Archbishop GREGORY of Denver and Colorado

[Liudmilla]

Joasia:

No one said he left or abandoned Orthodoxy....he took a step back. Sometimes when someone gets so immersed in all the readings, writings and opinions, you lose track of what drew you to Orthodoxy in the first place. It is good to read and study, but sometimes you go into overkill. Perhaps, his stepping back is a way to find himself again. Even I a cradle Orthodox have moments when I need to step back and reevaluate what I have heard or seen or experienced.

We are flawed humans, that is why we need to pray for each other so that God enlightens us, soothes our weary souls and helps get back on track.

There are some who would not admit to a wavering or a fall, but it happens to the best of us, whether we admit to it or not. Sometimes when we least expect it.

It's not for us to judge or to demand answers, it is for us to support each other when we are weak, to pick up our brother and carry him if necessary. But to say avoid him, cut him off because he might contanimate you? or Taint you? PLEEEASE!

God help us ALL!

Milla

[Kollyvas]

pro apostate judgement of Orthodox Christians or St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite? Oh which one has discretion to direct on the path of Orthodoxy to heal our souls wounded by sin? Could the Holy Optina Elders not have known what they were talking about when they taught us about "soblazn'"? Maybe they were in a "pseudo-Orthodox" jurisdiction, but from what I've read they did know something about comforting wives and children...Hmm, it's tough, but I'll have to go with St. Nikodemos and Elders in "pseudo-Orthodox" churches.
R

[尼古拉前执事]

Let us please move all of the comments on Justin current choice on Orthodox Christianity to the thread in the prayer forum at http://euphrosynoscafe.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6101 where I asked for prayers for him and his family, as this thread's topic is monk Gregory of Denver and Colorado.

[joasia]

Luidmilla,

Then what did Deacon Nicholai mean by stating that Justin was not Orthodox anymore? I find that a very grave comment.

Just to reiterate...the issue of apostasy should be taken very seriously and yes, of course, we should help those who have fallen away, but there is a danger of falling away too. So some can handle it and some may not.

If you're saying that Justin just became doubtful of the hierarchs...then who hasn't? It's a great dilemma to face. We need faithful hierarchs.

Forgive me, for my words. I don't mean to say anything against Justin. I'm just wondering why all this is being said. I haven't been up-to-date on the posts lately.

In Christ

Joanna

[Kollyvas]

I do understand +Archbishop Gregory has detractors and I have an understanding as to why. But my question is how would they and others appraise the publishing work and iconography he is responsible for? Does anyone know if he still publishes his magazine?
R

[Pravoslavny Seraphim]

I think much of the publishing work from Dormition skete and Holy Apostles Convent can be said to be fully Orthodox (at least, from their major offerings such as the NT, Lives, etc).

As far as their iconography . . . Because of the spiritual nature of writing icons, can one who is said to be in schism write true Icons? And if Gregory's monks have been decieved into thinking Gregory's church is the True Church, are their icons true? They look to be quite beautiful, but a "Byzantine style painting" may look like an icon, but is it?

[尼古拉前执事]

Dear Seraphim, you bring up a very good point. The Orthodox New Testament was writen starting when they were with ROCOR & GOC and some ROCOR traslators helped out. The latest revision was done when they were in the ROAC. I think this is one book of theirs that although their status, I would reccomend everyone get a copy of it. Besides that, the Orthodox Study Bible is not good IMO.

For instance, for Reader's Services I do use their Apostolos and Evangelion I also reccomend their Lives of the Saints books which were written in the same period.

However, due to their status, I would not buy anything else from them since I want to support those in the Church. Their icons, having been made in the past are fine to buy, I would just have them blessed by a priest. That being said, I buy all my icons from Mother Anastasia these days. If you prefer Greek-Byzantine style, a poster on this forum, Mr. Paul Azkoul is an iconogtapher. His web site is at http://www.TraditionalIconography.com

Just my 2 cents.