In case you forgot, most of the Galician schismatics and Uniates supported the Nazi occupiers and were their willing collaborators. That’s why they fled with the Nazi armies in 1944. That’s a fact. Do remember that Slipyj blessed the 14. Waffen Grenadier Division der SS (Galician Nr 1) “Galizien”… that’s another fact. Puts a rather different face on things, no?
______________________________
Editor’s Foreword:
This is NOT a spoof… it’s “for real”. If you needed proof that the Galician schismatics are “off”, this is it. Sad, ain’t it? It does prove, once again, that it DOES take “all kinds”. Pass me the jug…
BMD
******
Ukrainians don’t need someone else’s permission to have their own Church. I’ve said it. I’ve written it. Now, I’m repeating it for the umpteenth time. Metropolitan Yuri of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada is aiding and abetting the Moscow Patriarchate. His inhospitable attitude toward the visit of Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kiev Patriarchate is misguided. Independent of the lack of Christian hospitality, it gives the Moscow Patriarchate legitimacy and greater leverage to interject itself in the social, political, and religious life of the Ukraine.
In a letter released on 19 April 2012, the Metropolitan advised his parishes that “His All-Holiness”, Patriarch Bartholomew I of Istanbul, Turkey informed him that Patriarch Filaret “can’t at this time be welcomed nor have banquets organised in his honour in the parishes, or their properties, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.” He further wrote, “No clergyman or member of the consistory Board can be in the vicinity of ‘Patriarch Filaret’ as any picture or report may portray this presence as representing or offering support of the UOCC”.
The titular leader of world Orthodoxy refused to extend “canonical” recognition to the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kiev Patriarchate. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate, under the thumb of Patriarch Kirill of Russia, is accorded “canonical” recognition. The UOCC’s position implies that it must defer to the Moscow Patriarchate on matters of Orthodoxy in Ukraine since it’s the only “canonically” recognized Orthodox Church.
Here are several things to consider:
- The Moscow Patriarchate continues to press the Ukrainian government to give it Church properties at the expense of the Autocephalous, Greek Catholic, and Kiev Patriarchate Churches.
- The Moscow Patriarchate consistently sided with Vladimir Putin and against protesters seeking democratic reform. It strongly advised reformers on several occasions not to participate in rallies.
- Patriarch Kirill (Vladimir Gundyaev) allegedly made a fortune in tobacco, alcohol, and oil sales. It’s also been reported he owns a villa in Switzerland. The world already knows he likes expensive watches.
In January 2012, a top US intelligence officer, James Clapper, warned of Ukraine’s move away from democracy toward authoritarian rule. This will mean much closer ties to Moscow. The Moscow Patriarchate is playing an important role in influencing social and foreign policy in Russia. A high official in the Moscow Patriarchate said, “The military class has always been in the centre of political life and on top of the social pyramid in Christian countries.” He has called for a strong military so that Russia can settle matters “on our territory or in the vicinity of our borders”. The Moscow Patriarchate has been supportive of Russia’s policies in Syria where innocent citizens wanting free elections have been butchered by the Moscow-backed regime.
Liudmyla Fylypovych, a religion and philosophy professor at the National Academy of Science of Ukraine, observed, “The centre of gravity is constantly shifting between the Ecumenical Patriarch and his supporters on one side, and the Moscow Patriarch and the churches that support him, on the other. In this situation, the Ukrainian church was simply used to strengthen one wing and weaken the other. I don’t think the Ukrainian church can be an argument or a toy used in any geopolitical confrontations. It’s completely self-sufficient and possesses good ancient traditions of its own”. In short, Moscow and Istanbul should stop using Ukrainian spirituality as a political football.
Patriarch Kirill of Russia, as did his predecessor, Patriarch Aleksei, made it clear to the Ecumenical Patriarch that no canonical recognition can be given to the Autocephalous or Kiev Patriarchate churches. Only Ukrainian churches under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church can be accorded canonical status. Canonical status is about politics. It’s about power. It has nothing to do with God, faith, or loving more and judging less to make a better world. The Ecumenical Patriarch is afraid of losing Russia’s support. Hence, he’ll never extend canonical recognition to a Ukrainian-based church out of fear that it’ll offend Moscow. It’s not very Christian, but then again, Church politics often isn’t.
A nation defines its soul in part by its writers, thinkers, artists, and its spirituality. In order for Ukraine’s national reawakening to continue then it must have a Ukrainian-based church that can be a protector of Ukrainian culture. The treatment of Patriarch Filaret is crude, inhospitable, contributes to the detriment of Ukraine, ignores the political reality that no canonical status will ever be extended to a Ukrainian based church, and most important it begs the question… does God really care about who gets the coveted political label of “canonical?” Is Christianity so deeply rooted in something this insignificant?
I have strongly, but respectfully, disagreed both with Patriarch Filaret and Metropolitan Myfodii for seeking canonical recognition. They’re given lip service and nothing more by Istanbul. They and their representatives repeatedly have been sent away empty-handed. This is an opportunity for Patriarch Filaret to openly address the silliness of canonical recognition. Let me repeat… Ukrainians don’t need, have never needed the permission of Moscow or Istanbul to have their own church. Please, stop asking. Ukrainians aren’t spiritual serfs. Ukrainians answer to God and conscience, not petty church power politics.
Paul Peter Jesep is a New York lawyer and Bishop in the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. He is the appointed US Spokesperson and Government Liaison for His Beatitude Metropolitan Myfodii. The views expressed here are personal and in no way reflect the official position of his church.
22 April 2012
Paul Peter Jesep
BRAMA
http://www.brama.com/news/press/2012/04/120422bishoppaulpeterjesep_moscowpatriarchate.html
Editor’s Afterword:
There one has it. In short, they’re Proddies with a liturgical itch. Christ’s Church means NOTHING to these sorts. Don’t argue with them… it’s pointless; we won’t cut this particular Gordian Knot in our lifetimes. If you wanted proof of the sterility and lifelessness of the schismatical conventicles, here it is, in full living colour. They refuse to submit to the Church… so be it. Let them be. However, they’re NOT Orthodox, and we shouldn’t allow them to usurp the title. That’s clear, too.
THIS is what happens when politics (Langley) interferes with religion. It’s ugly… it’s regrettable… but there’s nothing to be done of it. Let them be, unless they try to infiltrate real Orthodox venues… in that case, show them no quarter. Reflect on this. Just as Langley runs this bunch, it’s trying to control the ROCOR and the OCA, too. Thankfully, most ROCOR people have Potapov’s “number”… he’s a known quantity, and people know who his bosses are (c’mon, he was a higher official for the BBG, a known Langley front). In the case of the OCA, the konvertsy fanatic claque around Paffhausen is just as Hard Right as he is. That’s where the fight’s going to be, and Langley’s going to bankroll its fair-haired boy. He does seem to have money to travel about, doesn’t he?
BMD
Voices from Russia 
22 April 2012. You Can’t Make Shit Like This Up Department: “Aiding and Abetting the Moscow Patriarchate” by “Bishop” Paul Peter Jesep
Tags: Christian, Christianity, Eastern Orthodox Church, History of the Eastern Orthodox Church in North America, Kirill I of Moscow, Moscow, Moscow Patriarchate, OCA, Orthodox, Orthodox Church in America, Orthodoxy, Paffhausen, Patriarch Kirill I, political commentary, politics, Raskol, Religion, Religion and Spirituality, right-wing, Russia, Russian, Russian history, Russian Orthodox Church, Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, Schism, schismatic, Ukraine, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, United States, USA, Vladimir Putin
In case you forgot, most of the Galician schismatics and Uniates supported the Nazi occupiers and were their willing collaborators. That’s why they fled with the Nazi armies in 1944. That’s a fact. Do remember that Slipyj blessed the 14. Waffen Grenadier Division der SS (Galician Nr 1) “Galizien”… that’s another fact. Puts a rather different face on things, no?
______________________________
Editor’s Foreword:
This is NOT a spoof… it’s “for real”. If you needed proof that the Galician schismatics are “off”, this is it. Sad, ain’t it? It does prove, once again, that it DOES take “all kinds”. Pass me the jug…
BMD
******
Ukrainians don’t need someone else’s permission to have their own Church. I’ve said it. I’ve written it. Now, I’m repeating it for the umpteenth time. Metropolitan Yuri of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada is aiding and abetting the Moscow Patriarchate. His inhospitable attitude toward the visit of Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kiev Patriarchate is misguided. Independent of the lack of Christian hospitality, it gives the Moscow Patriarchate legitimacy and greater leverage to interject itself in the social, political, and religious life of the Ukraine.
In a letter released on 19 April 2012, the Metropolitan advised his parishes that “His All-Holiness”, Patriarch Bartholomew I of Istanbul, Turkey informed him that Patriarch Filaret “can’t at this time be welcomed nor have banquets organised in his honour in the parishes, or their properties, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.” He further wrote, “No clergyman or member of the consistory Board can be in the vicinity of ‘Patriarch Filaret’ as any picture or report may portray this presence as representing or offering support of the UOCC”.
The titular leader of world Orthodoxy refused to extend “canonical” recognition to the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kiev Patriarchate. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate, under the thumb of Patriarch Kirill of Russia, is accorded “canonical” recognition. The UOCC’s position implies that it must defer to the Moscow Patriarchate on matters of Orthodoxy in Ukraine since it’s the only “canonically” recognized Orthodox Church.
Here are several things to consider:
In January 2012, a top US intelligence officer, James Clapper, warned of Ukraine’s move away from democracy toward authoritarian rule. This will mean much closer ties to Moscow. The Moscow Patriarchate is playing an important role in influencing social and foreign policy in Russia. A high official in the Moscow Patriarchate said, “The military class has always been in the centre of political life and on top of the social pyramid in Christian countries.” He has called for a strong military so that Russia can settle matters “on our territory or in the vicinity of our borders”. The Moscow Patriarchate has been supportive of Russia’s policies in Syria where innocent citizens wanting free elections have been butchered by the Moscow-backed regime.
Liudmyla Fylypovych, a religion and philosophy professor at the National Academy of Science of Ukraine, observed, “The centre of gravity is constantly shifting between the Ecumenical Patriarch and his supporters on one side, and the Moscow Patriarch and the churches that support him, on the other. In this situation, the Ukrainian church was simply used to strengthen one wing and weaken the other. I don’t think the Ukrainian church can be an argument or a toy used in any geopolitical confrontations. It’s completely self-sufficient and possesses good ancient traditions of its own”. In short, Moscow and Istanbul should stop using Ukrainian spirituality as a political football.
Patriarch Kirill of Russia, as did his predecessor, Patriarch Aleksei, made it clear to the Ecumenical Patriarch that no canonical recognition can be given to the Autocephalous or Kiev Patriarchate churches. Only Ukrainian churches under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church can be accorded canonical status. Canonical status is about politics. It’s about power. It has nothing to do with God, faith, or loving more and judging less to make a better world. The Ecumenical Patriarch is afraid of losing Russia’s support. Hence, he’ll never extend canonical recognition to a Ukrainian-based church out of fear that it’ll offend Moscow. It’s not very Christian, but then again, Church politics often isn’t.
A nation defines its soul in part by its writers, thinkers, artists, and its spirituality. In order for Ukraine’s national reawakening to continue then it must have a Ukrainian-based church that can be a protector of Ukrainian culture. The treatment of Patriarch Filaret is crude, inhospitable, contributes to the detriment of Ukraine, ignores the political reality that no canonical status will ever be extended to a Ukrainian based church, and most important it begs the question… does God really care about who gets the coveted political label of “canonical?” Is Christianity so deeply rooted in something this insignificant?
I have strongly, but respectfully, disagreed both with Patriarch Filaret and Metropolitan Myfodii for seeking canonical recognition. They’re given lip service and nothing more by Istanbul. They and their representatives repeatedly have been sent away empty-handed. This is an opportunity for Patriarch Filaret to openly address the silliness of canonical recognition. Let me repeat… Ukrainians don’t need, have never needed the permission of Moscow or Istanbul to have their own church. Please, stop asking. Ukrainians aren’t spiritual serfs. Ukrainians answer to God and conscience, not petty church power politics.
Paul Peter Jesep is a New York lawyer and Bishop in the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. He is the appointed US Spokesperson and Government Liaison for His Beatitude Metropolitan Myfodii. The views expressed here are personal and in no way reflect the official position of his church.
22 April 2012
Paul Peter Jesep
BRAMA
http://www.brama.com/news/press/2012/04/120422bishoppaulpeterjesep_moscowpatriarchate.html
Editor’s Afterword:
There one has it. In short, they’re Proddies with a liturgical itch. Christ’s Church means NOTHING to these sorts. Don’t argue with them… it’s pointless; we won’t cut this particular Gordian Knot in our lifetimes. If you wanted proof of the sterility and lifelessness of the schismatical conventicles, here it is, in full living colour. They refuse to submit to the Church… so be it. Let them be. However, they’re NOT Orthodox, and we shouldn’t allow them to usurp the title. That’s clear, too.
THIS is what happens when politics (Langley) interferes with religion. It’s ugly… it’s regrettable… but there’s nothing to be done of it. Let them be, unless they try to infiltrate real Orthodox venues… in that case, show them no quarter. Reflect on this. Just as Langley runs this bunch, it’s trying to control the ROCOR and the OCA, too. Thankfully, most ROCOR people have Potapov’s “number”… he’s a known quantity, and people know who his bosses are (c’mon, he was a higher official for the BBG, a known Langley front). In the case of the OCA, the konvertsy fanatic claque around Paffhausen is just as Hard Right as he is. That’s where the fight’s going to be, and Langley’s going to bankroll its fair-haired boy. He does seem to have money to travel about, doesn’t he?
BMD