juvenaly,
you don't need the masking tape! since i mention that this or that could perhaps be more clear, possibly i should explain myself a little more, and make what i am trying to say somewhat more clear.
the "topic" of this particular section of the "traditionalist orthodox churches" part of this entire forum is "Bishop Gregory's Address to ROCA [ROCOR]." although i have been chastized for "going off topic" and being told that the topic here is actually something like "ROCOR's ruinous union with the MP," i heartily disagree, and state once more, the topic is Bishop Greory's Address.
since the topic is indeed this "Address," to my way of thinking, in a free forum, for the free expression of opinions and ideas, any and all comments about the "Address" are "on topic." whether these comments agree or disagree with what was said in the "address," or whether the comments are observations on the style, the clarity, or the beauty or non-beauty of the prose in the "Address"-these comments are "on topic." i would also think other approaches-such as how Bishop Gregory's past reflects on his position today, his position being responsible, so to speak, for spurring him on to write this "Address" in the first place-are "on topic."
i have laid emphasis here mainly on parts of the address which i feel are hazy, unclear, and/or meaningless in light of the fact that Bishop Gregory is urging people to join ROAC, hence, his diocese. one reason i have concentrated on this emphasis is to point out, hopefully with some positive results, is that, most unfortunately, many times, a lot of what is written and presented by those of the Traditionalist Orthodox persuasion is indeed hazy, unclear, and contains aboslutely meaningless statements. these sort of "writings" only serve to further alienate people AWAY from Traditionalist Orthodoxy.
that is why i have made remarks such as, "well, if they wanna preach to the choir, go for it . . . ," and "but hey, it sounds good to me." although this may be interpreted by some as sarcasm, it is just my way of saying this: if you are trying to convince someone of something, you need to do it better. if one of your ardent supporters thinks what you said is "great," it is not because what you said, in most cases, is "great," but because your ardent supporters think you are "great" already. i am also trying to get a feel for what other people think-does this "Address" strike anyone else in the same way? DO others see it as hazy, unclear, and containing meaningless statements? Do others feel it is rather lacking for a document that is attempting to prod others into making important, serious and far-reaching decisions in their lives?
and, to be forthright, i have absolutely no intention whatsoever of calling Bishop Gregory on the telephone and asking him to explain this document. now, that may sound utterly callous to some, but, if so, then i need to ask you: if you support Bishop Gregory, if you agree with everything he says in this "Address," are you going to call Metropolitan Lavr, or Archbishop Alypy, or Bishop Kyrill, or Bishop Gabriel, or Metropolitan Vitaly, or Bishop Sergius, and ask THEM if what Bishop Gregory says about them is accurate or true? If you agree with Bishop Gregory's appraisal of "World Orthodoxy," are you going to write to Patriarch Bartholomew, or call Archbishop Dimitrios or Metropolitan Herman or Metropolitan Philip and ask them "their side of the story" about what Bishop Gregory says? If not, why? You shouldn't, but i should? If a Bishop or clergyman of any other Orthodox Church criticizes Bishop Gregory, will you merely become indignant, and as you stated in another post, become upset because people are not looking to see what the church you are affiliated with has to offer? Or, should people give only Bishop Gregory the "benefit of the doubt," and not only read what he has to say, but then go on to call and ask him about it? While simply disregarding all the others-"ohhhh-well, i KNOW what THEY say about THEM!" If you want all this "fairness," i'm afraid, it has to work both ways.
i realize that Bishop Gregory has been the victim of unfair criticism and unfair assumptions. i also know that some of the criticisms are possibly not so "unfair." i know an elderly couple who were "head over heels" for the "Elder" Panteleimon and his Boston following. when the then Father Gregory brought out the allegations of homosexuality at the Boston Monastery, which subsequently, of course, caused the "Elder" and his followers to flee from the ROCOR simply in order to avoid an ecclesiastical trial, this elderly couple, from that point on, hated the then Father Gregory-"he caused all that trouble," they said. obviously, such a reaction is absolutely ridiculous, as the then Father Gregory caused no trouble at all-the "Elder," through his -uh- proclivities, was the one who caused the trouble. on the other hand, i myself witnessed an event that caused me to seriously "wonder" about the then Father Gregory. in 1992, a clergy conference and bishops sobor of the ROCOR was held in cleveland. one afternoon, a group of clergy, along wqith Vladika Hilarion, went to lake erie to walk along the lakefront. as the group went out onto a pier, with Father Gregory in the lead, a man who was obviously drunk/high, and/or mentally unstable approached Father Gregory, asked what "all these weird dudes" were, what they were doing, did they "believe in some kinda God or somethin . . .??" Father Gregory looked extremely uncomfortable, and replied quickly, "oh, uh, ask the bishop," pointed out Vladika Hilarion in the crowd of clergy, then made a rapid retreat. quite obviously, Father Gregory felt this person was possibly dangerous and/or scary; i did not think it was a "nice thing to do" to basically expose the Bishop to this man, then get away as quickly as possible. of course the incident was largely defused by Vladika Hilarion himself, who talked with this man and handled the situation quite well. i was relieved that this incident did not involve Vladika Alypy or anothe rof the older Bishops, as it may not have turned out so well. as i witnessed this event very closely with my own eyes, i do not expect accusationsof slander, or other nefarious purposes, ok? i speak of an event i witnessed, as well as the reaction of the elderly couple, to attempt to point out that if one puts all his "faith" in a person, one may well find himself in one of two positions: having his faith shattered when he finds out that this person is not as "perfect" as was thought, or, defending that person in even ridiculous circumstances that there is NO defense for, in order to keep the illusion of "perfection" intact. both are losing propositions.
so, basically, i "reserve my right" to comment or question anything at all about this "Address." as well, i respect your right to react in any way you see fit. and anyone else's right, for that matter. also, you should know, if you do not already, that many poeple do not like Bishop Gregory, many do not respect his positions. i do not say that in any way to make you re-thin your position, or "scare " you away. but, if you really are easily upset about criticisms of Bishop Gregory or his church, you should be aware of that; save yourself from becoming upset and defensive; if that is your belief and waht you want, concentrate in different ways than worrying about what is alleged or said by others.
i do not mean to offend; if i have offended anyone, please forgive me.
mwoerl
