Slava Isusu Hristu!
First, many Orthodox Jurisdictions have either been controlled by the State or their hierarchs were chosen by the State.
Second, The Russian Patriarchate has shown that it is indeed sorrowful over the events of the past and that it desires to heal itself.
Third, The Orthodox layfolk in Russia are not accountable for the sins of ommission or commission committed by their predecessors.
The attitude that we can throw Anathema's around so flippantly is not Orthodox, but in a real sense satanic. This un-Orthodox notion of defining where Grace is has permeated the traditional Orthodox community. We must always be considering not how others will appear before the Dread Judgement Seat of Christ, but OUR case before Him. Who will be our attorney before that day. All these things we must consider. We must think: are we attending Liturgy every Sunday and Holy Days, are we attending all the other Services. What about the Domestic Church? What about Charity and alms? What about the poor? I can bear witness that working with the poor is such a joy and a blessing. I make meals on Saturdays and Sundays at our local soup kitchen. This is the work of Christ! We get so wrapped up in the political battles of the Church that we fail to see that these battles are the works of Hellfire! What about our Lord's poor, hmm? We must take the power of the Liturgy and other services and transform them into energy to help the poor. Satan desires so dilligently to sift us like wheat with these issues that if he can take up our time with them we will not have time for the Lord's work. During this Philip's Fast may we who are Orthodox live the life of Jesus truly and help those in need.
In Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ!
Alexis, Chief Sinner
