ORTHODOX CHURCH POST facebook
Concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate's appointment of two exarchs to Kyiv to implement the process of autocephaly: a few comments - this is NOT inside information.
1. There is no reversal at this point: it is clear that the Ecumenical Patriarchate is exercising the pastoral prerogative she has claimed of restoring canonical order in Ukraine. While there is still no appointed date, I think we can all expect a Tomos of autocephaly to be issued in the near future.
2. The two exarchs (Archbishop Daniel and Bishop Ilarion) have good reputations as pastors (I speak in part from personal experience here). Let this serve as a reminder that, more than anything, this work is pastoral, care for people whose standing in the Church is complicated for reasons caused by historical events.
3. The healing of a schism is possible only if people are willing to dialogue. I implore my anglophone friends to refrain from casting judgment on bishops, clergy, and faithful who belong to the Kyivan Patriarchate and the UAOC. Before dismissing them as 'uncanonical' or 'without grace', ask yourself this: do you actually know them? Have you been with them for an occasion? Can you substantiate an accusation that they are nationalists (or whatever)? Because if you cannot substantiate an accusation with real evidence that applies to the whole Church, than you have to answer for bearing false witness. Sorry, folks, but posting select youTube clips of confrontations between groups of people in various Ukrainian cities is NOT substantial evidence.
4. The same principle applies to judgment of people who belong to the Moscow Patriarchate. Before judging or dismissing them: do you know them? Have you spent time with these people? In my experience, albeit limited, I have met real Christians in ALL of these churches with whom I'd consider myself blessed to eat from the Lord's loaf and drink from the cup he offers us. Let's remember that the Church is not this or that hierarch or oligarch - the Church is the entire body of people, and we meet these Churches in particular communities.
5. What about the history that led up to this situation? Again, for my anglophone friends - find reliable literature that tells the whole story. Beware of short clips and political propaganda. I am happy to help in this area, to the best of my ability.
Pray, Console, Hope. Reconcile. Forgive seventy times 7. Love. Much of this story has been about power; let this new chapter be about loving people