Demission of Gabriel (de Vylder) of "Comana" Paris

[Matthew]

How sad that things in France are in such a state of affairs. God grant a resurrection of True Christian Faith to the people of France.

[Barbara]

Thank you for this really informative update, Jean-Serge. We will be watching at the end of this month to see who is elected.

What did you mean about the Bps being selected as the 1917 Council did in Russia ?

That's not too many TOC people, but honestly, it's not too surprising, considering that Orthodoxy has not been
historically strong in France altogether. Amazing to hear to hear the list exactly, good for you.

What is the story with Lesna now ? Are they prospering and doing well ?
Am I correct in surmising that Mother Evfrosinia is pretty much running the convent behind the scenes ? Not that it matters,
but I know she is quite capable.

I fear overall, it may be difficult for them to attract new vocations ?

[Matthew]

These days, It is difficult for any monastery to attract new vocations.

[Jean-Serge]

It is a "coup de théâtre". The Patriarchate of Constantinople was supposed to validate the list of candidates proposed by the council... The list has been rejected, and the patriarchate has estimated that the condition for a peaceful election were not present...Now, the Phanar proposes :

• that Metropolitan Emmanuel remains locum tenes
• that a vicar bishop should be appointed

This will be debated at the Exarchate general assembly on March 29 and 30. It smells crisis.

Link in French: http://www.exarchat.eu/spip.php?article1374

[Matthew]

2 bad!

[Jean-Serge]

The situation is not clear at all. This move from the Phanar may have two possible aims:

• giving back this Russian Exarchate to Moscow (so I guess the Phanar will have something in exchange, like a panorthtodox council)
• or the opposite, assimilating the exarchate do the Greek diocese depriving it from an archbishop

In both cases, this exarchate will use its so-called autonomy or even freedom and independence it has always been proud of. They never understood true freedom was in true orthodoxy. Too late for them!

[Barbara]

Sounds very complex - I am not sure I understand all the tactical moves.

I hope at least they stay out of MP's clutches.

Have any True Orthodox jurisdictions thought to make overtures to them ?
The Lesna Convent is not far from Paris, comparatively. Maybe if there is a resident Priest there,
he could write up a proposal for them to go under the same RTOC ?
Or equally well, the more experienced Nuns could do this ?
Maybe too busy, but at least this group will learn of the existence of Russian True Orthodox jurisdictions
right nearby so as to avoid The Moscow Trap - ?
Once in the Bear's grasp, almost impossible to get out of it !
[Alert people in Rocor could enlighten them as to that vise-like grip ...]