky.Later,before being elevated to the Episcopate,he was tonsured a Mantia Monk with the name Job.Now,in regards to your earlier posting,no ,Bishop Irenej cannot reduce Bishop Nikolai to a simple monk.Canon Law does not allow a bishop to unilateraly remove even a priest or deacon from office.A bishop MAY suspend any priest or deacon within his own diocese,BUT HE CAN'T DEFROCK THEM WITHOUT A CANONICAL TRIAL.Likewise, he MAY forbid a cleric from outside his diocese from serving within the diocese,which is what Bishop Irenej SHOULD have done in regards to Bishop Nikolai.
#50
Anonymous
on
2009-01-29 18:56
Hey look, I'm NO fan of the much lamented Nikolai, but if the below is used, they'd better be careful, a good 20% of the clergy will have to go!
The Bishop also appears to have violated Apostolic Canon 61, which reads: "If any accusation be brought against a believer of fornication or adultery, or any forbidden action, and he be convicted, let him not be promoted to the clergy."
The Bishop also appears to have violated Apostolic Canon 61, which reads: "If any accusation be brought against a believer of fornication or adultery, or any forbidden action, and he be convicted, let him not be promoted to the clergy."
#51
no name
on
2009-01-30 07:57
God bless ya Archbishop! I'm still laughing. Post your address and I'll contribute. We can call it the DONATING IN PLACE OF NIKOLAI PRIMATE OF AUSTRALIA FUND!
#52
no name
on
2009-01-30 08:00
Since I'm all for supporting monasteries, I did the research.
The contact information for his monastery is:
Monastery of All Saints of North America
37323 Hawkins-Pickle Road
DEWDNEY, BC V0M 1H0
(604) 826-9336
synaxis@orthodoxcanada.org
The contact information for his monastery is:
Monastery of All Saints of North America
37323 Hawkins-Pickle Road
DEWDNEY, BC V0M 1H0
(604) 826-9336
synaxis@orthodoxcanada.org
#53
Wayne Matthew Syvinski
on
2009-01-30 11:34
"But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolator, or a reviler, or an extortioner-not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person" !st Corinthians 5: 11-13 That sounds pretty judgmental to me, John. Your argument is with St. Paul, not with those who want to see honesty and accountability among ourselves.
#54
Scott Walker
on
2009-01-30 12:58
John, its best not to get involved with these commenting individual. What they do is they bite those who add their comments, as they bite themselves. (Wiitaulutin taugam. Camiik qaniqsaunak taugaam. Ukuut, camik tagusngaicuugnarrgut.)
(Editor's note: Which being interpreted means:
" Sit (or be) still. Don't speak. These will not accomplish anything/ Nothing will come of this.")
(Editor's note: Which being interpreted means:
" Sit (or be) still. Don't speak. These will not accomplish anything/ Nothing will come of this.")
#55
Wiinga-waa
on
2009-01-30 23:07
Dear Wiinga-waa
Scott, was not attacking John just clarifying for him what St. Paul said about judgement.
Besides, isn't this what almost cost us the Beautiful Diocese of Alaska? Our elders meant well when they said that we should "be still,don't speak..." but we should rather pray for Wisdom to know when to speak out and protect those other than ourselves.
Speaking the Truth and exposing Evil is not judging someone.
God Bless,
Love,
Fr.Peter
Scott, was not attacking John just clarifying for him what St. Paul said about judgement.
Besides, isn't this what almost cost us the Beautiful Diocese of Alaska? Our elders meant well when they said that we should "be still,don't speak..." but we should rather pray for Wisdom to know when to speak out and protect those other than ourselves.
Speaking the Truth and exposing Evil is not judging someone.
God Bless,
Love,
Fr.Peter
#56
Archpriest Peter Askoar
on
2009-02-03 16:45
The author does not allow comments to this entry
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