ROAC, GOC, And Everyone Else

[Justin Kissel]

I'm curious, who are ROAC and the GOC in communion with? In other words, other than themselves, whom do they consider to be Orthodox. Some say that these groups are sectarian and only think that they alone have grace... thus I ask the above question.

[Justin Kissel]

I've heard that ROAC is in communion with one of the old calendarist groups in Greece. I've also heard that the GOC is possibly soon unifying with other old calendarist Greek groups. Can anyone give any details on this?

Awaits OOD to post telling him that such questions are unOrthodox

Justin

[Justin Kissel]

OOD,

Another question It is my understanding (based on this that your Church ordained four very young bishops (between 30 and 34 years old) in 1999. I'm curious as to why this was done (why so many bishops, and why were they so young?). Understand that I'm not asking so I have something to pick at, I'm asking because I'm genuinely interested.

[尼古拉前执事]

Interesting things from that article ...

Meanwhile, it is being suggested that our Church enter into a theological dialogue with the so-called Matthewites, who separated from our Church in 1937, and today are headed by Archbishop Andreas. This dialogue is expected to begin within the current year, and will concentrate on the issues that separate us. Our Church exhibits a strong interest and good faith in overcoming these divisive issues. If there exists a corresponding interest among the Matthewites, the result is expected to be quite reparatory.

Moreover, our Holy Synod is actively working toward the healing of the rift between our Church and the Russian Church Abroad, in the hope of restoring the unity that existed between the two Churches until some years ago.

[Justin Kissel]

Another question for anyone who knows (especially OOD). Are there any other GOC Churches in America, or elsewhere in the world, other than the ones listed here? http://www.saintmarkella.org/index.html

[Justin Kissel]

I'd find it hard to believe that the GOC would join in communion with a Church that claims to have the same ecclesiology as Met. Cyprian

[尼古拉前执事]

If I recall correctly from other threads, Each of the GOCs has many parishes in Greece too. I believe OOD said he was working on a new directory of GOC parishes since the directory at http://www.ecclesiagoc.gr does not work and the one at St. Markella's lists only half of the American parishes.

On your other question, I recall OOD saying that his GOC is not in communion with anyone but that talks with the Matthewites and other GOCs looked promising for reunion. On the ROAC I think Julianna said unofficially they are in communion with the Lamian GOC Synod, the GOC of France, the GOC of Bulgaria and GOC of Romania. In America, Greece & Mount Athos, the Lamian GOC and ROAC are close.

Also there are murmurs of OOD's GOC and the ROAC investigating one another for possible dialogue to communion as well. There is some tension among American bishops of these groups, however. That issue does not exist in Greece and Russia I hear.

To see the Old Calendarist Churches unite would be a very good thing, in my book.