Your words called to mind Christ's: Οὐαὶ ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι ὑποκριταί, ὅτι οἰκοδομεῖτε τοὺς τάφους τῶν προφητῶν καὶ κοσμεῖτε τὰ μνημεῖα τῶν δικαίων, καὶ λέγετε· Εἰ ἤμεθα ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν, οὐκ ἂν ἤμεθα αὐτῶν κοινωνοὶ ἐν τῷ αἵματι τῶν προφητῶν· ὥστε μαρτυρεῖτε ἑαυτοῖς ὅτι υἱοί ἐστε τῶν φονευσάντων τοὺς προφήτας (Matt 23:29-31). The Moscow Patriarchate builds, so to speak, tombs for the prophets of old, and rests on the saints' laurels, but is a fellow in the blood of the prophets--in this case, the Ukrainian people. Many things do I miss about being Orthodox; Orthodoxy's relationship to state power and imperial ambitions is not one of them.
Not to mention the Orthodox (and others) who have taken to defending Putin in the name of "combatting wokeness." It would be heartbreaking if it weren't so infuriating.
That would be glad tidings. Of course, being a Ukrainian and in Kyiv--even if under Moscow--that is perhaps no more than one might expect. Do you have a link?
But he failed to mention Patriarch Kirill. After all, if our own house isn’t in order, what effect can we expect to have on the powers and principlaities? Sister Vassa in a long interview with Ukrainian Orthodox priest Cyril Hovorun (not sure his jurisdiction) recorded just as the war was starting both went on about the “false” Orthodoxy of Putin and never once mentioned the false Orthodoxy of Kirill (at least in the first 40 minutes or so). If Putin is false, then certainly Kirill is the father of that falseness as he encourages Putin. https://youtu.be/jECMW-gW4mI
Here's an English translation of a statement Met. O. (UOC-MP) made soon after the (recent quantum leap in Putin's ongoing) invasion: https://orthochristian.com/144642.html
Key excerpt:
"...Defending the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine, we appeal to the President of Russia and ask him to immediately stop the fratricidal war. The Ukrainian and Russian peoples came out of the Dnieper Baptismal font, and the war between these peoples is a repetition of the sin of Cain, who killed his own brother out of envy. Such a war has no justification either from God or from people."
I have read (now I forget where) that many churches in the Russian Patriarchate have stopped commemorating Kirill in the liturgy. This is particularly true of the parishes in Ukraine that are still in the Russian Orthodox Church and not the newer autocephalous church (who wouldn't be commemoriating him anyway).
In times as dark as these, when Christians are looking the other way or even defending these atrocities, I thank God for men like you, Mr. Hart. Thank you for what you do.
Kind of been disappointed by some, not all, western leftists who been having this weird pro-Putin, pro-Russia stance. I guess they call them “tankies”, that will pretty much always oppose the west or america and if that requires supporting autocratic regimes like Russia... so be it. It’s sad to see
To be fair tankies arn’t leftists. They are just obsessed with the Soviet aesthetics. The rehabilitation of the Soviet Union is one of earth’s greatest mysteries https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tankie
I was thinking exactly the same words from Jesus, (though it would have been nice if you posted it in English as well, even used David’s translation!).
No. I want to say something even fuller and more savage for public release, when I have got all the pertinent information on which hierarchs have said what.
OPEN LETTER to HIS HOLINESS KYRIL, PATRIARCH of MOSCOW
The Archbishop
Protocol number: 2022.010
Paris, 09 March 2022
Your Holiness:
In these dark days when war is raging in the middle of Europe following the military intervention of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, allow me to convey to you the dismay of the entire Archdiocese and our total solidarity with the victims of this conflict.
The troubles and disorder caused throughout the world by this violent attack have not spared the Orthodox community of Western Europe and above all the archdiocese of Orthodox parishes of Russian tradition in Western Europe, which brings together faithful of all origins. Our very unity is threatened by the situation that has thus arisen. Our faithful expect their pastors to bring the voice of the Church and an evangelical message of peace.
We learned with emotion of the appeal made to you by the members of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, asking you to intervene with the political authorities of the Russian Federation to stop this bloodbath.
On behalf of all the faithful of our Archdiocese, I appeal to you to raise your voice as Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church against this monstrous and senseless war and to intercede with the authorities of the Russian Federation so that this murderous conflict ceases as soon as possible, which until recently seemed unthinkable between two peoples and two nations united by centuries of history and their common faith in Christ.
Your Holiness, in your "homily" for the Sunday of Forgiveness, delivered in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on the 6th March, you imply that you justify this war of cruel and murderous aggression as "a metaphysical battle", in the name of the "right to be on the side of the light, on the side of God's truth, of what the light of Christ reveals to us, His word, His Gospel… ”.
With all the respect that is due to you, and from which I do not depart, but also with infinite pain, I must bring to your attention that I cannot subscribe to such a reading of the Gospel. Nothing can ever justify that the "good shepherds" that we must be should cease to be "artisans of peace", whatever the circumstances.
Your Holiness, humbly, with a heavy heart, please do all you can to end this terrible war that is dividing the world and sowing death and destruction.
† Metropolitan JOHN of Dubna
Archbishop of the Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe.
Also, of potential note, this recent open letter from Rowan Williams in The Times:
Last weekend Orthodox Christians in many countries celebrated “Forgiveness Sunday", the day before Great Lent begins. Many will have hoped to hear from the Orthodox Church in Russia some acknowledgement of the shocking — not to say blasphemous — absurdity of Orthodox Christians engaging, at this season of all seasons, in indiscriminate killing of the innocent, insanely reckless attacks on nuclear facilities (endangering their own homeland as well as the wider environment), the unashamed breach of ceasefire agreements, and an attac on one of the most significant Holocaust memorials in Europe.
It is not too late for the leadership of the Church in Russia to call for (at th« very least) a credible ceasefire as Lent begins. Those of us who owe a lasting debt to the thought and witness of Christian Russia through the centurie find it hard to believe that all the moral norms of warfare painstakingly explored by Christians in both East and West from the earliest ages onwards have been forgotten.
The Right Rev Lord Williams of Oystermouth Archbishop of Canterbury 2002-12
I’ll stop, but if you’ve not heard of the courage of Father Ioann Burdin this is from a recent Newsweek story:
“A Russian priest has been arrested after delivering an anti-war sermon on Sunday over President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Father Ioann Burdin of the Resurrection Church in Russia's western Kostroma region will be tried for anti-war statements in his sermon, and for publishing a link to an anti-war petition on his parish's website, the BBC's Russian service reported.”
“The priest ‘committed a public offense aimed at discrediting the Russian armed forces which are conducting a special military operation’ in Ukraine, according to a police report quoted by the Media Zona website.”
“He held his sermon on the final Sunday before Lent in Russia, which is known in the Orthodox Church as ‘Forgiveness Sunday.’”
“…His parish reportedly shared a link last week to an anti-war petition, accompanied by a statement that criticized Putin's decision to launch a full-scale invasion against Ukraine on February 24.”
“‘We, Christians, cannot stand idly by when a brother kills brother, a Christian kills a Christian,’ the statement said. ‘Let's not repeat the crimes of those who hailed Hitler's deeds on Sept. 1, 1939.’”
Wonderful roast of Church leadership. This war and your comments brings to mind something (some?) Christians struggle with concerning Church leadership and their weak attempts to address morally outrageous events. I am not Eastern Orthodox, but I believe this is an issue throughout Christendom: How you reconcile the idiocy of Church leadership in not speaking out on Russia's immoral war (or other moral failings), yet still sustain those individuals as God's "conduit" for God's will to us? Am I more holy than those leading God's church?
Anyhow, tragic times, but some amazing people have risen to the top and have really exemplified true charity and love.
Good question. I am using church as being synonymous with organization. My experience with christianity in america is that parishioners in denominations with prophets/apostles or other similar clergy see these individuals as indistinguishable from the "church". These heads of the churches steer the direction of the church. If the direction is off course - because of the leaders - so is the church. Or so the argument goes.
Hi. I am an American, but feel like Eastern Orthodox doesn’t work that way. The Church is the Body of Christ and spiritual hospital. Since I read That All Shall Be Saved and started inquiring, I do think there’s a difference even though your point puts pressure on the distinction. There’s an experiential aspect to the distinction, however, that I must admit I’m starting to feel.
I am not Eastern Orthodox and can't speak to how this applies to EOC, but I share your sense of the situation. I am curious about DBH's opinion on this because it seems a particularly insidious issue within american christianity (i.e., Mormonism, mega churches like Osteen's, and other more conservatives masquerading as traditionalists). And I understand Mr. Hart has a particular affinity for american christianity.
Sorry, my comedic sarcasm apparently didn't land. Your belief on the matter, which I share, is abundantly clear. To my original question though, why do american christian religions seem to have trouble distinguishing the church from its clergy? Maybe I am off. Thanks for indulging.
Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA have been forceful, but that is to be expected. Surprisingly, Metropolitan Tikhon of the OCA has been much sharper than my own bishop (who is suffragan under Archbishop Elpidophorous, and has been satisfactory at least in my own estimation).
Your words called to mind Christ's: Οὐαὶ ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι ὑποκριταί, ὅτι οἰκοδομεῖτε τοὺς τάφους τῶν προφητῶν καὶ κοσμεῖτε τὰ μνημεῖα τῶν δικαίων, καὶ λέγετε· Εἰ ἤμεθα ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν, οὐκ ἂν ἤμεθα αὐτῶν κοινωνοὶ ἐν τῷ αἵματι τῶν προφητῶν· ὥστε μαρτυρεῖτε ἑαυτοῖς ὅτι υἱοί ἐστε τῶν φονευσάντων τοὺς προφήτας (Matt 23:29-31). The Moscow Patriarchate builds, so to speak, tombs for the prophets of old, and rests on the saints' laurels, but is a fellow in the blood of the prophets--in this case, the Ukrainian people. Many things do I miss about being Orthodox; Orthodoxy's relationship to state power and imperial ambitions is not one of them.
I don’t know if anyone mentioned it yet but the Finnish Orthodox Church has condemned the attack.
Well, that follows. Good.
I love the Finns.
Not to mention the Orthodox (and others) who have taken to defending Putin in the name of "combatting wokeness." It would be heartbreaking if it weren't so infuriating.
Good time to read an excellent article by Valerie A Karras :”Their hands are not clean”
If I am not mistaken, Bishop Onuphrius of the Moscow Patriarchate has spoken openly against this agression.
That would be glad tidings. Of course, being a Ukrainian and in Kyiv--even if under Moscow--that is perhaps no more than one might expect. Do you have a link?
But he failed to mention Patriarch Kirill. After all, if our own house isn’t in order, what effect can we expect to have on the powers and principlaities? Sister Vassa in a long interview with Ukrainian Orthodox priest Cyril Hovorun (not sure his jurisdiction) recorded just as the war was starting both went on about the “false” Orthodoxy of Putin and never once mentioned the false Orthodoxy of Kirill (at least in the first 40 minutes or so). If Putin is false, then certainly Kirill is the father of that falseness as he encourages Putin. https://youtu.be/jECMW-gW4mI
Here's an English translation of a statement Met. O. (UOC-MP) made soon after the (recent quantum leap in Putin's ongoing) invasion: https://orthochristian.com/144642.html
Key excerpt:
"...Defending the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine, we appeal to the President of Russia and ask him to immediately stop the fratricidal war. The Ukrainian and Russian peoples came out of the Dnieper Baptismal font, and the war between these peoples is a repetition of the sin of Cain, who killed his own brother out of envy. Such a war has no justification either from God or from people."
There is this. It is inconceivable that these bishops would have given such direction without the consent of Metropolitan Onuphry of the Moscow Patriarchate: https://spzh.news/en/news/86823-ryad-jeparkhij-upc-prekrashhajut-pominovenije-patriarkha-kirilla
It's something. But not much.
I have read (now I forget where) that many churches in the Russian Patriarchate have stopped commemorating Kirill in the liturgy. This is particularly true of the parishes in Ukraine that are still in the Russian Orthodox Church and not the newer autocephalous church (who wouldn't be commemoriating him anyway).
See above.
Since I have no actual words for any of this, let me just enter this into evidence: https://religionnews.com/2022/03/07/holy-wars-how-a-cathedral-of-guns-and-glory-symbolizes-putins-russia/
In times as dark as these, when Christians are looking the other way or even defending these atrocities, I thank God for men like you, Mr. Hart. Thank you for what you do.
It's not difficult from here.
Kind of been disappointed by some, not all, western leftists who been having this weird pro-Putin, pro-Russia stance. I guess they call them “tankies”, that will pretty much always oppose the west or america and if that requires supporting autocratic regimes like Russia... so be it. It’s sad to see
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised to hear that.
To be fair tankies arn’t leftists. They are just obsessed with the Soviet aesthetics. The rehabilitation of the Soviet Union is one of earth’s greatest mysteries https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tankie
Oh, I know what they are. It's simply curious to me that their perversity can extend its coils even around a forthright fascist.
The photograph of Kirill and Putrid lighting candles at Mt. Athos was truly revolting.
Archbishop Elpidophoros has always been a reliable voice on many social issues
True
I was thinking exactly the same words from Jesus, (though it would have been nice if you posted it in English as well, even used David’s translation!).
Can you please make this statement on Ukraine fully public?
No. I want to say something even fuller and more savage for public release, when I have got all the pertinent information on which hierarchs have said what.
Got it. Metropolitan JOHN of Dubna just released something solid.
Do you have a link?
OPEN LETTER to HIS HOLINESS KYRIL, PATRIARCH of MOSCOW
The Archbishop
Protocol number: 2022.010
Paris, 09 March 2022
Your Holiness:
In these dark days when war is raging in the middle of Europe following the military intervention of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, allow me to convey to you the dismay of the entire Archdiocese and our total solidarity with the victims of this conflict.
The troubles and disorder caused throughout the world by this violent attack have not spared the Orthodox community of Western Europe and above all the archdiocese of Orthodox parishes of Russian tradition in Western Europe, which brings together faithful of all origins. Our very unity is threatened by the situation that has thus arisen. Our faithful expect their pastors to bring the voice of the Church and an evangelical message of peace.
We learned with emotion of the appeal made to you by the members of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, asking you to intervene with the political authorities of the Russian Federation to stop this bloodbath.
On behalf of all the faithful of our Archdiocese, I appeal to you to raise your voice as Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church against this monstrous and senseless war and to intercede with the authorities of the Russian Federation so that this murderous conflict ceases as soon as possible, which until recently seemed unthinkable between two peoples and two nations united by centuries of history and their common faith in Christ.
Your Holiness, in your "homily" for the Sunday of Forgiveness, delivered in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on the 6th March, you imply that you justify this war of cruel and murderous aggression as "a metaphysical battle", in the name of the "right to be on the side of the light, on the side of God's truth, of what the light of Christ reveals to us, His word, His Gospel… ”.
With all the respect that is due to you, and from which I do not depart, but also with infinite pain, I must bring to your attention that I cannot subscribe to such a reading of the Gospel. Nothing can ever justify that the "good shepherds" that we must be should cease to be "artisans of peace", whatever the circumstances.
Your Holiness, humbly, with a heavy heart, please do all you can to end this terrible war that is dividing the world and sowing death and destruction.
† Metropolitan JOHN of Dubna
Archbishop of the Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe.
Fr: https://archeveche.eu/lettre-ouverte-a-sa-saintete-cyrille-patriarche-de-moscou/
De: https://archeveche.eu/de/offener-brief-an-seine-heiligkeit-patriarch-kyrill-von-moskau/
It: https://archeveche.eu/it/lettera-aperta-a-sua-santita-cirillo-patriarca-di-mosca/
Also, of potential note, this recent open letter from Rowan Williams in The Times:
Last weekend Orthodox Christians in many countries celebrated “Forgiveness Sunday", the day before Great Lent begins. Many will have hoped to hear from the Orthodox Church in Russia some acknowledgement of the shocking — not to say blasphemous — absurdity of Orthodox Christians engaging, at this season of all seasons, in indiscriminate killing of the innocent, insanely reckless attacks on nuclear facilities (endangering their own homeland as well as the wider environment), the unashamed breach of ceasefire agreements, and an attac on one of the most significant Holocaust memorials in Europe.
It is not too late for the leadership of the Church in Russia to call for (at th« very least) a credible ceasefire as Lent begins. Those of us who owe a lasting debt to the thought and witness of Christian Russia through the centurie find it hard to believe that all the moral norms of warfare painstakingly explored by Christians in both East and West from the earliest ages onwards have been forgotten.
The Right Rev Lord Williams of Oystermouth Archbishop of Canterbury 2002-12
I’ll stop, but if you’ve not heard of the courage of Father Ioann Burdin this is from a recent Newsweek story:
“A Russian priest has been arrested after delivering an anti-war sermon on Sunday over President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Father Ioann Burdin of the Resurrection Church in Russia's western Kostroma region will be tried for anti-war statements in his sermon, and for publishing a link to an anti-war petition on his parish's website, the BBC's Russian service reported.”
“The priest ‘committed a public offense aimed at discrediting the Russian armed forces which are conducting a special military operation’ in Ukraine, according to a police report quoted by the Media Zona website.”
“He held his sermon on the final Sunday before Lent in Russia, which is known in the Orthodox Church as ‘Forgiveness Sunday.’”
“…His parish reportedly shared a link last week to an anti-war petition, accompanied by a statement that criticized Putin's decision to launch a full-scale invasion against Ukraine on February 24.”
“‘We, Christians, cannot stand idly by when a brother kills brother, a Christian kills a Christian,’ the statement said. ‘Let's not repeat the crimes of those who hailed Hitler's deeds on Sept. 1, 1939.’”
https://www.newsweek.com/russian-priest-arrested-delivering-sermon-anti-war-against-ukraine-1685436
Yes, very impressive. But, as I say, a few more actual Metropolitans would be nice.
Wonderful roast of Church leadership. This war and your comments brings to mind something (some?) Christians struggle with concerning Church leadership and their weak attempts to address morally outrageous events. I am not Eastern Orthodox, but I believe this is an issue throughout Christendom: How you reconcile the idiocy of Church leadership in not speaking out on Russia's immoral war (or other moral failings), yet still sustain those individuals as God's "conduit" for God's will to us? Am I more holy than those leading God's church?
Anyhow, tragic times, but some amazing people have risen to the top and have really exemplified true charity and love.
Why do you speak of the “church” as meaning the clergy?
Good question. I am using church as being synonymous with organization. My experience with christianity in america is that parishioners in denominations with prophets/apostles or other similar clergy see these individuals as indistinguishable from the "church". These heads of the churches steer the direction of the church. If the direction is off course - because of the leaders - so is the church. Or so the argument goes.
Hi. I am an American, but feel like Eastern Orthodox doesn’t work that way. The Church is the Body of Christ and spiritual hospital. Since I read That All Shall Be Saved and started inquiring, I do think there’s a difference even though your point puts pressure on the distinction. There’s an experiential aspect to the distinction, however, that I must admit I’m starting to feel.
I am not Eastern Orthodox and can't speak to how this applies to EOC, but I share your sense of the situation. I am curious about DBH's opinion on this because it seems a particularly insidious issue within american christianity (i.e., Mormonism, mega churches like Osteen's, and other more conservatives masquerading as traditionalists). And I understand Mr. Hart has a particular affinity for american christianity.
Um, what? I regard American Christianity as practically an oxymoron.
Sorry, my comedic sarcasm apparently didn't land. Your belief on the matter, which I share, is abundantly clear. To my original question though, why do american christian religions seem to have trouble distinguishing the church from its clergy? Maybe I am off. Thanks for indulging.
There is also a speech of him on the french site orthodoxie.com
I read this on pravmir.com
Well, here's this intemperate note (some of which was re-posted by Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, GOA): https://janotec.typepad.com/terrace/2022/03/this-is-not-a-religious-war.html
Many thanks. But by hierarchy I generally mean bishops and upward. Priests and deacons are often much better souls.
Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA have been forceful, but that is to be expected. Surprisingly, Metropolitan Tikhon of the OCA has been much sharper than my own bishop (who is suffragan under Archbishop Elpidophorous, and has been satisfactory at least in my own estimation).