Enough

Published by The Hellenic Voice, June 22, 2005

Responding to editorial "Enough!"

(The Hellenic Voice, June 22, 2005) After several months of reporting on the disreputable actions of those within our church who would bring it disgrace, The Hellenic Voice found it imperative to speak out against their corruption in the May 25 editorial entitled “Enough!” In the pulled quote of the editorial we asserted, “It is with disgust that we view the actions of those who have perpetrated the offenses described. And it is with outrage that we condemn the indignities which are being piled high upon the church. The desecration of that which the faithful have held as most holy, the Christian Orthodox Church, by those who are entrusted with its guardianship and nourishment, can no longer be suffered.”

The editorial struck a resonance among the community that at the time of its writing we could not have predicted. And it is at the request of many that we share with you some of the supportive comments we have received from the laity, along with those of the author who offered the sole criticism. We also commend the courage of one metropolitan who committed his thoughts and concerns for the church to the written word. Their responses appear on the opposite page.

We have continued to report factually on the continuing developments within the church since last month’s editorial based upon cited and verifiable information provided in large part by the international media including the Associated Press, London Financial Times, Athens News Agency, Reuters, TIME Magazine Europe, Agence France Press, the New York Times and others.

There has been no response from the archdiocese to the questions posed in the May 25 issue. And with the exception of a very few, the deafening silence within the clergy continues. “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it, but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them’” (Matthew 23: 1-4).

Is your silence the result of disagreement with what we have stated, or is it due to a sharing in our sense of betrayal? While the numbers of our clergy are in decline, there are far too many virtuous and devout within its brotherhood to remain silent with regard to what history may record as the most demanding issue our church encountered during our watch. At a time when the beliefs and convictions of the faithful are challenged each day, whether within the community, workplace, school or government, by a nation and world that are undergoing rapid and seismic changes in culture and faith, is it not you, as the embodiment of Christ on earth, to whom they can turn for understanding? The good shepherd tends to his flock, even when the threat to its well-being originates from within. That to which you have dedicated your lives, His Church, is in peril and you remain silent. Is there nothing left that is sacred?

We have spoken openly and honestly in our pages for all to know the facts and our position regarding them. None of what has been reported has been disputed, not even by the originator of the lone criticism, despite his attempts at diversion and duplicity.

As we stated in the May 25 editorial, “while those who offend are few, their power is considerable.” Accountability for their actions is the issue and it is accountability for their actions that they fear.

“Fellow Orthodox Christians, our faith is pure and sacred. Our institutions and organizations well intended. And our past is one that is rich.”



Volume 7 Number 27 - Tuesday, July 5th, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY