The Church and the Internet

Congratulations Mark for your award, and a very deserved one it is. You have done an excellent job in not only maintaining this site, but moderating it as well. I can't even begin to imagine the countless hours it would take to read (and often respond to) all of the posts that are made on this site.

The internet world has presented Orthodoxy and other faiths a real challenge. Yes, it used to be true that if "you build it, they will come" - meaning Orthodox architecture in my context, today, far more is needed. Young people are much more comfortable using the internet than joining discussion groups or even getting to the crux of the Liturgy and our Faith. Yet give them a challenge to do research on a point within Orthodoxy, and it is amazing how much they can uncover.

The final bit of appreciative comment that I wish to make, is knowing that this site is "keeping them honest" no matter who or what that involves within Orthodoxy. If someone screws up, people know about it and those people are holding churches and jurisdictions and priests and bishops accountable. This has never been done or seen before. If I were to offer one hint of criticism, it's that too many people tend to be too judgemental in their posts. I have often heard from non-Orthodox that the Orthodox are too "triumphal" and equally judgemental. While being critical is helpful and can lead to positive change, judgementalism leads to hurt and harm, and does nothing to build up the Body of Christ.

Thank you Mark for your work. You've done extremely well and we have happy for your work.

#1 Sean O'Clare on 2010-12-01 13:50

Congratulations on your award, Mark. Axios!

#2 Cordelia on 2010-12-01 14:04

Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

:(

#3 Disgusted Philip Groupie on 2010-12-01 14:11

You clearly frequent this site so give credit where credit is do. If it weren't for Mark, you would have no where to "boooooo!"

Congrats, Mark. Thanks for all your hard work.

#4 Gail Sheppard on 2010-12-01 14:38

A hearty and eminently deserved congratulations!

When one considers what this website has accomplished over the years, it takes ones breath away. When one considers what yet is to be done to bring about truth, justice and the Orthodox way, the mind simply boggles.

God's speed and blessings!

KRT

#5 Kenneth R. Tobin on 2010-12-01 14:59

A well deserved award.
In my opinion this website is realy heroic in promoting the best in Orthodoxy.
Part of my daily preyers are for this website and the wellbeing of its author.

#6 Alexandru Nemoianu on 2010-12-01 15:08

Mark,

Forgive me for what I'm about to write, it is only to be fair to the readers on your website.

This award is from a small Orthodox Exclusive website so therefore it only is taking in account Orthodox news sites.

You don't have much competition at this point, however this does not take away the fact you did get an award. The weight you put on this is yours and should be happy regardless of how small this is.

Congratulations for receiving it, even if I disagree with it being the best news site for Eastern Orthodox only because it is bias in my view.

I didn't want to take away from the celebration however it is not an Award from a major website that discusses All Religious news.

Until people on this website become more positive towards how to be obedient, repent from their calase attacks on MP, and not want to change the Orthodox Faith into a western bowl of soup then I wish this site does not receive any awards beyond this one.

Forgive me, I am not upset about you and wish you all the best in what you believe in, your probably a great individual to talk with, i just have different opinions and this website I do not support even though i like debating on it.

(Editor's note: Thanks, I think.)

#7 Happy on 2010-12-01 15:13

I wonder what new nefarious dealings and skullduggery originating in Englewood and Damascus will be the basis for your threepeat in 2011?

(Editor's note: Let's hope none. Let's hope there is no need for OCANews.org in 2011 as all the Orthodox jurisdictions realize that openess, transparency and accountability are the way to go if there is ever to be a united Church in this land, full of active, empowered laity, led by courageous priests, guided by wise bishops, preaching the Gospel to those without hope, and to those who put their faith in the wrong hope, for the salvation of all....)

#8 Kevin Kirwan on 2010-12-01 15:26

Mark,

Congratulations!!! For me, there is an even more important reason for you winning the awards that those already stated. It is this: Besides giving a seriously-researched report on all Church news, I believe you should be commended for not grabbing at the various "hooks" that those who disagree with you put out there!! Besides just plain insults, these include those types of criticisms that basically say, "Well, if you are criticizing the Church leadership, then you are judgmental and calling for them to be tarred-and-feathered," etc. Or, those who twist things around into a different spin, misquoting or misinterpreting what someone said or reported. You lovingly (to the attacker) hold your ground, calmly and objectively correcting the error or intentional spin that has been made!!! That is just as, if not more, important than just reporting the news!! Thank you for modeling Christian behavior for all of us!!! I thank God for you and the website!! Please keep up the wonderful work!

#9 David Barrett on 2010-12-01 15:50

HARAM!!! This idea of being a groupie for ANY bishop is one of the reasons why Met. Philip is out of control. We shouldn't be idolizing any of our bishops. Only Christ deserves this type of worship.

Thank God for this site and all of Mark Stokoe's hard work posting news and editing our comments.

Congratulations Mark!

Allah Maa'ak!

#10 Iskandra Tannous on 2010-12-01 16:14

Congratz Mark! God grant you many Years!

#11 Delegate #1 on 2010-12-01 16:46

I wonder what new nefarious dealings and skullduggery originating in Englewood and Damascus will be the basis for your threepeat in 2011?

(Editor's note: Let's hope none. Let's hope there is no need for OCANews.org in 2011 as all the Orthodox jurisdictions realize that openess, transparency and accountability are the way to go if there is ever to be a united Church in this land, full of active,..........

Good thought, like your positive approach. Hate to tell you this. You will get a threepeat!

C'mon we are talking about Met. Philip, the Detroit uh... mafia and more scandals slithering about than a bucket full of worms.

#12 Kevin Kirwan on 2010-12-01 18:34

My congrats to all the winners. You're each welcome on my front porch anytime. We can invite the Och over and have a confab and a growler of the local brew.

#13 Mickey on 2010-12-01 20:38

That was a congrats! But had to clarify my position and view, however you should still be glad since it is a recognition. Credit where credit is due, though the content I disagree with most of the time. I wish others gave credit to MP too.

#14 Happy on 2010-12-01 21:54

Mark,

Congratulations!

But you have made one error.

Journey To Orthodoxy won for Best Domestic Blog - and I am an OCA priest.

I'm just sayin'!

(Editor's note: I am sooooo sorry - and proud! I will correct the story immediately! And congrats!)

#15 Fr. John A. Peck (Link) on 2010-12-01 21:54

Let me paraphrase the awfulness for you.

I'm going to Damascus, but it isn't to discuss anything important, certainly not anything like modifying the structure of the bishops of the church so I can get rid of one some folks don't like cuz he suggests vespers on Saturday.

Isn't it horrible how a bishop can so quickly become a liar when he is quoted on a forum he doesn't control?

Good job Mark, most likely even some that don't know it really appreciate truthseeking.

#16 Daniel E. Fall on 2010-12-01 23:12

Unfortunately this makes absolutely zero sense. Please clarify what this has to do with anything and how.

#17 Happy on 2010-12-02 08:01

I'll bite on the rest of the article. Fr. Stephen Freeman is a brilliant example of Orthodox witness online. Not only does his blog speak to modern North American culture (or, let's say, our predominant "heresies"), he is involved in the conversation, at the same time, exposing the pride that underlies online/social culture. It seems to me truly incarnational, baptizing the good and challenging what needs to be challenged. I don't know if he set out to be an online evangelist, but I doubt it, and I think Christians should mainly focus on following Christ and being salt and light where they are. Reacting to trends comes off as insincere to everyone, not just young people.

#18 james on 2010-12-02 11:49

Mark,

Thanks and thanks again.

I know that being out here in a GOA mission makes me out of sight (and therefore out of mind) but I'm grateful for the notice.

God bless your continuing good work.

#19 Fr. John A. Peck (Link) on 2010-12-02 12:49

why is there no longer a thread about the turmoil that has taken place in Terre Haute? A good man has been lost and expelled from the Antiochian clergy.
As for all of the negativity about Arab-American Orthodox and Metropolitan Phillip, please stop! He did lead the way in bringing in the American converts and promoted a welcoming attitude when the Church was mostly ethnically oriented. I agree that he made a mistake in Terre Haute. Bishop Mark is a good man but was mis-placed in the Midwest. He was given a chance to move but chose not to do so...his choice. God Bless him in the future and God Bless Fr. Moretti and his family. He will be missed in TH

#20 St. George TH on 2010-12-02 18:00

It is called turning a blind eye friend and you are an expert.

Your Philip Saliba told a group of people there were no agendas in the Damascus trip and he came back a dictator with auxiliaries. Mark published it here, but I have no idea how to find the article.

Maybe a name change is in order for you. Let me know if you'd like any advice.

Philip Saliba will only reduce the flock and that is why I speak so loudly against his antics.

#21 Daniel E. Fall on 2010-12-02 21:28

Another year, another trophy for the case!

Usually with sucessful internet websites, the more money and more people involved in creating and supporting a website the more success and use and viewership that website gets.

But look at the OCL's site and this and so many other websites, why it appears we see the opposite! The fewer people involved in creating and supporting the website -- the more broadly it appears to be recognized and read!

What can that mean?

#22 Harry Coin on 2010-12-03 09:12

I am not turning a blind eye, it is the best thing that happened. It was getting to become like a joke with all the differences forming in the way the bishops ran their micro-archdioceses without consistency except for the creed.

(Editor's note: Got a problem with diversity, friend? You'd hate the OCA: two calendars, three countries, 9 dioceses, 12 languages - not to mention the partridge in the pear tree. But seriously, a false consistency, as the poet said, is the hobgoblin of small minds. The Church has always preached unity - it has never preached consistency. We are united in Christ; not homogenized to a smooth consistency. If you insist on consistency, and uniformity in countries that encompass a continent, good luck with that. My guess is that you will achieve it; but at the expense of remaining marginal, small and getting smaller. Our Lord commanded us to preach the Gospel to the world; not to remain marginal for fear that somebody, somewhere, at sometime might be doing something different...)

#23 Happy on 2010-12-03 12:34

Mark,

First and foremost, congratulations on the award, it's awesome, you so such a great job. Thank you so much for everything, I hope you don't mind if I list a new blog for Worcester here, if so, I apologize

We encourage all comments, albeit, it is not as elaborate as OCA, but it's a start. Thanks for everything and I assure you I will not stop reading and commenting here.

http://stgeorgeworcester.blogspot.com

#24 -sinner on 2010-12-03 20:00

Happy, You're a real downer, let him have his kudos, he's a good man, he's helped alot of people shed light on their churches and communities and bishops including you and I

#25 -sinner on 2010-12-03 20:24

Micromanaging FTW!

#26 Cordelia on 2010-12-03 22:35

It means that this site appeals to something different than engaging people with pictures and graphics.

#27 Fr. George Washburn on 2010-12-04 10:09

While I could let the editor speak for me, I will add one thing..

Metropolitan Philip is a disappointment. History will remember his deceitfulness.

#28 Daniel E. Fall on 2010-12-04 16:48

Mark, Congrats, forgive all the naysayers, and negative nellies, they have no clue. You are a breath of fresh air that's for sure, we should all be as keen on all the neverending events of this archdiocese.

I went to the blog for the church in Worcester, they seem to be having some trouble, can anyone shed any light on what's really going on there? It's the hub of the New England region isn't it.

Thanks
Happier than Happy

#29 Anonymous on 2010-12-05 17:43

Well perhaps you are 'happier than happy' because it is so very much easier and more fun for most of us humans to read and comment upon websites and blogs concerning actual or possible difficulty in other places than it is to mind our own businss and our own repentance. Your reference to Worcester and your request for the latest scuttlebut - which I will presume isn't actually your business since such a tiny fraction of the anonymous blogosphere is known to live or worship in that neck of the woods - may say it all, or at least enough for the purpose of some worthwhile reflection. Awards or not.

love,

Fr. George

#30 Fr. George Washburn on 2010-12-06 10:40

Actually, Fr. George, it is my business. As you so ineptly pointed out, there aren't many people here in this neck o the woods however, I am here, and it is MY church, OUR church and we are bleeding and we need help. So, if you have any suggestions other than to mind our own business, and stop posting on the blogosphere, I would be happier than happy to hear them. I reflect daily about what is going on in this tiny little city of ours and trust me, it is all of our business. We love our priests and our community and for you to belittle it is just as disgraceful as you thinking I get some thrill out of talking about it.

Maybe we both should reflect and repent, what do you say are you in?

#31 -sinner on 2010-12-06 18:06

And your mirror needs a slight adjustment up, down, left, right..? Just say when.

P.S. If 'Happier than Happy' is Antiochian Orthodox, it most certainly is his business, no matter the locale. The era of Englewood engineered good 'ole boy cover ups with the dirt quietly swept under the rug are over. To put it in words you can hopefully understand: the business as usual days of Ben Lomond are long past. The sooner you and other Englewood toadies come to grips with that reality - the better for all of us.

#32 Grumpier than George on 2010-12-06 18:18

Hello friends:

It is hard to blame 'sinner' for being so reactive if his/her parish is going through a serious difficulty and s/he is in the middle of it. I walked many miles in those shoes, and at the time did my best to counter what I saw as misunderstanding and misinterpretation of our situation.

But I trust that most readers here realize that in 16.1.1 above I was neither addressing 'sinner,' nor invalidating his direct interest in such an important and personal matter that we must assume is 'sinner's' business. Rather, I was suggesting to "happier than happy," seemingly a stranger to the proceedings, that maybe it wasn't his.

love,

Fr. George

#33 Fr. George Washburn on 2010-12-06 20:53

CONGRATULATIONS/ LA MULTI ANI/ MNOGAYA LITA
are due to the longtime dedicated activities of Mark Stokoe
His website is an honest attempt by an American laymen to bring transparency and conciliarity to the American orthodox world, long wracked by all manner of shenanigans by its religious leaders.
Thanks; however, are also due to those courageous clergymen and laypersons who take the time to write and submit constructive criticisms.
Fraud has no place in any church or institution.
(Mr.) Carmen D.Valentino
Descent of the Holy Spirit Romanian Orthodox Church (OCA) Elkins Park (Philadelphia), 1913
Museum Curator-Fin.Sec. Romanian-American Beneficial Society "Banatiana" (1906)
Pennsylvania Romanian-American Ethnic Heritage Commissioner,1990-94

#34 (Mr.) Carmen D. Valentino on 2010-12-09 06:55

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