Action

Submitted February 22, 2005

Regarding “Time for Action”

My trusty Webster's Dictionary defines innuendo as meaning "an oblique allusion" and "a veiled or equivocal reflection on character or reputation." The definitions pretty well sum up my feelings about the article you posted on February 22nd, 2005, originally published by The National Herald on February 18th, 2005, entitled, "Time for action".

What action does the esteemed National Herald want from Archbishop Demetrios and for what specific "simmering" problem? And "what" is "what" that isn't "performing up to standards"? To what and whose "standards" are they referring? And why does the Herald feel that the "situation...("in our Church") is", or isn't "as bad as it appears to be in Greece", which to my mind refers to a few sensationalized events which are being addressed by the proper authorities who are dealing with the facts to which they are privy? In His most loving manner Jesus Christ on many occasions admonishes us to mind our own affairs/business. Orthodoxy in Greece and around the world is God's business...first.

On three separate occasions I've been in the same building with our beloved Archbishop Demetrios; however, if the world's largest and most expensive lambadha fell on top of me and killed me in the presence of His Eminence, he wouldn't know me from the lambadha. I've never formally met this holy priest of God. He exudes reverence and love. He is a teacher, a writer, a scholar, a preacher and one with Christ. In his presence we sense what Orthodoxy is all about and the peace and love delivered to all of us by Christ from the Domain of our Father in Heaven. Are we Orthodox to view these aforementioned attributes of His Eminence as weaknesses? Are we not fortunate to have this man of God sent to us as a light of truth and compassion delivering His message at the top of the mountain? What miracles do we seek from him that we cannot find in ourselves?

We Orthodox need to do more than just "listen to the sound of the bell tolling and calling us to action." We need to help ring the bell. We need to stand up and take action. Where? In our individual parishes. How? By becoming participators and not just as complaining observers. Why? Because we love our Orthodoxy, we love our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.

From the time of my youth to this very day Orthodoxy has taught me one unwavering lesson: When the Bride wants my opinion She'll give it to me.

We are now in the period of the Triodion and we need to pay attention to the messages that are preparing us for the arrival of the Bridegroom. We individually need to make His arrival our business. We need to consider the shackles that keep us anchored to the folly of our limited mortal being that we might concentrate on that specially Chosen and Holy Day of His Resurrection.

Let's not hide behind innuendos, let's identify clearly what it is we need to "clean up" in our own house, and then let's join together and help His Eminence with his immense labor of love. Christ's Church. Orthodoxy. One family. In love. With Christ. Let's mind our own business.



Volume 7 Number 9 - Tuesday, March 1st, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY