Interesting little tidbit from St. Seraphim ROAC church.
http://www.stseraphimchurch.org/Bulletin.html
2nd IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL ROAC OF THE AMERICAS
To The Holy and Faithful in Christ;
To alleviate any confusion involving ROAC authority in the AMERICAS
We have now received a letter sent to Bishop Gregory by Metropolitan Valentine. He says: 'Father Elia will not be allowed to join ROAC. That Bishop Gregory is the Bishop for all of the America's'. Anyone in the world can join ROAC thru any Bishop, including Bishop Gregory. Bishop Gregory is the only Bishop in the USA, therefore, according to Apostolic Canons, Metropolitan Valentine and the ROAC Synod; Bishop Gregory is the Superior for all of ROAC in, not only the United States, but North And South America. Archpriest Vladimir Shiskoff is the Administrator for ROAC in the USA. This means he oversees married priests and administrates affairs for ROAC in America. This does not mean he is a Bishop or has the power of a Bishop. According to the Apostolic Canons only a Bishop can accept or deny entrance into ROAC. So simply put; one can enter ROAC via Bishop Gregory in the United States or one of the Bishops located in Russia, but no one else.
ROAC DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE JERUSALEM PATRIARCHATE.
ROAC DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ANY OLD CALENDAR CHURCH, BUT THE GOC.
ROAC DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ANY NEW CALENDAR CHURCH.
ROAC DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE MATTHEWITES
ROAC DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ROCA OR ROCE
These churches are 'graceless'.
THE ONLY OFFICIAL ROAC WEBSITE BY SYNOD AUTHORITY IN THE AMERICA'S IS THE WEBSITE ENDORSED BY BISHOP GREGORY FOR ROAC. NO OTHER WEBSITE IN THE AMERICAS HAS A BISHOPS AUTHORITY.
The ROAC WEBSITE at Geocities is fraudulent and heretical. Its author is Father Elia. The ROAC WEBSITE at Blogspot is fraudulent and heretical. Its author is Father Elia. The ROAC WEBSITE at 2netdoor is unofficial. No Bishop has given permission for this website. Its author is Father Elia. Any comment by Father Elia does not have hierarchal approval.
Archpriest Vladimir is not a Bishop. His allegiance is to ALL Bishops of ROAC. Even though Father Vladimir does not commemorate Bishop Gregory during Liturgy, he must follow all commands by Bishop Gregory and pay him ALL DUE RESPECT. This is according to Apostolic Canons. Bishop Gregory acts with the authority of the ROAC Synod. Father Vladimir cannot speak with the authority of a Bishop and does not have the authority of a Bishop. Since all of ROAC Bishops have access to Telephones, Mail, Email, and the Internet, they can speak for themselves. No Bishop needs any priest to speak for them. Of course, Father Elia, not being an official part of ROAC has no right to speak for ROAC or for Father Vladimir. Father Vladimir would never allow a non-member of ROAC Clergy to speak for him. Remember, Father Vladimir also has access to the telephone, mail, and fax. As with any major decision, an Archpriest or priest must MUST go before a Bishop.
It is important to know that the 1st priest to become ordained in the USA was Father Dionysi. He was ordained in Suzdal by Metropolitan Valentine. Later, Father Vladimir Shishkoff, was brought into ROAC. He was already a priest with ROCA. The 2nd person to be ordained in the USA was Bishop Gregory in Suzdal by Metropolitan Valentine.
Each Church in ROAC belongs to the Bishop of that Diocese, not to the priest. The priest oversees the Parish for the Bishop.
As Orthodox Christians in the True Church we must always look to the Canons and to the Clergy and Hierarchs to follow the Canons.
In Christ our Saviour,
Father John+
