www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Pro-Abortion, Eastern Christian Politicians?

Yet another article was in the newspaper this morning, telling of how pro-abortion politicians are ignoring their bishops and declaring that they don't consider themselves to be bad Catholics, etc.

Does anyone know of any EC or Orthodox politicians who are in the same situation? Would their bishops be inclined to do the same? Just wondering...

In Christ and the Theotokos,

Tammy

Dear Tammy:

As much as the Administrator hates it :p , the fact that EC or Orthodox groups tend to consist of tight-knit ethnic comminitites would probably make a bishop think twice (if not four or five times) before opening up that can of worms.

Yours,

hal

George Stephanopolous (former senior Clinton advisor) is Greek Orthodox and his father is or was (not sure if he is deceased now) a priest. He is extremely liberal and pro-abortion. During one of his scandals the monks of Mt. Athos said a liturgy for him.

When Dukakis was running for president, Greek Orthodox bishops did all but endorse him. Heck, I once knew of an abortionist who was a member in good standing of his Orthodox church. All is not rosy in Orthodoxy, either.

Dear Zadok,

Father Robert Stephanopoulos is still alive and is the Dean of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in NYC. He baptized my first child.

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Dear Iconophile,

What you say about Orthodoxy is sadly true.

All is NOT rosy...and many of these politicians are Orthodox Christian only by way of their ethnic identity and birth.

In Christ,
Alice

Alice,

Though true, my guess is that either the Orthodox politician would not approach the Chalice or the priest would not allow him to receive the Eucharist.

Dear Deacon John Montalvo,

To be honest, I really don't know what the status of these politicians receiving Holy Communion has been, but unfortunately, my gut says that there is a chance that they may have on rare occasion(?). *ouch* However, it is not for me to judge or speculate.

If they had a spiritual father, (which most marginally practicing Greek Orthodox do not) I am sure that would not be the case, but I doubt they do.

For what it is worth, there is alot of public outcry from practicing and devout Greek Orthodox laity about these politicians and their relationship with our church leaders. (Our hierarchy has not taken a hard enough stand with them, atleast publicly...because of the blurred line between ethnic community and religion.)

In Christ,
Alice

I suppose that the Orthodox do hold a tighter control over the Chalice than the RCs do. It may be the case that these confrontations never come to the public eye. Just my guess.

Of course, the RC politicians are likely to be seen receiving Holy Eucharist on the evening news.

Tammy