DEar Andy and Mr. Malleev-Pokrovsky,
Andy you wrote:
That extreme pessimistic view is only true if one denies that the Truth reveals Himself to us. We have to have FAITH!
Somebody had better convene a counsel somewhere. The problem with those who have held the line against Ecumenism and the Calendar is that they have held the line against everyone else and them
Call me pessimistic if you want, but it has been since 1924 that the New Calendar was adopted in contradiction to the Anathema of the Holy Pan Orthodox Councils. Ecumenism has been present since shortly before the adoption of this calendar.
I see no movement towards repentance of the majority Orthodox. The "Traditionalist" Old Calendarists, contrary to what people think, are not "holding the line" against each other based on theological matters, but more on administrative/synodal matters.
I'm all for councils, but I still have yet to hear from anyone their believe on the realistic possibility of the "World" Orthodox who are in error, to summon a council with those they call "schismatics" -- ie, the traditionalist Old Calendarists -- and then proceed to condemn themselves.
Do I wish for something like this to happen...sure! Realistically, no.
What more do they need? It is like the rich man asking Abraham to send Lazarus to his living brother to warn him of Hell, and Abraham replies that he has the scriptures...what more? the "World" Orthodox have been swimming in the murky waters of schism and ecumenistic heresy in violation of the canons THEY ALREADY HAVE. They should have repented already.
So, basically, yes..I'm pessimistic. However, my joy is in knowing that the True Orthodox Church still survives. There is never a problem of heresy or schism "within" the Church -- as the Church is always pure in doctrine, but only heresy or schism that only seperates one from the Church.
in Christ,
nectarios