Moderator: Mark Templet
I forgot to mention that Vladyka Gregory had given Met. Valentine $10,000 in cash.
Therefore Met. Valentine had at least $40,000 US on him, in addition to any donation he was given by the newly-received parishes into ROAC.
Let us also please keep in mind that Met. Valentine received high quality medical care in Colorado, costing approximately up to $350,000, including quintuple cardiac bypass, another surgery to control chest bleeding, surgery for abscess drainage in his groin, surgery for insertion on central catheter to receive IV antibiotic for 6 weeks, prostate surgery, multiple CAT scans and other radiologic imaging, cardiac catheterization and arteriography, multiple blood tests, etc... Met. Valentine payed nothing for all his medical care.
Reader Jerjis
In his response for withdrawing my monetary pledge, Met. Valentine said: "Your reproach concerning my alleged violations of the canons I consider to be unfounded. .... I do not know to what extent a lay person is allowed to sit in judgment of a Metropolitan."
Considering a tonsured reader to be a layman is a mistake, since it is the first degree of the priesthood.
A reader or layman can certainly judge whether a Metropolitan is acting canonically or not, or whether he is a heretic or not. The guardians of the Orthodox Faith are the orthodox people, and not only the clergy. The idea that the clergy is above the layity is a papist concept.
The clergy are the SERVANTS of the people.
Christ Himself gave us the example when He, the King of the universe, girded Himself with a towel like a slave and washed His apostle's feet.
-----Original Message-----
From: stylite@highstream.net [mailto:stylite@highstream.net]
Sent: Friday, June 18, 2004 11:10
To: Alajaji, Jerjis
Subject: response to your email to Metropolitan Valentine
My beloved in the Lord, Jerjis,
As I get ready to leave the state of Colorado, I would like to thank you for taking an active part in my medical treatment. I very much appreciated your valuable advice, and tried to put it into practice.
Our last two meetings have left an indelible impression on me, and as a token of my appreciation, I will, as I had already promised, continue to pray for you, your son, and your family. Thank you for all of your good intentions which, although not realized, are evidently in accordance with the will of God. Your reproach concerning my alleged violations of the canons I consider to be unfounded. Usually, when a man is accused of something, his violations are concretely pointed out to him. I do not know to what extent a lay person is allowed to sit in judgment of a Metropolitan. This is something that God alone knows, Who will render to each.
May God bless and keep you. Forgive me for everything. Perhaps I offended you in something, or said something in some way other than that which you wanted to hear.
Your co-worker in salvation, wishing you well, and fervently praying for you,
Metropolitan Valentine
I have personally telephoned US Customs at JFK.
A deal was made with the Russian embassy and no "official" arrest was made.
We will be getting some paper documentary evidence hopefully in the next few weeks, and we will publish it.
Please be patient.
Meanwhile you can go on denying all waht you want.
Reader Jerjis
