Archbishop GREGORY of Denver and Colorado

[尼古拉前执事]

A true monk would get humbled for even getting opposed without reason. If one can resist that with faith and be humble without public post against his enemies, and pray for them he has gained Paradise. If Nathaniel needs proof, he should read the fathers.

Romiosini, quit repeating yourself in every thread. You constant public admonishment of a novice (i.e. NOT A MONK YET) is really unbecoming an Orthodox Christian IMO.

[romiosini]

A monk doesn't need compassion or prayers of anyone. As a monk, he should know that all monastics pray for the whole world, so allready enough, he has prayers. Such public posts of his issues/scandals don't get him any public support like that. Especially, if this person is a monk, he should think better then occupy himself with the computer. A monk should know that the only compassion is from Him who he bear his cross until his last breath. A monk is crucified unto the world, not publicly asking compassion for his issues.

[尼古拉前执事]

What canon says to give no compassion to novices (that are not yet monks) and to instead attack them when they are sown? Is this how you hope others will treat you in your worst days?

[DavidHawthorne]

When I first read Br. Nathaniel's post about Archbishop Gregory it confirmed other things I had heard and suspected based on the experience of someone else who had dealt with Archbishop Gregory. But even so because the Lord has been dealing with me personally on the subject of detraction and other aspects of keeping the Eighth Commandment, my first reaction was to remember the verses in Ecclesiasticus 19 dealing with speaking of others' lives. But then I wondered whether I was judging Nathaniel's supposed "judgementalism" in contradiction to our Lord's command in the Sermon on the Mount. And then I thought about the fact I was reading the posts against Gregory at all in contradiction to Psalm 15, "Him that spoke privily against his neighbor I put far from me".............and then the post above about the posts possibly saving someone from dealing with an unsavory character reminded me of yet other verses. I am thankful that Br. Nathaniels terrible experience has not led him away from the Church while worrying that these posts, springing from hurt will do little to help, and praying that God's best will come out in the end regardless of everyone involved.

[joasia]

And perhaps, Fr. Nicholai, that should apply to a monk lambasting his Bp on a public forum and you promoting it.

We are simple laymen. I, for one, believed that clergy would know better.

[Nathaniel Kapner]

"EXPOSING ABP GREGORY - III"

Documents Attached to "Request For An Ecclesiastical Court." Submitted on 7-11-05 Denied by Abp Gregory on 7-12-05.

UNIFORM SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT #30659
Date 6/25/05
Issued By: Deputy W. Vidmar, Chaffee County Sheriff's Office

Defendant: Kapner Milton Leonard [Sbn Nathniel Kapner]
Residence: Dormition Skete Monastery

"YOU ARE SUMMONED TO ANSWER CHARGES AT CHAFFEE COUNTY COURT ON AUGUST 16. 2005 AT 1:30 P.M."

"Charge: SECTION 18-4-401:
Kapner did unlawfully exercise control over a thing of value, to wit a monk-uniform, the property of Father Peter Wheeler, and did knowingly deprive the owner of its use and benefit."

CUSTODIAL ARREST and FINGERPRINTED, 6/25/2005

Signed, Deputy W. Vidmar, POLICE OFFICER # 1304

[joasia]

Nathaneil wrote:

If you are scandalized by my posts, I completely respect your sensibilities, though I certainly do not agree that there is any thing whatsoever offensive about the contents of these posts, other than the unchristian behavior of the "sketeniks."

Why doesn't this sound sincere? Who are you calling "sketeniks"? And what does that mean, anyways? Sounds like a judgement and an insult. Hardly the form of conduct that should be displayed by a monastic.

Perhaps you should read the life of Fr. Arseny. He was a great example of humility and bearing one anothers burdens.

But, you cannot possibly expect laymen to bear the burdens of monastics and/or clergy. It should be the other way around.

I have no sympathy for a monk who gripes about his superiors, to laymen. You should have more spiritual insight. Perhaps if you went to Mt Athos and lived like a true monk...with no computers at hand....

When St. John Maximovitch was being attacked by his own parish and brought to court, he didn't complain and whine about it....and God shined His exact judgement towards that pathetic situation. St. John was revealed to be innocent. He had full trust in God's Will, in his life..whatever it would have turned out to be...he accepted as God's Will.

Perhaps you should exercise that thinking too. But, if you rely on your own feeling of persecution, then the pride will win.

Have you ever considered that you're fighting a greater battle than just a bishop?

I hope you understand my view on this...I am, in a way bearing your burden, as I am still responding to these posts. I think those who responded are doing the same.

The thing is, we're trying to help you see another perspective and that's why it's important to listen to the words and not just focus on your own hurtful pride. I hope Fr. Nikolai can understand what I'm saying too.

In Christ,

Joanna