Texas' Tikhon, "Deacon" of ROCOR?

[Lucian]

I really don't understand that last post, but perhaps someone can explain it to me.

I thought Tikhon did a pretty good job of explaining his wish to remain anonymous by not using his real name.

Perhaps he made a mistake in identifying himself as a ROCOR deacon, which led some to wonder, since they know of no ROCOR deacons in Texas by that name.

But he has explained that. "Tikhon" is his E-Cafe screen name. That's all.

I, for one, think it is unwise to reveal too much about oneself, including one's real name, on the internet; and that opinion has nothing to do with integrity and everything to do with security.

Although I am a relative "newbie" here, I am the one who invited Tikhon to this web site, after I noticed him standing up for the truth of the Orthodox faith - and doing an exceptionally fine and courageous job of it - on another web site. Though surrounded by liberals calling themselves Orthodox, Tikhon defended the faith of the Fathers against those who want "union" with the heterodox based on not much more than beards, incense, and candles.

I think he is what he says he is.

[Justin Kissel]

Lucian,

Matushka Anna (Lardas) wrote what she did because, I think, she doubts the sincerity (and truthfulness) of Tikon. I could be wrong in that, but that's as straight-forward as I can put it concerning what I believe her reasoning was for posting was. Whatever the case, I believe she said something only because Tikon said he knew her family well.

Forgive me for being cliched, but personally I hope we can just all be one, big happy family (or body of Christ).

[Tikon]

Lucian,

Matushka Anna (Lardas) wrote what she did because, I think, she doubts the sincerity (and truthfulness) of Tikon. I could be wrong in that, but that's as straight-forward as I can put it concerning what I believe her reasoning was for posting was. Whatever the case, I believe she said something only because Tikon said he knew her family well.

Forgive me for being cliched, but personally I hope we can just all be one, big happy family (or body of Christ).

To Justin, and to all:

I TIRE of having to defend myself. I am honest. I am ORTHODOX. I am a Deacon, and I am a human being who enjoys the peace and quiet of discussing my faith as a PRIVATE individual.
I have written Matushka a PM, and I have explained my reasons to her.
I have explained my reasons to others on this board, and this is the LAST TIME I WILL DO SO.
Everyone here needs to make up their minds what they want to do. Either accept me, or let me know and I will leave this board, but I am not going to be driven to anger over this issue any further. I have NOT "taught anything about Masonry. As an Orthodox Christian, I am forbidden by the Canons from joining, and I wouldn't anyway. All I did was say that I personally didn't believe it was an evil group. I have many relatives that are members.

If I have violated canon law, or even been a minor problem, then tell me to leave. If I haven't then let's forget this and go on to better subjects and forget this thread.

I await your answer!

God Bless All!

[Matushka Anna]

Dear Tikhon, or whoever,

You can't have it both ways.
You started your introduction by mentioning that you were a) deacon, b) Tikhon, c) of ROCOR, and d) lived in Texas. You admit that at least one is not true. That makes everything else suspect.

You can post as an anonymous person, but not under a false name, and not claiming the authority of a deacon. If you want everything that comes with the position, you have to own it.

Look, if what we post is right, we don't get in trouble, and if it is, thank God we get corrected in this life rather than the next.

But Orthodox Christians are supposed to possess a boldness born of truth.

No guts, no glory. You can't just ask us to believe that you are who you say you are when it's patently untrue. You've said your name is not Tikhon, after saying that it is. Why should we believe the rest?

Be bold! Be brave! Be who God made you.

In Christ,
Matushka Ann

[Tikon]

Dear Tikhon, or whoever,

You can't have it both ways.
You started your introduction by mentioning that you were a) deacon, b) Tikhon, c) of ROCOR, and d) lived in Texas. You admit that at least one is not true. That makes everything else suspect.

You can post as an anonymous person, but not under a false name, and not claiming the authority of a deacon. If you want everything that comes with the position, you have to own it.

Look, if what we post is right, we don't get in trouble, and if it is, thank God we get corrected in this life rather than the next.

But Orthodox Christians are supposed to possess a boldness born of truth.

No guts, no glory. You can't just ask us to believe that you are who you say you are when it's patently untrue. You've said your name is not Tikhon, after saying that it is. Why should we believe the rest?

Be bold! Be brave! Be who God made you.

In Christ,
Matushka Ann

Matushka:

It is common practice to use an "alias" online. I lied to no one.
Believe as you will. I am not about to attack you or contradict you on this forum.

God Bless You!

[Justin Kissel]

Matushka Anna,

I've decided to post a few comments here publically that I might otherwise have emailed you. I decided this mainly because this has been a public issue, and I was part of the reason that it was so public, and because I now think I was a major cause in a misunderstanding. If you disagree with anything I say (which I imagine you will), and you don't want to post your corrections here, please do contact me in another way.

The misunderstanding I spoke of is that Tikon is not actually named Tikon. We (some of us) were laboring under the assumption that Tikhon was his name in real life, and so we were looking for a "Dn. Tikhon" from Texas. Having looked back on the situation, I wish I wouldn't have said anything in public at all, but would have talked with Tikon (and others) via email and PM. I think in that way I perhaps could have avoided certain sins that I committed earlier in the thread. If a primary aspect of humility is always giving people the benefit of the doubt, then I am indeed far from humble.

I'm not sure what you mean about this forum (or list) not requiring people to be real. I see fake people every day in real life. For that matter, I put on my own little mask of deceit every day in real life. I suck in my gut when I see a pretty girl, for example. That's a double sin I suppose! I do not believe that people are any more fake here at the Cafe than people are in "real life," even if they are anonymous here. I do not believe that people are any more "real" on lists where they are required to give their real name, either.

Justin

[Justin Kissel]

Tikon

While I do not know why you are sticking your tongue out at us (someone?), I will not question you again on the matter (unless you say something like "I'm a Deacon and the canons say that makes my voice more authoritative, and so..." or something like that). God's peace be with you.

Justin