Translation of Bp. Gabriel's interview of 25 Aug."06

[joasia]

Fr. Siluan,

First, the remark of Fr. Lebedeff is not the consensus of all in ROCOR...it is the consensus of Fr. Lebedeff.

Second, Bp. Gabriel refers to repentence in the circumstance of probability...that ROCOR could be wrong, which he does not sustain. He states that IF ROCOR was wrong, they would repent...but ROCOR is not wrong. It's a form of expression and that's why I question your understanding of the English language.

You write:

"Nasha Strana" y the FROC (former ROCOR parishes in Russia) they have and had ((in the case of FROC since half 90´s) the same position that Bishop Gabriel says to have now, but however he call them schismatics and an error. In the case of "Nasha Strana", it is a newspaper that maintains the traditional position of ROCOR with regard to the MP, the same thing FROC does in Russia.

This is where people get confused. Just because two groups have the same opinion...doesn't mean that both groups are in the same boat. FROC seperated because of their belief that ROCOR will unite with the MP. They do not believe that the union is right, at this time. Bp Gabriel also believes that there should be caution in approaching a union. The difference is that FROC seperated because of pride. They have their own agenda. They are not doing it because of love for the church of Christ. If they did, then they would have stayed and fought the oppressers, as it be. Just because they oppose the union, doesn't mean that they are doing it for the right reasons. The reaction may look the same, but the motive behind it is different. Vladika Vilaty's group may look like they are upholding Orthodoxy, in the face of MP persecution, but the reason of their seperation can be summed up in one name...Ludmilla. It is not for the benefit of preserving Orthodoxy, but for the benefit of causing schism..to divide and conquer. So look to the reason behind the action and do not be blinded by false pretense. The devil wants to confuse us and turn us against each other. Don't let that happen.

I have seen enough confusion in the church, to be able to analyse the difference between Grace and pride. If there is anyone to be trusted in ROCOR, it is Bp. Gabriel; he is sincere and truthful. He is struggling with the oppressors, but you don't see that. Fr. Siluan, if you truely want the best for the Orthodox faith, then try to see the full picture. Analyse it. But, if you are dead set about posting anti-ROCOR propaganda, then I hope God shows you the meaning of discernment...because you are lacking it.

Don't you ever consider that you might be wrong? Don't you ever worry about going to extremes..especially since you are a priest and you have such a burden to carry. Don't you want to be living in the full truth?

Don't let your pride blind your focus on what is right. Look at the full picture. Your laity need to be guided in truth, not propagada. Think about the souls of your laity.

Joanna[/quote]

[Frelias]

To Those Concerned,
Unfortunately, as I am unable to disclose my source – it my understanding that when the “union takes place” –- which will be sooner than one thinks -- four ROCOR bishops (and I will not reveal their names, but I’m sure most everyone can give a good guess who they are) shall stand in front of the closed Royal Gates at Christ the Savior Church and read a text repenting of the “past sins of ROCOR – after which, the Patriarch will open the Royal Doors and receive them inside to concelebrate liturgy.

It's all very sad.

Priest Elias

[Priest Siluan]

This is where people get confused. Just because two groups have the same opinion...doesn't mean that both groups are in the same boat. FROC seperated because of their belief that ROCOR will unite with the MP. They do not believe that the union is right, at this time. Bp Gabriel also believes that there should be caution in approaching a union. The difference is that FROC seperated because of pride. They have their own agenda.

Dear Joanna:

I am a FROC (ROAC) priest and I don't think that I am in the way that you say, in my personal case I would be very glad if all of the bishops, priests and people that we have the same position with regard to the MP join in this truth, that we are defending. And I respect Bishop Gabriel position, but I don't understand why he attacks us. I understand what you say about ROCiE and I agree your position, but I don't see that bishop Gabriel is taking another diferent position. Due he say to be against the MP but he attacks to who think as he say to do and with his expression or action many sceptical as me couln think that his position is similar to those who have their own agenda.

[joasia]

Fr. Siluan,

I think that the best way to understand each other(referring to clergy of different groups) is to talk with each other. I believe that Bp. Gabriel is sincere and I know what he believes because it was explained to me, by my priests. They have had plenty of opportunities to discuss the issue with Bp. Gabriel. Have you written to Bp. Gabriel? Don't believe in heresy; go to the source.

I don't agree with clergy leaving ROCOR and starting up splinter groups. It's not good for the laity. We must all stick together. Imagine how many more voices against union ROCOR would have had if you and other clergy had not left. But, now there are fewer voices to challenge the likes of Fr. Alexander and others. And many laymen would still be with ROCOR who would raise their voices together with us. Now there are many splinter groups who claim to be the ones who are the "true" church and the rest do not have the Holy Spirit. Or those who left church altogether and pray at home.

See how confusing this gets? And if the bishops would finally state, officially, that they are in Holy Communion with the MP, then a great mass would leave and we would still be in the situation of MP(with the absorbed members from former ROCOR - because they wouldn't refer to themselves by that name anymore) and the Russian Orthodox Church outside of Russian(that would probably rename themselves, but still be viewed as seperate from the Moscow Patriarchate).

This, to me, is a more stable situation. And we'll never know, but if Vladika Vitaly would still be alive at the time of the situation that I described above, we would still be under him.

ROCOR was respected by all the other jurisdictions of the other countries, including the new calendarist Greeks - for many who were under Bartholowmew have come to ROCOR because of their, then, distinct seperation from ecumenists. Now, though, they have lost respect for ROCOR and ridicule them and mock them. This is what has resulted because of these splinter groups that did not take the time to really understand the real issue.

And so when I say these splinter groups were created because of pride...I mean that the men who so rashly broke Holy Communion with ROCOR did so because their pride did not allow them to make decisions with love; love for the preservation of Christ's church(not their church) and love for their flock, because the laity trust that their priest are more than men with faults, but see them as the ultimate authority; it becomes akin to a cult.

For anything that is done with love, will be blessed by God and He would have given us the blessing to stand strong against ecumenism and we could have multiplied. But, now we are losing laymen to the world(who don't want to go to any church) and even the splinter groups have splintered even more or gone under Bp. Paul of Astoria(Greek old calendarists); which is better than starting their own group.

We brought these divisions on ourselves, for we fought each other instead of praying to Christ to guide us together. Perhaps God will give us one more chance and if/when the Synod of Bishops officially join with the MP, then all the splinter groups and those who do not want to follow under the MP will come together. As you see, I have big hopes. And I hope you and the other clergy who left will, this time, make their decision with love and not base male pride.

Thank you for allowing me to share my view.

A struggler-in-Christ,

Joanna

[Priest Siluan]

We brought these divisions on ourselves, for we fought each other instead of praying to Christ to guide us together. Perhaps God will give us one more chance and if/when the Synod of Bishops officially join with the MP, then all the splinter groups and those who do not want to follow under the MP will come together. As you see, I have big hopes. And I hope you and the other clergy who left will, this time, make their decision with love and not base male pride.

Thank you for allowing me to share my view.

A struggler-in-Christ,

Joanna

Dear Joanna:

I agree, in this point we are speaking about the same thing, we (you and me and many other) don't want any union but the union of the True Orthodox, this is the True "union" in the Truth. God may grant the union of all True Orthodox.

Priest Siluan

[strastnaya]

It my understanding that when the “union takes place” –- which will be sooner than one thinks -- four ROCOR bishops (and I will not reveal their names, but I’m sure most everyone can give a good guess who they are) shall stand in front of the closed Royal Gates at Christ the Savior Church and read a text repenting of the “past sins of ROCOR – after which, the Patriarch will open the Royal Doors and receive them inside to concelebrate liturgy. "

That sounds absolutely ridiculous.
Nobody is requiring the ROCOR to repent in such a theatrical way, don't you read the discussions which the Synod has put on their website.
Met. Lavr when he visited MP churches in Russia and recently the Holy Land went right in through the holy doors and venerated the altar since he is a Metropolitan and not a schismatic or heretic.
In Christ,
Deacon John

[joasia]

BTW. The official signed document shows that Bp Gabriel made a comment that he disagrees with the decision. Funny, how they don't reproduce that on their type version on the website. They only show the names of the bishops who agreed.