Many years ago when I attended a banquet where Metropolitan Herman of the OCA was present, I avoided the reception line greeting him. The banquet was not honoring him, but the parish, which was celebrating their 50th anniversary.
What is the polite and respectful way of addressing the clergy of World Orthodoxy in truth and in love?
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.
Good for you, Maria, avoiding that reception line !
We all know about him. Shudder, shudder. Even his picture scared me when I saw it once on an OCA parish in
Santa Rosa.
I hate to think what I would have felt in person.
Christ has instructed us to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, but to God the things that are God's."
When we use the proper titles for religious and political authorities, we are obeying Christ and showing respect for authority. However, if we were told to bow down and worship a political or religious authority, or if we were told to address the Anti-Christ as "God" and worship him, then we should not comply even if we must face martyrdom, since only our Lord God is due honor, worship, and glory for ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.
I would have no problem using such titles for the World Orthodox, though I would not kiss the hand of any clergyman or receive their blessing. However, because they keep the traditions, and keep canonical order in terms of who may be admitted to holy orders, and are largely Orthodox (except for their involvement in Ecumenism) in theology and practice, I feel it is certainly within the real of "good graces" to address them according to their rank.
Icxypion wrote:I would have no problem using such titles for the World Orthodox, though I would not kiss the hand of any clergyman or receive their blessing. However, because they keep the traditions, and keep canonical order in terms of who may be admitted to holy orders, and are largely Orthodox (except for their involvement in Ecumenism) in theology and practice, I feel it is certainly within the real of "good graces" to address them according to their rank.
Playing the contrarian card, I am going to ask you a question similar to the line of reasoning that Arch. Nilos uses.
It is known that Metropolitan Jonah of the OCA was received only by Chrismation into the OCA as he was baptized as a Protestant. Knowing that fact, would you continue to address him as Met. Jonah?
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.
My word, use common decency.
The proper designation for clergy you don't recognize is a formal recognition of title and a handshake. For "Bishops", it's commonly "your grace" and if they have a higher rank you can get away with "Excellency". Shake their hand, don't kiss it and move on. If they want a hug don't do it closely. No one's ever been at a state dinner? Use the heterodox forms, don't take blessings and move on!
Fr Joseph Suaidan (Suaiden, same guy)
Maria wrote:Many years ago when I attended a banquet where Metropolitan Herman of the OCA was present, I avoided the reception line greeting him. The banquet was not honoring him, but the parish, which was celebrating their 50th anniversary.
What is the polite and respectful way of addressing the clergy of World Orthodoxy in truth and in love?
From a distance?
