Mail
and Commentary from Our Readers……….January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2000
Mail from Our Readers is our latest
feature where we will post e-mail messages and excerpts from the cards and
letter that we receive. In all cases e-mail addresses and names will not be
published in order to protect the anonymity of the sender.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Public
Reply to Mr. Taras Hundak
Recently we received an e-mail from one of our
readers, Mr. Taras Hundak, and he has posed a very interesting question. He
states:
In a recent interview,
Patriarch Filaret stated that it is the "unified churches" goal to be
under the Throne of the "Great Mother Church of Constantinople" and
that the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, will recognize this unified
church by the end of the year.
If this is true,
should we be supporting the "KP" with their efforts to unify with the
"Great Church of Constantinople"? If yes, then what are you
"saving" here in the US? If no, why not?
I'm not really that
informed with church "politics", but for some reason I am unclear as
to what your goal is now with all these events happening?
We responded directly to Mr. Hundak's letter
but feel that this question may be on the minds of many people and that a more
broader and detailed public response is necessary.
One of the deplorable activities of the Bound
Brook Bishops is to exploit the situation created by the potential recognition,
by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and World Orthodoxy, of a "unified
church" in Ukraine and by this exploitation justify what they perpetrated
on UOC-USA.
There is a world of difference between World
Orthodoxy's "recognition" and total "subordination" under
the infamous "omophor". Patriarch Mstyslav, on numerous occasions going
as far back as 1976, sought recognition but vehemently rejected subordination
under the throne of Constantinople.
It is our strong belief that what is sought by
the UOC-KP is recognition in its strictest sense.
1.
Recognition of an independent (autocephalous) Ukrainian
Orthodox Church.
2.
Recognition of a Ukrainian Patriarch with all the
rights and privileges enjoyed by every Patriarch in the Orthodox Christendom.
3.
The realization of Patriarch Mstyslav's lifelong labor
on our behalf.
What the Bishops of Bound Brook persist in perpetrating is a litany of
deceit, treachery and betrayal:
1.
On March 13, 1995 they were unilaterally elected as
Greek Bishops:
Metropolitan Constantine of Eirenopolis
Archbishop Antony – Bishop of Hierapolis
Archbishop Vsevolod – Bishop of Scopelos
2.
In a recent court deposition filed by the attorneys for
Archbishop Antony they finally admitted that they are NOT Bishops of
UOC-USA but are Bishops of the Church of Constantinople.
3.
They unilaterally forfeited the independence (autocephaly)
of UOC of USA and are trying to impose a "Synodal" administrative
structure. Our church was founded based on Autocephaly and Sobornopravna
principles of administration.
4.
After the fact, they deceived the Metropolitan Council
and coerced the faithful at two Sobors to accept their illegal acts. The reason
they were and are illegal is because they are contrary to our Church's
Constitution (by-laws).
5.
They sought property control of three parishes in Civil
Courts.
All of the above was done using underhanded methods that are hardly
appropriate for Christians, let alone ordained Disciples of Christ.
The litany is endless, but the result remains the same – they are tearing
away the UOC-USA from the Mother Church in Ukraine. We must not let them. We
must reclaim the church of our fathers and save our heritage, abiding by the
principles outlined in the mission statement of our organization.
Save Our UOC Committee
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received 11-27-00
I received a copy of the November 28, 2000 Rochester, NY newspaper
"Democrat and Chronicle". In an article "Strife tears area
church" a detailed account is provided of the current situation at St.
Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Rochester, NY. What I find
very disturbing and appalling is the report that the new priest, Rev. Paul
Jagnisz, supported by Archbishop Antony is:
"calling couples married by Rev.
Zhownirovych (previous parish priest, Ed.) to inform them that they must exchange
vows again because the initial ceremony was invalid. Children baptized and
chrismated, or confirmed, under Zhownirovych would also need to have those
sacraments performed again, Jagnisz said."
Is this not the height of hypocrisy? Is this not pure and unadulterated
stupidity on the part of Rev. Jagnisz and by extension on the part of
Archbishop Antony who is really behind all of this? If those sacraments are
invalid because they were performed by an un-canonical priest, then ALL of the
Ukrainian Orthodox faithful in the USA and the diaspora, prior to 1995, will
have to renew their vows baptize their children and be chrismated or confirmed
all over again. If that is the case then every burial service will have to be
done all over again. All of these religious services were performed by
un-canonical priests who were part of UOC-USA that was NOT recognized by the
Ecumenical Patriarch or World Orthodoxy. It was only in 1995 that UOC-USA
became canonical. Does someone in Bound Brook have an answer? If we were not
required to renew our vows and re-baptize our children then why should the
parishioners of St. Mary the Protectress in Rochester, NY? Is there an answer
to this stupidity?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mail Received 10-19-00
We are a nation of laws. Every citizen is
subject to the law and must operate under the law. Otherwise, we are
"outlaws" as in a Wild West film. Everyone must obey a court order
and cooperate with the court. If not, it is called contempt of court and those
who are in contempt of court go to jail, or pay heavy fines or both. Those who
are in contempt cast grave doubts on their credibility and motives. We need to
pray for our Ukrainian Orthodox Church because we are in danger of losing it
here in America and in Ukraine. May God help us.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received on 10-19-00 a Readers Observation:
Should anyone have any doubt that the Bishops of Bound Brook are bishops
of a foreign church please check the web pages of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
of Constantinople. They are NOT bishops
of UOC in USA. They were elected Bishops of the Church of Constantinople on
March 12, 1995 by the Ecumenical Patriarchate Synod. Or better yet look at the September 2000, Vol. 2000 No. 7 issue of
the Ukrainian Orthodox Word published by UOC in USA. On page 7 is an article
written by Archbishop Vsevolod signed as Archbishop of Scopelos. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Text in Ukrainian….. Received September
20, 2000 from a reader in Dniepropetrovsk, Ukraine
If you are having problems
reading text in Ukrainian do the following: On your opening screen - computer
desktop - Go to Start/Settings/Control Panel. Go to Add/Remove Programs. Go to
Windows Setup Tab. Scroll down to Multilanguage Support and check off box.
Restart your computer.
Шановне
панство Save Our UOC!
Цікаво
читати Вашу
докладну та
актуальну інтернет-сторінку.
Зворушують
Ваші турботи
щодо захисту
і збереження
Українського
православного
життя в
Америці.
Правдиво
зичу мати Вам
побільше
спільників у
цій святій та
патріотичній
справі.
Бавнд-бруківські
владики, а
особливо,
даруйте за не
шляхетний
стиль,
“Антошка”,
коли заборонятиме
вірним
вітати і
приймати
духовенство
з України, то
остаточно
втратить
прихильність
еміграції. Це
й справді виглядає
немов за
тоталітарного
режиму. Абсолютно
не є
прийнятним
для
суспільства, де
волевиявлення
людини перш
над усе. А окрім
того: де ж
християнська
любов? Де
мудрість душпастиря?
Пробачте,
але я
обпечений на
все життя
тією системою
в котрій
пройшла моя
молодість і дуже
скептично
ставлюся до
будь-якого
возвеличення.
Не сприймаю
догматизм у
будь-який
формі. І
глибоко
переконаний,
що віра Христова
аж ніяк не
буде
страдницею,
коли наші
думки не
співпадатимуть
з думками
архієпископа
Антонія. Він
така ж людина
як кожен з
нас. І може
так само
помилятися, а
часом більше.
Це нам робили
ікони з
Леніна та
членів
Політбюро
КПРС. А
насправді
виявилися
падлюки.
Христос
вчить що не
має Бога,
окрім нього.
На тому
й стою – один
Бог, одна
Україна.
Можливо, ці
мої погляди
не доречні
для
православного.
Та, здається
мені, що
зберігаючи
традиції
треба
дивитися на
речі тверезо.
Отож,
коли ієрархи
за Україну,
за її народ та
його
культуру – я ж поважаю
таких й
шаную. Коли
вони
мудрують через
корито, котре
у Церкві
рідко буває
порожнім, то
вони мені
якось до
лампочки.
Патріарх
Філарет
також
грішний.
Свого часу
служив
Москві. Але я
йому не
суддя. Я сам
був
комунякою (
себто не в
душі, а мав
квиток).
Такий був
час. А нині
Філарет за
Україну. Значить
треба
відкинути
усі емоції та
підтримувати
його. Бо
святих серед
нас не
знайти. Хай
Вам щастить!
м.
Дніпропетровськ
20-09-00
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received September 19,
2000
Greetings!
I've been following your web page with a great deal of interest. However, please H-E-L-P me out with some of the latest news that I haven't been able to locate on your site:
Thanking in advance for your response, which is greatly appreciated and it will allow me to better understand our Ukrainian Orthodox faith.
Sashko
Editorial Reply: We can only confirm that Patriarch Filaret's visit has
been cancelled. Please stay tuned for further information as it becomes
available.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received September 7, 2000
Your web site is great. Keep it up-dated to maintain continued interest.
This matter affects all of us. Don't publish trash hate mail. It is easy to
guess the author of your recent post. These people are sick and of no use to no
one… Suggestion: translate the letter you receive in Ukrainian into English.
Many readers do not undestand or read Ukrainian but are very proud of their
heritage. The Bound Brook engine is fuled by SCOBA, the Greeks and their
allies. Stick to your guns. Good Luck and God Bless!
Reply: Thank you for your kind words and your suggestion regarding translations. We try to keep a balance in publishing both Ukrainian and English with emphasis on English. There are a large number of elderly faithful with limited English abilities and no access to computers or the internet. We are hopeful that our supporters will print out the Ukrainian text and make copies available to those individuals within their parishes. We also suggest to our supporters to print out any article be it Ukrainian or English and distribute it within their parish.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Bigots that support the Bishops of Bound Brook
We received another piece of hate mail. Since receipt of this mail on August 12, 2000 we have been debating on whether to post it on our web site. After much discussions and soul searching we decided to post it. Many people may voice their opposition to our action saying "Why are we giving our critics a voice, a forum on our web page". Some may even accuse us of writing this hate mail ourselves in order to gain sympathy. Nothing could be more further from the truth.
Our purpose of publishing this garbage is to expose the type of people that are among the supporters of the bishops of Bound Brook, what they stand for and what they represent. We publish this garbage to show the hidden agenda that is behind the actions of the bishops of Bound Brook and their supporters. The issues here are not religion or Orthodoxy. It is not Patriarch Filaret, the Kievan-Patriarchate or a united Ukrainian Orthodox Church. THE REAL ISSUES ARE NATIONALISTIC…that we are Ukrainian nationals fighting for our heritage, our culture and our church history…that we care that we are Ukrainian Orthodox …that for us UKRAINIAN and ORTHODOXY are inseparable. BIGOTRY is the hidden agenda that we wish to expose and we will publish every piece of hate mail to publicize the bigots that exist within the supporters of the bishops of Bound Brook.
The author of this mail did not hide his name. It was printed on his return e-mail address. We declined to post his name other than to identify his e-mail screen name. The letter is reprinted exactly as we received it with the exception of blanking some unsuitable words.
Received August 12, 2000 from
"fixxxer52"
first I would like to say that you evil people
are not the UOC. you people are a group of nationalistic a--holes who only care
about the fact that you are ukrainian. do you even appreciate the fact that you
are an Orthodox Christian. Obviously you don’t, because if you did you would
not be doing these things.
this goes out to the people in the Clifton
parish, who have done these deeds, i.e. Walter Mahouchy, John Lucheco, you are
both a---holes who get it up the a---. i hope that when this is settled, you
pray to God, that is if you believe in Him, that the good people can forgive
you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received August 29, 2000
With great interest I read your posted information regarding the Appellate Court denying Archbishop Antony their appeal to limit the discovery process. Not having a legal background I would like to see information provided on your web site as to what happens next. Where do the plaintiffs (Archbishop Antony and the UOC-USA Consistory) go next and what do they do since they have lost twice in their attempts to limit disclosure of pertinent information germane to the case at hand.
Another important question that comes to mind regarding all of these legal attempts and maneuverings by Archbishop Antony to limit disclosure. WHY??? This is a religious institution, a Church. What is there to hide? All books, documents, agreements, publications and information should be available to the faithful. What is there to hide from the general Church membership? There should be nothing to hide. They are our confessors, our priests and bishops. They above all should set the best of examples, but yet there is a distinct reluctance to show the faithful what goes on behind the walls of the UOC-USA Consistory. The only thing we see is the spoon-fed information provided by the Consistory every three years at the Sobors. And since the Metropolitan Council is nothing but a rubber stamp what happens during the intervening years?
Could there possibly be a scandalous mismanagement of finances such as the rumored mismanagement of the St. Sophia Seminary account of $700,000.00? Maybe Archbishop Antony is reluctant to publicize his $80,000.00 per year salary, a chauffeur driven Lincoln Towncar, and an estate size villa in Flemington, NJ. Or is he reluctant to have become public the rumored condominium that he purchased in Florida or a final confirmation of the rumored $300,000 account he set up for the Clifton lawsuit. Or maybe he is afraid of the IRS and the tax-free $500.00 to $1000.00 "gifts of love" that he receives from each parish that he visits.
Whatever it is that they do not want to make public the question begs a reply. If there is nothing to hide why are they spending thousands and thousands of dollars on legal fees to prevent disclosure and the discovery process to start? Why? Why?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received August 16, 2000
НОВИНА!
Архиєрейский
собор РПЦ МП,
який тепер
проходить в
Москві,
одноголосно
прийняв
рішення --
канонізувати
останнього
царя
російської
імперії
Ніколая ІІ та
членів його
родини.
Народи "від
молдаванина
й до фіна"
після 9-го
січня 1905 року
прозвали
Ніколая "Миколою
кривавим"…
На
соборі були
присутні й
голосували "раби
отєчєства
чужого"
гієрархія
т.зв. УПЦ МП з
"щирим
українським
патріотом"
митрополитом
В.Сабоданом
на чолі.
Що ж
далі? Який
наступний
крок
московської патріархії?
Канонізувати
відомого Грішку
Рас-путіна?? Й, до
пари, не менш
відомого
попа Гапона?
Цікаво
-- як
реагуватимуть
на ці кроки
московської
патріархії,
на цю
"свистопляску",
поборники
так званого "чистого"
православ'я,
яких серед
нас,
православних
українців,
сьогодні --на
жаль--не
бракує?
Олександер
Северин,
Нью-Йорк, 16
серпень 2000 р.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We have decided to publishing a piece of hate
mail that we received in order to show the type of "people" that exist within the Ukrainian
Orthodox community that "support"
the bishops of Bound Brook. It is sad to learn that the person next to you in
church who is "praying" and beating with their foreheads
"poklony" could possibly be the author of this type of garbage.
We want to share this e-mail that we received on July 22, 2000 with our
readers. It was sent via a re-mailer in order to protect the authors name and
electronic address. We share this piece of hate mail to let the
Ukrainian-American community and the rest of the world know that these types of
people are not restricted to Harlem, Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn or
Newark, NJ. These types of people exist WITHIN the Ukrainian
community, they attend Church services and "pray" next to the little
old "babyshkas" in Church. They exist up in Rochester, NY where it
was reported that Rev. Oleh Zhownirovych of St. Mary The Protectress parish
suffered 4 slashed tires and they also exist in Clifton, NJ where a parishioner
of Holy Ascension parish, since January of this year, has had 8
flat tires. These are the types of people that "support"
the bishops of Bound Brook and we pray to God that they are in the minority. For
if not then we are all in serious trouble, our Ukrainian Orthodox Church, our
Ukrainian-American community, our heritage and our culture.
Received July 22, 2000 -HATE MAIL
"You are a bunch of paranoid freaks and,
well, liars. Now that the UOC-KP may gain recognition from Istanbul, where will
you go? Waco? So waste your parish’s money with your little lawsuit, ask your
schizophrenic questions in your little depositions and refuse to believe the
answers. Maybe some Clozaril might help. Do you really believe that you will
find any "secret" dealings behind the points of agreement? If this
was such a big conspiracy like you think it is, then you will NEVER learn what
really happened. What a bunch of losers."
Signed…..Nobody; Sender….re-mailer
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received July 12, 2000 (in Ukrainian text)
"…чого
не було! -
Савка
вернувся!" -
репетувала,
бігаючи по
Семенівці,
баба
Паранька
коли її
чоловік на початку
цього
століття
вернувся з
русько-японської
війни….
Чого не
було! -
читаючи
тепер
Обіжник
Консисторії
з дня 5 липня 2000
року тепер
уважний читач
коли
довідається,
що теперішні
владики УПЦ в
США теж
"пахалі",
вдаючи, що й
вони, мовляв,
докладали
зусиль в
напрямку щоб
постала
ПОМІСНА
УКРАЇНСЬКА
ПРАВОСЛАВНА
ЦЕРКВА з
українцем -
Патріархом у
Столиці
України КИЄВІ!
Нам
тепер не до
байок й не до
тих, які
заднім числом
достосовуються
до
серйозного
процесу
упорядкування
Церковного
українського
Православного
життя в нашій
Батьківщині.
Наше
завдання - підтримати
зусилля
Патріотів
України на цьому
етапі!
Якщо ж
(Баунд
Брудські)
владики
вважають, що
й вони внесли
свою лепту в
будову, ім'я
якій Помісна
Українська
Православна
Церква, то
чому вони в
1995-му році прийняли
таємні
титули
століттями
неіснуючої
Візантійської
імперії?!
Олександер
Северин,
Нью-Йорк 12
липня 2000 року.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received July 3, 2000
Has anyone read the latest (May/June) issue of Ukrainian Orthodox Word? Pan-Orthodoxy is alive and well and is being promoted, advertised and shoved down our throats. Headlines such as "Historic Pan-Orthodox Celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy" and a whole page devoted to "A Pan-Orthodox Family Pilgrimage" to (of all places) the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese and St. Basil Acadamy attest to this fact. When are people going to realize that when it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck………………
Also WHY is the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ celebrated in of all places Pittsburgh and not Bound Brook the center of Ukrainian Orthodoxy in the USA? Also will someone please explain why is the celebration in AUGUST and not in January? Isn't January 7th, according to the Ukrainian Orthodox calendar, the actual anniversary date? There are no doubt hidden ulterior motives behind choosing the date and the location for this celebration. Eventually we will find out.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Time for the Faithful to Awake.....Some
Personal Reflections
After participating in the celebration of
St. Thomas's Sunday, (Providna Nedilia) and observing several unbelievable
occurrences, I have had time to think and reflect about what is happening within
our Church. I cannot understand how most of our Church members either don't
care, or underestimate and dismiss the implications and potential outcome of
what our bishops have done. Please bear with me while I try to explain how
serious the situation has become.
Our bishops have placed our Church under
the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch. As everyone knows, that is very
different from being recognized by him. The Russian Orthodox Church, the
Serbian Church, the Rumanian Church, etc. (you can get a full list on several
web sites), are all recognized by him and visa versa, but none of them are
under his jurisdiction. They are all totally independent, as was our Church
before the signing of the Points of Agreement in 1995. Even the Greek Orthodox
Church in Greece is not under his jurisdiction. Only the Greeks in the diaspora
are under his jurisdiction, in addition to the Carpatho-Russians and the
Ukrainians.
There was always a Ukrainian Orthodox
Church (UOC)under Greek jurisdiction in the USA (Bishop Vsevolod, before him
Bishop Kuschak before him Bishop Bohdan Spilka). However, Vladyka Mstyslav
never went under Greek jurisdiction. Our parents could have joined the UOC
under the Greek jurisdiction, but didn't do so. My belief is that they didn't
do so because that Church was not independent, and did not support and nurture
all of the things that were important to them. In addition, the Greeks had a
long and consistent history of supporting the Russian Church.
Being under the Ecumenical Patriarch's
jurisdiction (or anyone else's) is against our Church Constitution. The first
two article state that we are autocephalous (independent) and equal to other
Orthodox Churches. Clearly we can not be equal and subordinate at the same
time.
When our hierarchs state that all this was
approved by the 14th and 15th Sobors, they are not stating the whole truth (or
in my terminology they are being Clintonian). The 14th Sobor approved their
actions but did so with specific conditions, and relied on the forthrightness
of the bishops' statements regarding how this would help the Church in Ukraine.
Those conditions were never acknowledged or agreed to by the Ecumenical
Patriarch. And clearly this action did not help the Church in Ukraine (unless
you consider the church under the Moscow Patriarch). The 15th Sobor restated
those concerns and asked for answers in writing from the Patriarch. To the best
of my knowledge, no answers were received. (I personally do not think that the
conditions and concerns were ever presented).
Patriarch Bartholomew has stated over and
over again that he recognizes the jurisdiction of Moscow over the Ukrainian
Orthodox Church in Ukraine. That was his position before our bishops signed the
Points of Agreement, and that is his position now. His position has not
changed.
Our bishops have put themselves in a
position where they cannot concelebrate with bishops from Ukraine unless those
bishops belong to the Moscow Patriarchate. We can not dismiss this. Remember
when Patriarch Dimitri visited Bound Brook - he did not celebrate the Liturgy.
(I was surprised that no one pursued this at that time). When Archbishop
Vsevolod went over to 'preside' over Patriarch Dimitri's funeral, he did not
concelebrate the Liturgy with the UAOC bishops, he presided at the burial
service (read 'odpevanie' and 'panakhyda'). Contrast this to Vladyka Mstyslav's
funeral Liturgy.
Our bishops can and do concelebrate with
the Russians. A concrete example is the Sunday of Orthodoxy when Metropolitan
Constantine concelebrated in NYC with Metropolitan Teodosius of the Orthodox
Church of America (OCA) which was given autonomy by Moscow. Vladyka Mstyslav
always considered the OCA to be created by Moscow to eliminate the national
element of our church. He condemned even meetings with their clergy, let alone
any concelebrating. (See letter from Metropolitan Mstyslav, March 19, 1981 to
Fr. Chubenko and Fr Nakonechny). Metropolitan Teodosius, by the way, frequently
travels to Ukraine, where he tells everyone that he is Ukrainian and that they
should all belong to the Moscow Church, since that is the only church that is
recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarch.
According to the Points of Agreement, all
new bishops of our Church must be approved by the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Our bishops have Greek titles - actually
they have become Greek bishops. In effect, out Church has joined Bishop
Vsevolod's old Church (that was under the Ecumenical Patriarch), and not the
other way around.
One of the Points of Agreement states that
our Church can not get involved in any politics (read anything Ukrainian).
Our bishops have never explained Protocol
937 (other than to state that they have never seen the original), where
Patriarch Bartholomew states to Patriarch Alexei of Moscow that our bishops
have promised not to do anything to help the UAOC in Ukraine. (If you need a
copy of Protocol 937 - please look elsewhere on this web site)
So far does any of this sound like
something that Patriarch Mstyslav would either do or approve?
Our bishops keep saying that they have
completed what Vladyka Mstyslav always wanted. Think about this - they are
stating that Vladyka Mstyslav (a Patriarch) wanted to be under the jurisdiction
of another Patriarch. This is absolute nonsense, and cannot possibly exist. In
the Orthodox World the Ecumenical Patriarch is the FIRST AMONG EQUALS. Vladyka
Mstyslav wanted recognition of our Church, not subjugation.
All efforts are being made to remove the
'Ukrainian' from the UOC-USA. The most recent examples are the 'blue stickers'
that were given out on 'Provody'. Everything was in English. Compare this to
the stickers of the past. How insulting to our older church members. Another
example - the issues of The Ukrainian Orthodox Word, how many articles do you
see about or concerning Ukraine but yet we get the latest news regarding
Patriarch Alexij criticizing the Ukrainian Government. (See Vol. L 4, April
2000 page6). You get the picture.
Archbishop Anthony has said in public that
the one goal of our Church is to 'save souls'. But that is the goal of every Church.
What makes our Church unique? It is the very thing that they are turning away
from - "Ukrainianism". Without this element, there is no difference
between our Church and any other Orthodox Church.
I recommend that you look at the website
www.saveouruoc.com. It has many articles that you will find interesting. In
addition, smorodsky's website, www.smorodsky.com/holyascension, actually has
posted the Clifton court case documents, where one can read what Archbishop
Anthony stated about the purpose of our Church and the role that Russia has
played in its history. Read this public record and make up your own mind. I
found his statements unbelievable, insulting, and akin to what a Russian
clergyman would state.
Many of our priests have come to me in
private and have stated that they agree with what we are doing, but are
'afraid' to say or do anything. Some of them have written me supportive
letters, asking that their content stay private. I have begun to be fairly
'impatient' with them reminding them that in the past the clergy were our
leaders, they defended what was Ukrainian, and risked their lives not just
their livelihood.
My point is that this is a real struggle
for the essence of what our Church is about, and not just a case of some
individuals disagreeing or one parish objecting. I believe with all my heart
that if the Clifton Parish loses the court case, then a major battle will be
lost to stop the pan-orthodox faction from making our church a homogenous
organization, not differentiated from the OCA in any way. I will not and can
not stand by silently while that happens.
I ask - what would it take for our people
to wake up? A bishop from Moscow concelebrating the Holy Liturgy with
Archbishop Antony in Bound Brook?
It is time to wake up.
signed.....Simon Nahnybida, Bound Brook,
NJ
P.S.
It has been brought to my
attention that St. Andrew's Brotherhood was responsible for providing the blue
Providna Nedilia ribbons on May 7, 2000. Due to problems associated with
printing of the graphics the original printer was not able to print the correct
version of the ribbons. Therefore on an emergency basis St. Andrew's
Brotherhood had to contract a different printer.
Signed….Simon Nahnybida
**********************************************
Received June 2,
2000
Clarity
of Thought and Logic
I've been accessing
your web-site for the last few months and have been following the various
reports and articles with great interest. I share the amazement, expressed by
one of your contributors, that most of the members and parishes of both the
UOC-USA and UOC-Canada seem to be apathetic about the path taken by the
hierarchy of both Churches. Specifically, I am referring to the unilateral
subordination of both Churches to the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
I quote from the
Constitution of the UOC-USA, Section I, Paragraph 2: "The Ukrainian
Orthodox Church of the United States of America keeps the Dogmas, Canons,
Structure and Worship of the Holy Ecumenical Orthodox Church. It is
Autocephalous (independent) in all matters of its life and government, and its
rights are equal with those of other Autocephalous Orthodox Churches."
Since this section
of the Constitution of the UOC-USA has not been amended or changed, whatever
agreements were made by the bishops in the name of the Church can not possibly
be valid. Only a change to the Constitution could eliminate the independent
status and subordinate the UOC-USA to the jurisdiction of another entity,
regardless who
or
what that entity is. I believe that the bishops could sign any agreement or agree to any
other jurisdiction as individuals, but not in the name of the Church.
I would like to draw
a parallel to illustrate my argument. Suppose my parish priest, who happens to
be Father Estocin, decides to change his allegiance (jurisdiction) from the
UOC-USA to another jurisdiction. He can do so at any time; after all we do live
in a free country. However, this action would not automatically change the
jurisdiction over his parish. This can be done only by changing the parish
constitution. I believe that my example is pertinent for when Father Estocin
came to the UOC-USA from another jurisdiction, his parish did not come over
with him, nor was it in any way bound by his decisions.
So until our Church
changes its constitution, the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch remains
only over the individual bishops. Only the Greek Orthodox Church outside of
Greece recognizes the Ecumenical Patriarch's jurisdiction. So in reality our
bishops have become bishops of the Greek Orthodox Church outside of Greece.
However, they are financially supported by the Ukrainian Autocephalous Church,
which is "independent and equal to any other Orthodox Church". In
reality, the UOC-USA no longer has any of its own, independent bishops in the US.
If I am not mistaken,
the wording of the UOC-Canada Constitution is not much different.
Now a question for
the members of both UOC-USA and the UOC-Canada: Why are we supporting these
"foreign" bishops, whose allegiance is to Istanbul?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received June 1, 2000
I wish it were just a farce. You notice that it's not the "Office of
Ukrainian Orthodox Ed." For years, our former Bishops along with their
Orthodox Jesuits, have been surreptitiously promoting "Real Orthodoxy"
among those in our parishes who felt an inadequacy, and a persistent need to
"grow out" of our backwater provincialism of "Ukrainian
Orthodoxy" and embrace the larger truer faith of "Ecumenical
Orthodoxy." This required an exorcism of Ukrainianism and a step up to a
generic Orthodoxy aggressively promoted by the Russian "Orthodox
Elite" in the U.S. under the guise of Orthodox Church of America(OCA). If
you tracked the inventory on the shelves of our Bookstore in S. Bound Brook,
you would have noticed an ever increasing number of titles published by the OCA
and their leading gurus.
The UOL has been a leading proponent of integrating Orthodoxy and they
have been the persistent drones for this movement. The late Patriarch Mstyslav
cut a Quixotic figure as he tilted with the UOL throughout his tenure in S.
Bound Brook.
This I fear is a coming out from the underground. Now we will get our
marching and cleansing orders openly. No more cloak and dagger capers. They'll
be able to goose-step out in the open now.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received May 29, 2000
Regarding the rebuttal to my letter of May 15. The writer of that
rebuttal makes a totally illogical argument using the premise that the source
of, and continuance of the problem is going to become the solution. That is
Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) and the bishops in collusion with him are
going to become the solution to the problem with the Church in Ukraine. About a
decade ago, if these bishops had followed the lead of their Exarch and left the
Russian Orthodox Church, then it is probable that the Church in Ukraine may
have been treated, by the Ecumenical Patriarch, the same as the Estonian
Orthodox Church. The problem is that these bishops did not follow Filaret's lead
at that time, and they continue to oppose the idea of an independent Ukrainian
Patriarchate.
Hostility between the Moscow Patriarch and the Ecumenical Patriarch is
neither new nor surprising, as well as Moscow's ambitions to become the center
of Orthodoxy. This has been going on for centuries, especially since the
Doctrine of Moscow as the Third Rome was first put forward. So it would
actually be helpful to Patriarch Bartholomew to have a Kyivian Patriarchate, as
this would decrease the size of the Russian Orthodox Church, and therefore
weaken their case to be the center of Orthodoxy. This is like a family fight
between a younger and stronger brother against an older and weaker brother to
determine who is the leader of the clan. The older and weaker brother will have
to make concessions to the younger brother in order to hang onto power.
Let us keep in mind the reality of the current situation. If a Sunday of
Orthodoxy Service were to be held in South Bound Brooke, a Russian Orthodox
Cleric serving in Russian would be permitted to be at the Altar, a Ukrainian
Cleric from either Patriarch Filaret's or the late Patriarch Dimitri's church,
who would serve in Ukrainian, would not be allowed to serve or even to approach
the altar. It is Metropolitan Constantine, under orders from Patriarch
Bartholomew, who would stop the Ukrainian Cleric.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received May 27, 2000
I strongly disagree with the letter dated May 15 regarding the united stance
of Patriarchs Bartholomew and Alexei on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The logic does not follow the course of events of the last several years.
By no means are Alexei and Bartholomew on good terms. They were bitterly
estranged over the church situation in Estonia and for a short time were
outside of Communion. Alexei voiced his disdain over Bartholomew's acceptance
of both Ukrainian churches (Canada and the USA) before Bartholomew formally
accepted them. This did not stop the Ecumenical Patriarch from taking them
under his protection.
The bitterness continues to be broadcast between the two patriarchates.
Alexei has openly challenged the necessity of the Ecumenical Patriarchate being
based in Istanbul since there are few churches there (mostly just a Synod of
Metropolitans). Bartholomew uses any opportunity he can to justify his
authority since he has no empire to support him, and the Ukrainian and Estonian
cases are examples of this. His legitimacy (as "first among equals")
is based on a disputed interpretation of Canon 28 of the Council of Chalcedon;
many Orthodox believe that the "Ecumenical Patriarchate" can be based
in the territory with the most Orthodox and strongest base of power. Hence,
Alexei's challenge of Bartholomew's "authority."
I propose that Bartholomew is waiting for an opportune moment to
"take control" in Ukraine, and establish his preferred patriarch
there, under the auspices of a "Kyivan Patriarchate." Any concession
he makes to Moscow is an admission, latent or open, of his own weakness. Watch
carefully...Bartholomew will indeed become more involved in the Ukrainian
situation, he is just waiting for the largest Ukrainian Church there (under
Metropolitan Volodymyr Sabodan) to become more "friendly" to the idea
of autocephaly. As long as that church is strongly loyal to Moscow, Bartholomew
has no canonical leverage to operate against the wishes of Moscow.
I urge your readers and followers to follow Orthodox news more closely
and carefully. This will prevent misconceptions based on a lack of information
from forming.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received May 27, 2000
The following is from a communication from the UOC-USA
"A noble mission "For the unity of God's Holy Churches" in
Ukraine.
On May 15 of this year, Archbishops Antony of New York and Washington,
D.C., Consistory President and Archbishop Vsevolod, Eparchial Bishop of the
Western Eparchy departed for Ukraine. During their 7 day visit, the Archbishops
held constructive and positive initial meetings with the spiritual heads of all
Ukrainian Orthodox Churches in Ukraine concerning unity and the eventual
establishment and recognition of one Ukrainian Orthodox Church in independent
Ukraine."
They talked with "all" spiritual heads, which implies that they
talked with the UOC-Moscow Patriarchate. At that type of meeting the Moscow
Patriarchate church would ask for support against an independent Ukrainian
Orthodox Church and a Ukrainian Patriarch. This request would be coming from a "sister
church", the Russian Orthodox Church/UOC-Moscow Patriarchate. What
commitments were made on behalf of the UOC-USA by Archbishops Antony and
Vsevolod? Were the parishes consulted before the bishops went to Ukraine, and
the parameters of their meetings defined, as well as what commitments they
could or could not make. In a Sobornapravna church it would (this) be
necessary.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received May 15, 2000
RE: May 10th letter another reader asks "What is next?".
Consider the facts that the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Moscow Patriarch
consider the Kyivian Patriarchates (Filaret's and Dimitri's) as uncanonical
separations from Moscow, and Moscow considers the Ukrainian Churches in the
diaspora (UOC-USA and Canada) as uncanonical separations from Moscow. It is no
secret that Moscow has asked the Ecumenical Patriarch not to recognize either
of the separations as canonical, and that they should return to the control of
the Moscow Patriarchate. It is very ironic that the metropolitans of the
UOC-USA and Canada, are striving to maintain a union with Patriarch
Bartholomew, even though he is united with Moscow to eradicate a truly
independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Only a truly naive fool or a
treacherous traitor would not believe that Moscow has not already asked for the
UOC-USA and Canada be transferred to the control of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Bartholomew can accomplish this with one stroke of a pen. If the Patriarchate
of Kyiv falls then the UOC-USA and Canada are next on the chopping block.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received May 10, 2000
I am writing your web-site, because I am starting to realize how
significant and timely your battle is. My family and I have been going to Bound
Brook for many years on the Sunday following Easter, observing the Ukrainian
tradition of ‘Providna Nedilya’. I think this is a beautiful tradition and hope
that my children will pass it down to their children, the way my parents passed
it to me and my siblings. This year all of a sudden "Provody" became
"St. Thomas’s Sunday at St. Andrew’s Church". Some of us that
purchased the blue streamers were immediately struck by the lack of even one
Ukrainian word (or symbol). What happened to "Provody",
"Providna Nedilya", or the Ukrainian Orthodox Cross? An older woman
came up to me with tears in her eyes and asked me why the Church was rushing to
eliminate Ukrainian. She looked around the cemetery and reminded me that the
reason all this existed was because the older generation treasured and valued
their Ukrainian heritage. She asked a series of questions: "Where were
these bishops when this was being created, built? Do they think the Greeks gave
us this, or even helped us build it? This was built with donations from
Ukrainians around the world. Look up the records and see how much these bishops
have donated. And now they tell us how to act and pray. They have separated us
from the Church in Ukraine. What is next?"
I could not answer her, but I resolved to become involved and to support
your efforts. I hope and pray that others will open their eyes to what is
happening.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received May 9, 2000
Primitivism at its Worst
On ‘Provody’ Sunday May 7, 2000 in Bound Brook, we witnessed what could
only be described as primitive, fascist-like behavior displayed towards members
of our Church family. Individuals who object to the path taken by the bishops
of our Church were peacefully distributing information describing the recent
events in our Church. They were not forcing themselves on anyone. Anyone
curious or interested could take or refuse the offered materials. These
individuals were threatened, harassed, physically jostled, and in one case
almost run over by a clergyman working for the Consistory. This clergyman
shouted that they were trespassing on land that ‘belonged to the clergy’.
Another clergyman stated "You are distributing communist propaganda".
We live in the US, where people can have different opinions, they can
meet, discuss, picket, and ‘believe it or not’ even publish different thoughts
and opinions. I was amazed at this type of primitive behavior that, I am sure,
recalled images of Soviet censorship and tactics. I can understand differing
opinions, but resorting to this type of behavior, especially by our clergy,
should bring an outcry from all of our Church members, no matter what side they
support.
As for the concept of Bound Brook ‘belonging to the clergy’, I will leave
the readers to form their own conclusions. Maybe this particular priest was not
aware what he was yelling, since most of the bystanders reported that he
appeared to be drunk. On the other hand, maybe he was verbalizing what out
Church leadership thinks – that Bound Brook is theirs.
I encourage everyone that agrees with my indignation at this behavior to
write / telegraph / voice their displeasure to Archbishop Anthony, President of
the Consistory, PO Box 495. So Bound Brook NJ 08880.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received 5-6-2000
To our beloved Fr. John Nakonachny of St Vladimir's Parish .Parma Ohio, and members of the Metropolitan Council.
Has our UOC-USA changed since 1995 when our Church was recognized by Word Orthodoxy ?????
NOTHING HAS CHANGED WAS HIS ANSWER !!!!!!!!!!!
WE NOW HAVE TO GET PERMISSION FROM BARTOLOMEW!!!!! IS THIS WHAT HE MEANS ?????
This week, when Metropolitan of Eirenopolis meets Bartholmew of Constantinopoles (and we learn) that permission was DENIED to serve with Bishops from UKRAINE...and the two Partriarchs ALEXY OF MOSCOW AND BARTHOLMEW OF CONTANTINOPOLE WILL DECIDE THE FAITH OF OUR UKRAINIAN CHURCH IN UKRAINE.
IS THIS WHAT FR JOHN MEANS ???? (THAT NOTHING HAS CHANGED)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received April 29, 2000
As reported in the "Ukrainian New" (Українські Вісті), Sunday, April 30, 2000 No. 18 (3394) the parish of St. Michael UAOC in Adelaide, Australia has officially notified Metropolitan Constantine that they are leaving his jurisdiction and joining the Kyivan Patriarchate. The reasons stated " we do not wish to be under the jurisdiction of a foreign Patriarch and at the same time we do not wish to be under your jurisdiction that willingly is subservient to a foreign Patriarchate."
Another parish leaving the Bishops of Bound Brook. An awakening has started to occur in Canada and now in Australia. Europe and South America are not too far behind. When is Bound Brook going to wake up and hear the voice of the people, or have they dug themselves into such a hole that it is impossible for them to climb out? Is it too late to say "We made a mistake." Would that not be a sign of a great leader to admit and correct his error? Or will the Bishops of Bound Brook watch as did Nero when Rome was burning?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received April 29, 2000
The review of the Bishops' performance in Canada may prove to be extremely interesting. The Sobor's have in the past had the power to replace bishops, without a canonical deposing as bishop. That is, in essence, the ability to "fire" bishops. The examples in history: Bishop Ioann (Theodorowych) was replaced by Bishop Mstyslav, who was replaced by Bishops Ilarion, Platon (who died before his enthronement) and Michael. Perhaps the UOC-USA, if it considers itself a Sobornoprava Church, should determine if they also have the power to "fire" bishops. I believe a review of these powers is underway in Canada.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received April 27, 2000 (This e-mail was shortened in order to conserve space. Ed.)
RE: Ukrainian Orthodox in Canada are Awakening
They have been awakening for some time, at least since last August (1999). At that time I and others marched in the Toronto Bloor West Ukrainian Parade, carrying the banner of the Kyivan Patriarchate. We were very well received by the crowd, with cries of "it's about time".
Many of the faithful in Toronto are watching the outcome of the civil trial in the USA before taking any further action in Canada. Anyway the relations with the Kyivan Patriarchate is going to be a hot topic at the upcoming Sobor in Winnipeg.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received April 14, 2000
Please give us some information as to what is happening at St. Mary's parish in Rochester, NY. We hear that Archbishop Antony is trying to pull another "Uniondale". Is it true that the church locks were changed and the parishioners were locked out again by Antony's henchmen? Is it true that Antony's henchmen tried to clean out the bank account at the Ukrainian Credit Union in Rochester? What in heavens name is going on? Have those Bound Brook bishops lost their minds. Please post the latest information. We need to know what is going on and were will they strike next.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received April 13, 2000
Has anyone read the latest issue of Ukrainian Orthodox Word , March 2000 and resolution number 9 of the Metropolitan Council meeting of February 2-5, 2000? The Council members REJOICED that Patriarch Bartholomew is willing to PRAY and WORK to bring about unity and world recognition of an autocephalous Church in Ukraine. But as was reported in the magazine "BIPA" No. 3(95)-1999 by Ms. Nadia Mirchuk, Patriarch Bartolomew asked the Council delegation that visited him "Which of three Churches in Ukraine should we recognize?" Did anyone in the delegation have the nerve to remind him about his proclamation in Odessa? Did anyone have the nerve to ask him about his Protocol 937 that he wrote on July 11, 1995 to Patriarch Alexij in Moscow?
No I guess not. The Council delegation was too busy enjoying the sights of Istanbul and sailing on Patriarch Bartolomew's yacht to his residence on the Island of Halki.
And the Metropolitan Council members REJOICE ????????
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received March 7, 2000 (this e-mail was edited for clarity, Ed.)
How can Metropolitan Constantine be commemorated by the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Ukraine when he is a Metropolitan of the U.O.C. Ecumenical Patriarchate.in the USA? Does this not create a problem with the Russian Patriarchate, which has a Metropolitan in Ukraine?
Also how can he be the head of two churches, the U.O.C.in the United States, Ecumenical Patriarchate and the U.A.O.C.? This is impossible, one or the other!!
Something is wrong with this picture. Our Bishops would not even let the late Patriarch Dymytrij serve when they brought him here to visit, after Patriarch Filaret was here, and we all know why they brought Patriarch Dymytrij here, to get back at the Kyiv Patriarchate. That was very clear and easy to figure out. Must have been a very costly game I say. $$$$$.
Looks like we now have another question needing answered. Are we the Ukrainian Orthodox Church E.P.? or are we the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church of the United States or the U.A.O.C. in Ukraine? Maybe we need to put three church names in a hat and our bishops could pick one out.
Please take a look at the Orthodox News on the web, (www.orthodoxnews.com/stories/TASS3012000213932.html). It states there that our Metropolitan is Head of the U.O.C. Ecumenical Patriarchate and the U.A.O.C. in the Diaspora and now is being commemorated in Ukraine.
It is no wonder why our people, are so confused with all this. It's really becoming a three ring circus, and our leaders are the ringmasters, I guess. Sad, very, very sad.
THANKS, DAVE.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received March 7, 2000 (This e-mail was edited for clarity. Ed.)
I wanted to share with my fellow Orthodox Christians some of the unfortunate things that have occurred at St. Vladimir's Parish in Parma, Ohio. I am a long-standing member of the church and I’ve never been more disgusted at what has happened over the last few years and what Fr. John Nakonachny has done to help turn friends into enemies and to make the church not a place of love and peace, but of factions and animosity.
When the news of the Holy Ascension lawsuit in Clifton, NJ was first released, Fr. John was the first in line to deny that it was going on - purposely telling people that it never existed.
With reference to articles printed in "The Ukrainian Weekly" Fr. John is acting as the censor for St. Vladimir's library collection!!!! Any letter or article printed in "The Ukrainian Weekly" which rebuts Fr. John (who is a frequent letter-writer to the newspaper) is cut out. Thereafter what the library-attending parishioner sees is a paper with incomplete information. Would you like Fr. John to tell you what you should or shouldn’t read? I think not!!!! This is America!
Before the annual meeting which I attended in January, over 25 children were rushed in front of all the parishioners in a pre-planned attempt to "save" Fr. John from being kicked out of St. Vladimirs Parish - when there was never a plan to get him out in the first place. The kids shouted in Ukrainian and English "Please, don’t go! We Love Fr. John!" in a show of mercy to the parishioners. Of course, this was all a ploy by Fr. John to ensure that the parishioners didn’t vote him out of the church - something that he himself has made up.
He has become so paranoid over this during the last year that his beloved new President (and chief source of income for the church) Geoff Greenleaf, spoke at every opportunity of the "movement" to get rid of him. Fr. John was told constantly by last year’s Board president Greg Pawuk that there was and never has been a planned movement to get rid of him - but he never believed Mr. Pawuk. Fr. John even admitted that there were evil people lurking in the church and continues in this belief to this day.
Fr. John also wants nothing to do with some of the organizations in the church - including the Brotherhood. He didn’t even show up for the Brotherhood installation dinner! Fr. John is continuing his "war" against the Brotherhood even though Bill Turchyn, now a former member of St. Vladimirs, is no longer the president. It’s a sad day when the priest alienates himself from the church and the very people, which originally wanted him to be a part of St. Vladimirs. It is a shame, indeed. Most of the people that helped bring him to our parish are now considered to be "evil" people by Fr. John.
And as for how Mr. Turchyn was banned from the church? That’s another story that can only make a true Christian shake his head. Priests are supposed to invite people to church, not ban them. (Click parma.html Ed.)
There are no evil people in this church - only people unified in Christ trying to hold the church together. The only one single-handedly trying to destroy it, unfortunately, is the man who holds the cross. It is a sad day when a priest is delusional and sees conspiracies where there are none. I don’t hate him, but I shake my head at the man he is and think of the wonderful priest he could have been.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received February 25, 2000
(Some minor editing was made in order to produce clarity. Ed.)
I cannot understand what is taking place at our sister church of St. Vladimir in Parma, Ohio. Our friends who are members there, and have been for years, stated that they never saw so many people attend the meeting (annual parish meeting. Ed.) that took place last month. Many people who attended never go to church, and are supporters, of the so called Fr. John (Nakonachny) and I use the title with a sick feeling in my stomach. (The parishioners opposed to Fr. John) were outnumbered and had no chance with the "supporters" brought in by Fr. John.
We are so very tired and unhappy with the dealings of the clergy and what has taken place. It is a sad day in our Ukrainian history that we in America must face the same actions that took place so many years ago in our motherland Ukraine. The taking over of our churches by those who are of another country, ie. GREEK CHURCH! We left Ukraine, to come to a land of freedom, (but) we all can see that freedom of religion is not here nor is freedom of choice. If this was to have taken place in Ukraine, the taking over of our churches, I need not tell you how our people would have responded in Ukraine. I am sure that our so called "bishops" would only last a few minutes (before they would have been run out of our churches). Of course we do not want to be under Patriarch Filaret, we support them, but we want to continue in the United States as a "sobornopravna" church as we were from the start. I see many of our Ukrainian people in Cleveland supporting the UAOC (Sobornopravna). I have attended their liturgy and they are 100% Ukrainian, and the liturgy was all in pure Ukrainian. I was so moved (as was the entire congregation) and on Sundays I have seen many people from St. Vladimirs. Of course (Fr. John) tried to smear them.
I have spoken to Vladyka Stephan and his comments was that Metropolitan Constantine did everything he could in order to continue the Ukrainian Orthodox Church after the death of Patriarch Mstyslav, but that he was dragged into all the problems. Maybe he speaks with wisdom on this issue. Many of us did not know Vladyka Stephan but now we do and we will turn to him. Many people are supporting him and his jurisdiction in America. They are what we used to be, a real Ukrainian "sobornopravna" church. Maybe they are not the biggest but all is in order and there is a true feeling of Christ present. They also support the Kiev Patriarchate but remain "sobornopravna" in the United States of America as we have been for so many years.
God bless you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Received February 23, 2000
We received another e-mail via a re-mailer as "Anonymous". We decided to reply in public for this individual raised an interesting question regarding attorneys being used in the Holy Ascension lawsuit.
On April 2, 1999 Holy Ascension, Clifton, NJ received a letter from Russin & Vecchi L.L.P., International Legal Counsellors, located in Washington D.C. This letter stated:
"We represent Rev. Arkadi Mironko and those members of the Parish
who are the lawful representatives of the Parish. As such, Rev. Arkadi and
those Parish members are lawfully entitled to possession of all church
property………………….
We have been advised that there could be an attempt to deny Rev. Arkadi
access to and use of the church property………
In the event that such unlawful activity would occur, we would be
prepared to seek an injunction against all those who participate in such
interference. Those who interfere with Rev. Arkadi and the lawfully constituted
parishioners also would be exposed to personal liability for
damages……………."
Signed……Jonathan Russin for Russin & Vecchi L.L.P
This firm represents the Moscow Patriarchate in
the United States. They have offices in Moscow, Vladivostok, Ho Chi Minh City,
Hanoi, New York, etc. This firm on April 2, 1999 was retained to represent Rev.
Arkadi and the dissenting
parishioners at Holy Ascension in Clifton.
Please explain WHY a law firm that
represents Moscow Patriarchate in the USA was chosen to represent a
"Ukrainian" priest who is under the jurisdiction of UOC-USA's Antony,
Archbishop of Ieropolis????????????????
What does this tell you as to the origin of the influence and guidance
our church is receiving? Pretty obvious we would say.
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Received February 15, 2000
We follow your web site with great interest and appreciate the forthrightness of the style and content. To continue the theme of the reader post of February 10, we too are flabbergasted at the attitudes of many Orthodox clergy and faithful. For a church which models its spiritual life on such Gospel parables as the current "Publican and Pharisee" example, it can certainly be the most judgmental of any sect when it comes to the "letter" rather than the "spirit" of the law. Where is the humility and unwillingness to judge that Christ would have us display? One may sign their name with "a sinner" afterwards and then "give their children a snake when they ask for a fish." Do some bishops and clergy think that they have a "monopoly" on Orthodoxy that places them above others and denies others the right to freedom of will and judgement? One tires of hearing about the "Holy Orthodox Church" instead of the Orthodox Church, the one based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The implicit right of the Church in Ukraine to exist in freedom and to evangelize its own with the Gospel message is disputable only to the ignorant. The Ukrainian American Church also has the right to its own self-actualization without the interference of "strangers in our midst" of Greece or Moskow or whichever.
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Received February 10, 2000
I am truly fascinated and at the same time flabbergasted at the venom that is directed toward Patriarch Filaret. There is no doubt that during his reign within the Moscow Patriarchate his main interest was self preservation and to maintain a status quo within that structure particularly with respect to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. But once the Soviet Empire collapsed can we not find it in our hearts, even one grain of hope, to believe that maybe, just maybe, this man IS fighting for that for which he could not fight in the past? Maybe this man with all his sins and transgressions is now truly repentant and firmly believes in what he is fighting for ……....an independent "pomisna" Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
What is most fascinating is to see that the most vicious attacks directed at Patriarch Filaret come from OUR clergy, the priests and bishops of UOC-USA. These are people who have been called to teach the Gospel, to set examples and to serve God. These are people who must teach us to love thy neighbor and to teach us to forgive. These are the people who must by example show us the way and yet they are spewing the most vicious bile against one of their own …. a man of the cloth. They above all others are forgetting "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone".
This truly is a shameful paradox.
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Received February 3, 2000
The following statements insulted the memory of our forefathers and the millions who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending Ukraine and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church: 1) a denial that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been persecuted by the Russian Orthodox Church for some 300 years resulting in its complete destruction in Ukraine; 2) a denial that St. Andrew's Memorial Church in South Bound Brook was built to commemorate the victims of the false famine; 3) a denial that an integral reason for the establishment of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA was to preserve national traditions. These are only three examples from a series of statements made by Archbishop Anthony, who lives off of the contributions and the fruits of the labor of the Ukrainians that built Bound Brook. All who are interested in all of the denials can review the actual court documents at the attorney's web site - smorodsky.com.
I urge 'saveouruoc' readers to send letters of protest, telegrams and e-mail to Archbishop Anthony's office in South Bound Brook. The mailing address is PO Box 495, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880. The e-mail address is UOCofUSA@aol.com
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Received 1/22/00
The road you have embarked on is a much difficult task. I do not have the details pertaining to this shameful position that we Ukrainian Orthodox find ourselves in. It should be obvious to most that your position is that of honor and dedication to our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church. You are Ukrainian patriots. Do not underestimate the severity of our path to victory over evil. For you, history reserves a place of honor. God bless you.
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Received 1/24/00
I cannot believe the height of hypocrisy that has been reached by high-ranking members of the UOC-USA Consistory and Metropolitan Council members. Very Rev. Frank Estocin in "The Ukrainian Weekly" and "Svoboda" and Dr. George Kryvolap in "Faith" (Vira) went to great lengths to argue that UOC-USA did not unite "with or come under the authority of any jurisdiction in Ukraine". That Patriarch Mstyslav was a "Patriarch" in Ukraine but in the USA he was "Metropolitan". The "Ukrainian Orthodox Word" devoted whole pages to this absurdity forgetting the fact that everyone including Metropolitan Constantine, Archbishop Antony, Rev. Estocin and all the clergy and faithful welcomed, honored and venerated Mstyslav as "Patriarch". In November 1999 the Consistory made an appeal for funds to establish a $1,000,000 Patriarch Mstyslav I Endowment Fund to "honor the memory of our beloved Patriarch Mstyslav I ". When money is involved he is our "Patriarch".
Bishops of Bound Brook…HYPOCRITS!