Did anybody get a glimpse of the Metropolitan's Lenten letter. One of the things we are supposed to give up for the Great Fast is criticism of the church. What do you think he means by that????

Rescind the RDL and we won't have anything to complain about.

It says "criticism in the Church"...Here's the exact quote: "Let us fast from falsehood, criticism and gossip in the Church, the family, the workplace and even among friends, because they can destroy people's lives."

Metropolitan Basil's letter is quite good. I don't think one can read anything into it beyond what he wrote (but one can certainly pick up the phone and call him if he is curious). It seems to me that he is speaking equally about "the Church, the family, the workplace and even among friends" and that "falsehood, criticism and gossip" in any of these places can "destroy people's lives". In these ongoing discussions of the Revised Divine Liturgy most of the criticisms given (on both sides) have been given with thought and with charity. Some of it (on both sides) has not been thoughtful or charitable. Even when we disagree we should strive to do so in a way that builds up one another because that is the way to build up the Church. Should we get to the point where our lives are filled with criticism, and criticism (even of what is wrong) is the center of our lives, then it is time to stop, and maybe even walk away.

I'd say that everyone should spend time contemplating the Met's pastoral letter for the Great Fast. There is quite a bit of wisdom there.

Metropolitan Basil does not have an easy job in pastoring his Church. I ask that each of us make a commitment to pray for the Ruthenian bishops - Basil, William, John and Gerald - each day from now until Pascha.

I'm on the Julian caldendar now, so I can still criticize for a few more weeks I guess.

I'll ask again as I have before, what is the plan for the BCA to evangelize and grow? It's still ashame to see that money and time was spent on revising rather than evangelizing.

Monomakh

Yes. That was unfortunate. And then what happens if Rome rescinds the RDL? Do they get a refund?

Any particular reason this topic is posted in the RDL forum rather than a general interest forum, such as "Faith & Worship", or "Parish Life and Evangelisation"?

RE: Administrator...Thanks for your wisdom!
We all need to be reminded to pray, especially in this time of the Great Fast. At every liturgy we pray for our Metropolitan and Bishops. Have we become so caught up in the "ritual" that wwe have forgotten the meaning of the prayers? Let us pray, for our "God loving bishops...Basil,William, John, and Gerald..."
--and, during this time of preparation, let us try to contemplate the many blessings we have, give thanks for them, and trust that the Good Lord does know what he's doing.