Hello friends, I am awed by this massive site of Byzantine Christians. My name is Konstantinos and I am located in Michigan. I am here looking for support from my fellow Orthodox brothers/sisters. I say this because I am gathering support for the reformation of the Byzantine empire. I am one of the few descendents of any Byzantine dynasty, and mine happens to be the last, the Palaeologi. My goal is to unite the Orthodox nations in the Balkans and defend against possible assaults from Islam. I am welcoming any Christian and any type of support you my offer to me. Please consider my plea oh friends of the former Empire. If you are interested please respond.

Sincerely,

Konstantinos

Hi Konstantinos. My mom lives in Kalamazoo. Does Fr Stylianos know about your plans?

anastasios

Dear Konstantinos,

Welcome Orthodox brother!

What jurisdiction are you a member of?

No offense, but your post sounds a bit silly (or grandiose)...are you serious?

And are you REALLY a descendant of the Palelogoi?

In Christ,
Alice

I do not know who you are speaking of Anastasios, and I would love to talk to him. Alice, I am very serious about my cause and have already gathered around 100 supporters in the U.S.A. and am looking for more. I am related to the Palaeolgian dynasty and I swear on my life by that. As again for everyone, please respond.

Sincerely,

Konstantinos

Fr Stylianos is the only Greek Orthodox priest in Kalamazoo, so if you are going to become the next Roman (Byzantine) emperor you will probably want to be a practicing Greek Orthodox!

anastasios

I am Orthodox, and I just forgot the last name. I know who Father Evan is, but I am attending a Orthodox church in Grand Rapids. So just clearing that. As for everyone else, please respond.

Dear Konstantinos,

Allow me to ask a few pertinent questions...or, impertinent, as the case may be.

1) Have you, as Anastasios asked, aquainted clergy with your plans to reconquer Europe?

2) What do you propose to do with it, once you have it?

3) Under whose banner have you received a blessing to begin this Crusade?

4) Do you really think anyone is going to fall for this regardless of whom you may be descended from?

Gaudior, thinking someone's head was turned by the Byzantium exhibit...

Yes I have shared my plans with clergy and they are a little skeptical of the plan. Once I have it, I plan to enrich the region with reforms, building projects, and religious foundations. I will be flying under the Greek Orthodox banner since it is the father of the Orthodox churches. Yes I do because I already have around 100 supporters. I hope that answers everyones questions.

Well, in one of the Crusades, thousands followed a "Divinely inspired" goose, so please forgive me if your 100 supporters do not overwhelm me with a sudden urge to flock to your banner...

Gaudior, holding sides in mirth

It's Fr Stylianos Muksuris, not Fr Evan Unless in the past year he suddenly left or something!

anastasios

Dear Konstantinos,

And just who is going to fund your grandiose scheme? *curious*

Alice

P.S. There are quite a few others who are probable descendants of the Emperor Constantine Palelogos...and who actually still have this last name. Infact, some live right here in the U.S.....

So,not to be confrontational, but I am just wondering, who exactly appointed you in particular, as the revitalizer of the Byzantine Empire, and by the way, does our Ecumenical Patriarch know about this?

Konstantinos:

How old are you?

Dave

P.S. I nominate this for "Best Thread of the Year Award"

I SECOND THAT!!!

Dave,

You give away these honors so easily
Give it time, there'll be other nominees, I just know it.

Btw, am hoping to stop by the store tomorrow a.m., while passing through Stroudsburg, since I know I won't be able to get there on Saturday and it's closed on Sunday.

Many years,

Neil, ... borrowing a stylism from Gaudior, and looking askance at Edward seconding anything of the sort, given some of his posts of late :rolleyes:

Who would like to join *my* Crusade? As one of the last descendents of St Volodymyr the Great, Grand Prince of Kyiv and all Rus' I will be restoring glorious and mighty Rus' - from the Carpathians to the Urals, from the Black Sea to the Baltic!

I think we may be able to agree on a treaty concerning co-operation with the Byzantine Empire...

Oύτις ημιν φιλει ου φροντίδα | Nemo nos diliget non curamus

Christos Voskres!

What will YOU do with it once you have it?

Gaudior, thinking those who flock to YOUR banner will at LEAST be entertained by bandura music as they go off to battle....

Voistynu Voskres!

We will come to an agreement with Constantinople to recognise a Kyivan Patriarchate. If not, We shall nail a shield bearing Our arms to the gates of Constantinople as did our ancestor Prince Oleh!

Oύτις ημιν φιλει ου φροντίδα | Nemo nos diliget non curamus

Your Imperial Majesty has my support!

Gaudior, much entertained

I see there has been much response to my statements already in such a short time. Answering Alices questions, I am recieving funding from my supporters who are not fighting with me and possible Orthdox churchs/political parties. I know there are other heirs, but what differs me from them is I am actually trying to reclaim my ancient crown. I am 18 years old. Well for the man claiming to be the descendent of the line of Rurik, I would be more than happy to work in union with you and your party. I also have a connection with that royal line, Constantine the Elevenths niece, Zoe, married Ivan the 3rd resulting in Ivan the Terrible. Please get back to me on this. I hope that answers your questions and that all who are interested will respond back.

Sincerely,

Konstantinos

Konstantinos

I am most impressed with your most praiseworthy aims

BUT

[ I bet you knew that was coming ]

But I really do wonder if your parents realise that you are planning to leave home .

Remember that some things in parts of Europe cost more than at home - Please do remember to take an ample stock of any medications with you.

There is a possible competitor - a gentleman in Rome who insists that he is the genuine Roman-Byzantine Emperor, and maintains a full-blown Court to prove it (he has serious family money). He also awards titles (for a small consideration you can become the Grand Logothete). Should you attend the Imperial Court, and should the Emperor wish to show you a singular mark of Imperial favor, it is the practice of HIM to take a chocolate, put it on the end of a 10-inch long gold spoon, and place it in your mouth (rather as though the chocolate were Holy Communion). He succeeded in getting himself crowned in Rome in a most elaborate ceremony - which unfortunately took place in the Methodist church, since Saint Peter's was not available for coronations that day.
Christ is Risen!
Incognitus

We shall enter into no *union* with any crown or nation.

People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices. -- Adam Smith 1723-1790

We have spoken. So as it is written - so shall it be done!

Oύτις ημιν φιλει ου φροντίδα | Nemo nos diliget non curamus

K,

When you turn 21 we can all drink to your political successes. You won't need parental permission then.

Joe

O fudge!

Great. Just what we need...Muslims in Egypt, and Palaeologi in Michigan. The last time there were Christian Roman Emperors running around, they killed many a Non-Chalcedonian. I hope you're not planning on reinstating these things, or we'll be forced to deal with you...I believe we have a good amount of Indians in MI.

Watch your back.

Konstantinos,

Consider the "Onion Dome Orthodox News" as a media ally to gain support for the reestablishment of the Byzantine Empire.

http://www.theoniondome.com/

Best wishes,

Paul

Dear Paul,

I am certain this is the best media ally for him! After all, a Byzantine Emperor who is ALSO Sindarin (per his AIM ID) should have the Onion Dome ready to put him on the front page!

Gaudior, certain this has never happened before...

Konstantinos,

after the fall of Constantinople in 1453 the role of the God-anoited Emperor was taken over by the Grand Prince of Moscow Ivan III who in 1472 married the granddaughter of the last Byzantine Emperor, took the title tsar and the Byzantine double eagle as state seal. To this day, the double eagle is the state seal of the Russian Federation.

So you see, it's the Russians and the house of Romanov who can lay the only legitimate claim to the Imperial thrown of all Christendom!

Rus Svyataya, chrani veru pravoslavnoyu!

Christian

Well Mr.Scandinavian, the Russian nation and empire simply took up the broken shards of the Orthodox church and the became the sole defender. But, the Greeks made you civilizied and converted you. If they had not done that, Russia would be a large cesspool of Mongols and Tartars. So remember where the Russians found the one, true faith. I do not understand why I am being critisized so much by my FELLOW Christians. I thought it was your duty as Christians to support your brothers/sisters. I am not coming here with a negative/evil attitude but rather with arms open. I do not see ANY of you trying to make life better for our Christians brothers/sisters in the Balkans. You are all just sitting and doing nothing. I think that is worse than coming across as a madman, and all of you should be ashamed for not lending a hand to them.

Konstantinos

Dear Konstantinos,

In your last sentence, you are finally making sense. You love your Balkan Orthodox brothers and sisters, and you want to help them.

Now that the maniacal madman facade is fading, let's get down to business!

Blessings!
Alice

Hold hard, there, wee tyrant!

If your definitition of seeing any of us trying to make life better for the people in the Balkans is SOLELY dependant upon electing YOU Emperor of an Empire which no longer exists (check and see what the rulers of some sovereign nations might think of you)...then, guess what...you're absolutely right. We intend to do NOTHING! Have fun, and you can be like one of the dozens of "Popes" running around "leading" the Catholic Church from their mother's basement rec. rooms...

But your assumption that NO ONE on this board has done or contributed heavily to charitable work in the Balkans is way off base...and un-Christian of you. Your words "I don't see any of YOU doing anything"...

Well, NO, Konstantinos, since you know none of us....you wouldn't, would you? Even if you DID know us, might one ask whether you think we would tell you what sort of money we donated to Balkan relief funds, administered through the Orthodox Church? Or through other churches?

Referring to Russia as a cesspool of ANYTHING isn't going to win you friends...The true Byzantines knew better, and even the Sindarin, I suspect, if you go re-read your Tolkein, were more courteous.

Go back to work at McDonald's, or to your paper route, make some money, donate it to those who can help because they are IN the Balkans, and know that which needs doing...Volunteer your summer break time at one of the Missions there run through IOCC or OCMC, do something practical and stop thinking of Empires which do not exist, and start thinking about being, as you say you are, an Orthodox Christian.

Gaudior, who assures you that that is the best way to be taken seriously.

I would like to interject something here. I like to read this forum from time to time, to learn things, and perhaps even be uplifted by the Christian kindness people show each other sometimes. But when I see people acting sarcastic and smart alek and downright rude, it makes me not want to read here anymore.

If people don't agree with something someone says, or they think that someone needs to be helped or corrected in someway, then it can be done in a way that doesn't alienate, belittle, or provoke someone to anger and hurt feelings.

Just some thoughts.

Forgive me if I've hurt or offended anyone.

Christ is Risen...

No, Dunstan, you are correct. I apologize to Konstantinos and to the forum.

Gaudior, thankful for a reminder...

Atention Joe Thur - I don't know if the Emperor provides fudge on his golden spoon. But we live in hope. Personally I like chocolate truffles.

Attention Dunstan - this particular thread, at any rate, is obviously a light-hearted one, and it's unlikely that anyone is angry at anyone else. Unless, of course, YOU are the real Basileus and you take umbrage at our paying attention to "Imposters".

Come to think of it, the feast day of Blessed Constantine Athanatos is coming in a few weeks. We should all be planning suitable observances. I trust no one needs any advice from me on the suitable observance of this occasion.

Incognitus

Gaudior:

Indeed He is Risen!

Thank you for making me feel good about the Byzantine Forum again.

Dunstan

Hmm - dear Incognitus - being an all too ignorant Latin - would you care to assist my education and explain that final paragraph to me ?

Anhelyna

Anhelyna,
Constantine XI was the last Roman Emperor, who died on the walls of the Queen City at the Gate of Saint Romanus defending his realm against the Turks - with, as Sir Steven Runciman puts it, "the Empire for his winding sheet". If memory serves me correctly, 29 May (old style, of course) is kept as his "dies natalis". There is a lovely Byzantine icon of him, painted by Fotis Kontoglou, and a magnificent recording, with parts of the service for him on one side and popular threnodies for him and for the Empire on the other side - unfortunately it only seems to be available at the Benaki Museum bookshop in Athens.
There is a splendid statue of Constantine XI in the courtyard of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Athens, where many people gather each year to keep the feast and to acclaim him "Athanatos" - Immortal.
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori!

Incognitus

I'm trying to figure out if our young friend who claims descent from the Palaeologi is serious. Some of the claims and aspirations points (at least to me) to a descent from Constantine V surnamed Corpronymus. So do we have here Corpronymus the Great?

Dear Dunstan,

As these delusions of grandeur are THE most outrageous claims that I have EVER heard on the internet yet...I believe that most of us tend to think that we are being put on.

I shared this with a friend who is not of this forum, and who is very well educated in the history of Byzantium, and even he said, "come on, this kid is putting you all on"..so as he has had a little fun with us, we had a little fun with him!

Speaking for myself, and others, I am sure, there was no rudeness intended. However, if this young brother in Christ wants to get down to earth, I for one, will be most pleased to discourse with him and guide him, however, I humbly can.

We LOVE you Konstantinos!

On the other hand, I can bring this to the attention of the Ecumenical Patriarch and maybe he can become an honorary Archon of the Order of St. Andrew!

Though I am not so sure that the Turks, if they find out about him, will be so pleased with his quest and crusade!

With love in Christ,
Alice

Copronymos?

*wags finger*

Naughty naughty...

Hello friends, I have returned. This shall be one of my last statements on this closed minded forum. I do not care what any of you say whether it be through rudeness or opinions. I say give you all my opinion of the people shooting their harshness at me. None of you have any personal ambition for you or for Christendom. This type of attitude with result in our destruction. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, shall we all just stand by and do nothing? No I say. Long have we been oppressed and hurt. The Serbians and the Balkans gave up their bones as a offer so that spawning Europe could survive. It wasnt just our people that saved Christendoms destruction but, the heroic Austrians at the gates of Vienna. Without these men who fought for the glory of country and Christ, we would have NEVER colonized the Western Hemisphere. Do not lay around here in our country of the free but aim for the liberation of the land of oppression. I would go at any length to save my people, whether it be forging a New Byzantium or being slain upon the fields of Anatolia. But as again, if you would like to stay here and do nothing just merely contributing by critisizing a youthful, ambitious leader than so be it. This will be the last time I lend my hand for any type of support to this forum. God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Konstantinos

Christos Kai Panagia!

Dear Konstantinos,

I told my mother (who is a history buff) about your intentions, and she said to tell you that she will join your group!

Hope that makes you feel just a weeeeeee bit better!

Come on, lighten up Konstantinos,

Me chronia kai karous, pali dika mas na einai!!!

Until then, let's be the best Christians we can, doing the best we can individually with the gifts which God has graced us with, for the good of His Body, His Church.

Truly affectionately in Christ,
Alice

Dear me - Konstantinos is giving up already? Anyone who wants to lay claim to a vacant throne and succeed needs an inexhaustible supply of patience. Now let's get back to those chocolates . . .
Khristos Anesti!
Incognitus

Christos Anesti!

Konstantios,

Up until now I have resisted chiming in on this thread (or these threads really), largely because I wasn't sure what to say. Well, I've made up my mind:

Go for it!

Yes, your plan is ambitious. On a human level, I think that success is quite unlikely. Nevertheless, someone needs to save Europe from the evils of secularism and Islam (a lovely pair of bookends).

Godspeed,
Jason

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Konstantinos:

"I do not care what any of you say whether it be through rudeness or opinions."

If you don't care what any of us have to stay, than why did you join this message board? If you do not wish to hear any opinions about your statements you should post your monologues on your own home page istead of at this place of dialogue...

"None of you have any personal ambition..."

I think this is the root of the problem, that your motivation is personal ambition.

"I would go at any length to save my people, whether it be forging a New Byzantium or being slain upon the fields of Anatolia.

But as again, if you would like to stay here and do nothing just merely contributing by critisizing a youthful, ambitious leader than so be it."

I'm sorry, but I think what most people here look for in a leader is not "youthfullness" (read lack of experience) and "ambition" (read PERSONAL ambition).

If you really want to help the suffering Orthodox Christians of Serbia and otherwhere, there is plenty you can do, but you do not help them by seeking personal glory and dreaming about being Emperor of an Empire long lost.

There is a place for you to do the work of a Christian, but it's not fighting "upon the fields of Anatolia"!

Sincerely,
Christian

Konstantinos - I know some guys down in Nigeria that you could hook up with for funding for your cause.

Between Konstantinos and your response to him, the whole thing is sounding like the plot of a Chesterton novel.

Well I would be interested in this organization or group, please send me a link if you have it.

Sincerely,

Konstantinos

Dear Konstantinos,

Because you are only a child, you may be unaware of the Nigerian Banking Scam.

I think it just possible that you should learn a little more about the world before you try to rule an empire.

Gaudior, in all seriousness.

No! No! No!

I suggest that we unite in resurrecting the Empire of Tsar Simeon the Great so that all may feel the beneficial and wise rule of the Bulgarians. To stop all the jurisdictiona bickering, we can declare the Bulgarian Patriarch a Major-Catholicosand make rakia the national drink (the Bulgarian version, of course....not those Greek, Serbian, etc cheap imitations...).


Anton

Serious monarchists, including those who would like to restore the Christian Roman Empire, would do well to remember that only God can send a King.
Incognitus

Can we be certain that he hasn't? Only we can honor and follow one....

In the case of the Christian Roman Empire there are several candidates, including the crowned character in Rome who dispenses chocolates to his special favorites. Alas, I don't know what kind of chocolates they are (me, I like truffles).
Incognitus

Truffles are good. But, my question is how will we recognize the real emperor, when he comes along?

Father Elias's question is eminently fair. I don't have a complete answer. My suspicion would be that God will find some way to make the real emperor recognizable - and that it behooves us to be open to the leading of God.
On a lighter note, one might remember a conversation staged between two Russian noblemen early in the movie *Anastasia*. At a reception to garner support for the claimant, one says to the other "tell me: do you think she is real?" The other answers: "Look - red caviar!".
Incognitus

*snicker*

I'll put in a good word for him too with my friend George from Nigeria.

Dear Friends,

An "Empire" is usually thought of these days as a group of nations that have been enslaved by an imperial power etc.

In fact, that need not be the definition of "empire" at all.

When Brazil was a monarchy with the King of Portugal as its royal head, he was styled the "Emperor of Brazil." And Japan is an empire, even though it has lost its imperial hold on its former colonies.

The flags of S. Korea and the former flag of S. Vietnam were the flags of their "empires."

With respect to Byzantium, there was the view that the Third Rome, or Moscow had assumed all the privileges of the Old and New Roman Empires and that its Tsar was the final Orthodox Emperor.

But owing to the development of the nation-state, I very much doubt any will accept a similar emperor, in Byzantium or in E. Europe.

The one nation that functions today as a true imperial power is, of course, the USA.

And there are those around who believe that a lot of American foreign policy has much that is "Byzantine" about it . . .

Alex

Such an aim...

It is good to find someone who also wishes for the Old Country (for so shall I call it) to be restored. I too have wished that.

But, alas, one must remember: People have been infected with a little germ that is hateful to all aspiring emperors:

Nationalism.

People generally don't like to be pushed around. So, my advice would be to, instead of trying for the recreation of an empire (a good christian, in fact, would have no want for an empire, as it would impede on his daily prayers and meditations)through your martial abilities, try to, in fact go there and see the people you intend to rule.

I will not treat your plan as a grandiose diseas of the mind, because one such figure actually DID manage to reforge a country, and was younger than you: St. Joan of Arc (She IS a Western Saint, I know, but the meaning, think of the meaning!). But the times were right for her.

Kid, think. Make the people want to be ruled by you, or, if you decide to actually go forward, your great-great-great-great-great-great-(oh, Christ hasn't come yet?)great-great grandson. As shown by another war of occupation, If you don't curry the people's favor, then they will most assuredly try to show you, in no uncertain terms, what they think of you. War cannot be the way a Christian, much less Catholic, empire is formed.

If you truly wish to raise from the long scattered ashes the Eastern Roman Empire, and you truly believe that God has blessed you (and I can't say if he has, God does choose the most unlikely candidates for his avatars, I mean, his SON was a carpenter! Besides, trying to even concieve of a NOTION of God's essence is a unachievable effort for a sinner such as myself, then, Godspeed. But be wary, kid. Satan has managed to convince much of the world he doesn't exist.

If he can do that, then he just may be using you as well.

I would much like to see an Empire restored, but as I said earlier, there is no way in the modern world that one can create a stable empire through martial efforts. The people must WANT you to lead them, and willing to accept the heir of your choosing. The Muslims and Jews just might not want to leave their homes of, oh, just over a millenia and a half, so the policy the emperors put forth in the past (through faith, alas! they could not see what their intolerant policies were doing!) WILL not work in a new one, if new one your descendants manage to create, and it will be your descendents, not YOU.

One more thing, kid. I personally wouldn't worry about recreating the empire, though a worthy dream it may be. If you further the Faith of the Empire, then you are furthering the Empire. Convert, and then they MAY willing subvert.

In hope that the dreams of one do not turn out to be the ardour of all,

Shoot. I messed up, and have to write this from scratch. I had so much written too. Ah well, the Lord may humble me with time restraints. At least he isn't asking anything more.

Now, for what seems to be the question of the Empire, I have, maybe, a solution that will not satisfy all, but seems to be the most sensible.

Forget the secular institution of the Empire of the Romaioi. It won't work, because no one likes to be pushed around.

Instead, further the Faith of the Empire.

I mean, to put it in a media byte catchphrase:

Convert, then they may subvert.

If they don't want you to be their ruler, then you won't be their ruler. Simple. Byzantine would be most accepting of a Byzantine state. In the modern state of the world, there is an idea that is the hatred of all aspiring emperors:

Nationalism.

So, my dear friend, plow the field, as it were, to make the harvest ripe for you children (if any you have). The evil Muslims and Jews won't want to leave their homes of respectively just over a millenia and a half. I'm sorry, but that's just the way life is. You get a place to live, you don't wanna leave. Not easily, that is.

I can't even try to fathom the very echo of my guardian angel's call of warning when I fall into temptation, so trying to fathom the Will of our Lord is utterly out of the question. So, I will not judge your aspirations. God used Joan of Arc, he may yet use you. I will leave with a warning:

Satan managed to convince much of the world he does not exist. He may be using you, as well. Be careful when you speak of Empires, kid. Power is a pretty seductive thing, no matter the intent.

In hopes that the aspirations of one turn not to be the ardour of all,
I am, most truly and faithfully,
Menkalinan

Sorry 'bout that. I thought I had lost the first post. Just read 'em both, though they say much the same thing. I can't delete the second one, so, I have but one thing to say:

Blah. Stupid me.

Please brothers and sisters, can somebody help me to find Konstantinos???
I will be very grateful to all of you who can help me find this byzanTeen.
Sincerely yours
+Alexios

Alexios
if Konstantinos is still posting you can contact him by clicking on the small envelope near his name -. Once you do that it will bring up a Private Message Form and you can write to him that way.

However he does not seem to have posted here since May 2004 . I found that out by clicking on the first little symbol that looks like a head with a ?mark beside it

I hope this is of assistance to you

Anhelyna

PS - if ,as I suspect you are a Priest ,- I crave your indulgence for not greeting you appropriately ]

Hey -

Here is a link with his last posting. Just click on the people holding hands and send him a PM is his email addy is still the same he will get it ok.

http://www.byzcath.org/cgibin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=reply;f=6;t=000067

Dear Alexios,

You may want to contact 'Gaudior' about him. I remember that he knew something about Konstantinos.

In Christ,
Alice

Brothers and sisters, i wrote to "Guadior" as he is the last hope to find Konstantinos. I hope this brother will make all what he can to find his coordinates. The email of Konstantinos dont work, as i was thinking.
From all i red i understood that this boy needs help in something what he want to do.
I want to thank everyone for the cooperation
Sincerely yours
+Alexios

Alexios,

I have sent you a PM with the information I had. I devoutly hope you are a doctor of psychiatry, as I am convinced (after communicating off-post with the "Prince") he needs medical attention.

Gaudior, in prayer that he gets it