united

Published by the St. Andrew House Discussion Forum, September 9, 2005

Imagine now how a united Orthodox Church might have responded [to Hurricane Katrina]...

For those skeptics among you who still honestly wonder about the need for Orthodox unity in this country, the response of the various Orthodox jurisdictions to Hurricane Katrina Relief country provides an excellent illustration of the problem inherent in an organization of multiple, separate jurisdictions. The fact that the fragmented response involved an outstanding organization, the IOCC, an organization which is generally held out as the paragon of Orthodox cooperation, only serves to underline the severity of the problem. Just to make sure - Nothing in this post should be taken as the slightest criticism of that fine organization. One can only imagine the political minefield the IOCC navigates on a weekly basis in a sincere attempt to fulfill its mission.

First, let's objectively review how the various jurisdictions have responded. Without going into a lot of detail, suffice to say that two of three of the major Orthodox jurisdictions (the GOA and AOCA) elected to bypass the IOCC entirely, and have instead directed their parishes across the country to forward donations to their respective archdioceses instead. The reasons for doing this can only be speculated upon. The literature from one of those jurisdictions states as follows: "donations to this fund will be used to address the needs of this is for Greek Orthodox communities as well as for assisting the general relief efforts." Even the language raises more questions than it answers. Meanwhile, priests at individual parishes across the country are left to wonder out loud, "Why are we doing this?" A few priests even break ranks and call for direct donations to the IOCC. Worse, parishioners in the pews are confused. Some walk out the door, and elect to give the American Red Cross "like everybody else." Others give at church – but are their donations going where they think they are going?

A quick review of the websites of both jurisdictions illustrates the apparent “backseat role” which IOCC has been pushed into in the current effort. The GOA website (www.goarch.org) sports the image of a large image of a hurricane, along with a “button” allowing visitors to “Donate Now”. At the bottom of the page, just below headlines about Metropolitan Maximos’ recovery, are (or were) headlines from the IOCC. Definitely “below the fold” in newspaper parlance.

The Antiochian Archdiocese similarly presents dramatic images and buttons for both the private AOCA collection effort, as well as a SOYO (youth) effort. The words IOCC do not even appear on the home page – and no IOCC banner (as at the top of this Forum) is visible anywhere on the site.

By the way, copies of those directives, issued from both Abp Demetrios and Met. Philip are available online.

The OCA, alone among the major jurisdictions, calls for an immediate and direct donation to the IOCC. The call is made consistently, through its various dioceses to the best of our knowledge (see news releases - the Romanian Episcopate website) . Additionally, it should be pointed out that the Denver Metropolis of the GOA, led by Metropolitan Isaiah, has also followed the approach of the OCA, and calling for direct donations to the IOCC.

As a contrast to the current fragmented approach, let's imagine for a moment how a united American Orthodox Church may have responded. Would the response have been the same? If so, there's really no need for unity. If not, then there's a lot of work to be done.

Although no one can know for sure, consider what might have occurred prior to any decision and action. The executive committee of the synod would have gathered, considered the magnitude of the disaster, and would have discussed a common, coordinated effort. Perhaps even a conference call involving all the bishops to get a “hands on” assessment. The needs of all Orthodox parishes in the area (across all jurisdictions) would have been quickly assessed and tallied. Who’s hurt? Who’s OK. The magnitude of the need would have been identified, and a common appeal would have been formulated - a single request, issued from an American patriarch. No confusion to the faithful - just one church saying "We have decided to do this..." The "this" may have been as simple as donate immediately to the IOCC and give blood to the American Red Cross - and we'll let you know how much we need for the local parishes when we have a clearer picture next week." Who knows for sure…but it would have been a clear message, delivered quickly and easily, one which probably would have garnered considerable publicity in the process.

In addition to an initial response, think of the other things that an American Church might have been in a position to offer. First, common prayers for the victims - beautifully composed petitions for the hurricane victims at every Orthodox Church on the continent...immediately. Memorial services, coast to coast, one week later. Next, consider the value of synergy at a time like this - the value of things like "hands on" knowledge (from the bishops involved) of all parishes, clergy, and laity in the area. The ability to setup regional centers, gather medical assets, donations, other resources in the area at close-in staging points. Calls would have gone out to the high profile medical people in the region - from the bishops and the patriarch, as well as to donors.

Finally, consider what a united Orthodox Church could do with the parishes and even monasteries in the immediately surrounding areas. A patriarchal proclamation would have literally RUNG out, stating, "I, Patriarch XXXX, the leader of the American Orthodox Church, am putting the resources of our entire church at the disposal of the victims...here is a list of parishes and monasteries. I am opening the churches and the monasteries, to be used for as long as the need continues to exist (as someone suggested on this Forum a few days ago). We will take XXX thousands of families beginning right now.”

Can you imagine, in addition to the good done, the image of an American Orthodox Church in the eyes of normal 'Mericans following such an action? It is not out of the realm of possibilities that overnight, we could have gone from being "The guys in the great hats" to "The original Church in action"...in 24 hours!!! Can you imagine the "Wows" this could generate? At a minimum, imagine the curiosity it could have generated, the future and potential converts this would begin to generate. We would have been hearing those comments for years!

Need an example of what a united Orthodox Church could do (that we can't and don't)...Just think about this...then go check the newspapers to see if the Orthodox "visibility" (as called for by someone below) has occurred.

Just a thought for your consideration the next time you hear someone wondering out loud “Why do we need Orthodox unity?”

Best Regards,
Dean Calvert , St. Andrew House Discussion Forum, September 9, 2005



Volume 7 Number 37 - Tuesday, September 13th, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY