Ukraine - Constantinople - Moscow
Some thoughts from Fr. Stephen on the present troubles
Recent news across the internet and elsewhere has been reporting on difficulties between the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Patriarch of Moscow regarding the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Both sides are citing canon law (which highlights some of the differences between the Slavic understanding of the Canons and the Greek understanding).
This week, it was announced that Moscow has declared itself out of communion with Constantinople until they can agree on a way forward. I have received a number of inquiries about how this affects us in the OCA. I am attaching the official statement of Met. Tikhon regarding the matter.
The simple answer is that nothing has changed in regards to the OCA. We remain in communion with the whole of Orthodoxy. The Metropolitan's statement makes clear that, while we are grieved, our primary response needs to be one of prayer. He has voiced his support for a meeting of the Primates across the world to settle the matter amicably and restore the peace of the Church.
Historically, such difficulties have arisen before. The nature of Orthodoxy can be messy from time to time. We do not have a strong-handed administrative structure, but depend, ultimately, on love and humility to create our common life.
There will be no resolution for this matter without an abundance of love and humility. That should be our personal attitude, coupled with prayer for all involved. Even those with whom we might disagree in this matter are Orthodox.
I
will also offer a caution about news reports. The Ukraine setting is rife with political players from every possible side and deep involvement from various governments (including our own). It is clear that this interference has affected the Church in various ways. It is virtually impossible to find any news report, regardless of the source, that is accurate, balanced, and forthcoming about the whole story. Indeed, the "whole" story may never be known. With that in mind, I encourage all of us in the parish to resist the temptations to be caught up in matters over which we have no control.
I find this prayer to be helpful these days:
A Prayer Before Using the Internet
Be the helper of my soul, O God, for I walk in the midst of many snares. Deliver from them and save me, for You are good, and You love mankind. Amen.
From the
Ancient Faith Prayerbook
