No, absolutely not.  In fact, our efforts to assist persecuted priests have been greatly helped by understanding and compassionate bishops and metropolitans, past and present.  They know who they are, and may God continue to bless them in this and the next life for what they have done.

 

Serving on a parish council is a privilege that carries with it heavy responsibility.  Council members need to be not merely financially contributing members of the parish, but far more importantly, living a sacramental life and truly engaged in Orthodox praxis.

The church belongs to Christ, not to any of us.  All we have, every penny, every breath we take, is a gift from God.  Woe to us if we take our blessings or our responsibilities for granted.

In our experience, most problems between a priest and parish could be avoided with proper action, respect and love between the parish council and priest.

 

"It is easier to move a priest than an entire parish".

 

Perhaps something along the lines of "I have sent you 4 priests in the last 10 years, and either you didn't like them or they didn't wish to stay.  Perhaps we don't have a priest that is good enough for your parish, so I will send you a visiting priest once a month until you decide what you want."

 

This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there.

 

Does a bishop have the right to be immoral or dishonest?

Does a bishop have the right to be cruel or inhumane?

Does any spiritual father have a right to abuse his son?

 

Do any of us have the right to do these things?

 

Well, of course not.  It is the laity that says "Axios" when a Bishop is elevated; all Orthodox Christians have not just the right, but a duty to hold each and every one of us accountable for our actions or inactions.  To stand by and do nothing when a brother is suffering is sinful, as the Lord clearly says in Matt. 25:45-46.

 

That often, the presbyer (and his wife and children) are not treated as brothers and sisters.  Sometimes they are treated like hired hands, and sometimes no better than a stranger.  How many of us would accept less than respectful, professional  treatment from our own family, friends, boss, or co-workers?  And yet, aren't we co-workers in the vineyard of Christ?  But as the Church is not a club, and belongs to Christ, how much more important that we remember why we are there and act accordingly?

"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." I Cor. 12:27

 

Of course. But when the suffering is at the hands of inconsiderate parish councils or brother clergy or hierarchs, i.e., from within the church itself, then there is a problem that must be addressed by all who profess to be Orthodox Christians.

 

If you mean publicizing the truth about clergy abuse or the persecution of pious laity, rather than allowing it to be quietly swept under the rug, then no, quite the contrary. 

Educating Orthodox Christians and shining a light on real problems within the human organization of the church can only improve and strengthen the church and the body of Christ.  The devil loves apathy and Christ warns against those who are "lukewarm".  If we have consciences and listen to them, then we have responsibilities to attend to.

Therefore, we will continue to raise these issues until, God willing, there is no longer a need to do so.

 

We do not have an opinion on Orthodox Unity, other than to say it will happen in God's own time.  There is, however, a much higher priority for each of us, which the Apostle Paul pointed out clearly, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Phil 2:12-13

We would suggest that if we all focused on that priority, the unity the Church offers us would be manifest.