Does anyone know what the story is with the "evangelical" Orthodox who were excommunicated by the Antiochian Church? I pray that there remains an orthodox/Orthodox remnant. I understand that some/all (?) of this group became almost cult-like. One uncomfirmed story was that they were refusing Holy Communion to couples over 45 years old who confessed to having sex (with each other mind you), because at that age it wasn't for procreation, it was just for fun. Oh, well!!!

Check out the information posted on two websites:

http://www.aaron.org/Archdiocese/News/BenLomondCase.htm

http://www.BenLomondArchives.org/Archives.html

On the surface, the problems appear to be simply both clergy refusing to obey their bishop or a bishop who does not see the needs of his people. Looking at the issues a little deeper, it seems that some of the converts from Evangelical Protestantism to Orthodoxy may have brought a whole lot of baggage into our Church.

There is more than we can see on the surface. We must pray for our brothers and sisters both at SS. Peter & Paul Church and for Metropolitan Philip and the clergy involved.

There is another web site with quite a bit of coverage of the Ben Lomond episode:

http://www.nektarios.org

It's quite sad -- I was always very inspired by the story of the Evangelical Orthodox and their reunion with the Church, not to mention the wonderful work done by Conciliar Press. I wonder what all will become of those ministries now.

It is my understanding that 10 years ago the Evangelical Orthodox numbered about 2000 when they entered the Antiochian church. As far as I know, the folks that requested release from that Archdiocese numbered about 300. It really is sad. I did not know any of the priests personally but had visited Sts. Peter and Paul church twice. The congregation was warm and very spirited in their singing and worship. They sang Byzantine, Greek, Ruthenian, Moscow, Kievan, Bulgarian, Serbian and other Eastern chant traditions with ease and great love. They sponsored a liturgical music weekend for the last few years and initiated Psalm Notes, a pan-orthodox newsletter for Orthodox singers, musicians, choir directors and composers that was quite good.
Please keep them in their prayers. Not only has this been traumatic for the families and friendships involved but I this probably had a chilling effect on the OCA/Antiochian Orthodox relations and the desire of some to work toward a united "American" Orthodox Church jurisdiction.