Good Point.
IN Christ
The other Nektarios
Not in English? I would challenge that-where are all these Orthodox Churches that do not hold services in English? Maybe there are a few in some major cities (NYC comes to mind easily) but surely it is not the overwhelming majority of Orthodox Churches in the US. Even most GOA churches, full of Greek pride, hold 2 services on Sundays, one in Greek, one in English. Even most Russian churches have done that for over 20 years!
One GOA church uses about 50% Greek another about 80% here... but there are options in English if you are willing to drive further. And if someone is serious about Orthodoxy the language barrier won't be a problem. BUT you do have to admit that compared to the average protestant, Catholic, LDS, JWs etc. group in America Orthodoxy does use less English. The main spirtual centers here (Jordanville, Saint Anthony's monastery etc.) are zero english. I'm not complaining - escpecially since I go to Saint Anthony's fairly frequently - but it does present a problems for missionary efforts.
Shame on some of you for wishing evil on others.
I was Ruthenian Catholic, but now I'm Serbian Orthodox. For some here I suppose you see little difference as some claim our church is a die-hard member of "World Orthodoxy" and no better than Roman Catholics. Would you have prayed for me and my family to have died out for you? Would you have posted with glee, "Byzantine Catholic family dead. How can we make more?" I don't think you really mean what you've said.
The existence of the Byzantine Catholic churches is complex and the solution to the problems they bring will be just as difficult. Originally, some of the bishops of the people came into communion with Rome without the people's knowledge. There were always shifts and bends due to political and military issues. The people were predominantly uneducated both religiously and secularly.
I think you need to deal with people as, well, human beings. Pray for them and for their return to Orthodoxy. To wish for them to die out or to be happy about someone else's misfortune is wrong. To wish for a return to Orthodoxy and to pray and work for it is right.
When I was Byzantine Catholic I met with ROCOR priests who were firm but kind and caring. I’m ashamed of some of you and wonder what your spiritual fathers would say had they seen what you’ve written. I have no doubt what the ones I’ve known would say.