According to the UPI [upi.com] and the Anchorage Daily News [adn.com] , there has been a questionable ordination in the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska.

According to these articles, the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska tonsured a man who was convicted of (and spent a year in prison for) having sex with under-age girls, which he videotaped and which he engaged in while he was enrolled as an adult student in the seminary.

If these articles are accurate, am I missing something here? Especially after the clergy-sex-abuse scandals of just a few years ago?

"Youthful indiscretions" (as the bishop put it) is one thing, but this? Wouldn't this kind of situation require a prolonged period of penance and pyshcological monitoring prior to ordination, if ordination was still an option? Also, what steps has the Church taken to prove that this man is not a threat to under-age girls . . . and to other people . . . and to sensitive data?

My apologies if this topic was already posted in another thread, but this is the first that I have read about this.

-- John

Chancellor Archimandrite Isidore rightly said "The church believes everyone is redeemable," . . . but given the nature of the crimes, I think they're just asking for trouble.

The biggest concern I have is this:

That argument might hold true for an 18 year old and his 16 year old girlfriend . . . but a 22 year old seminary student with 13 and 14 year old girls is hardly the same thing.

I pray that this won't lead to more abuse, and also that it won't hurt the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska.

Dave

John, all I can say, is thank God your diocese is under Archbishop Job.

I could understand Chancellor Archimandrite Isidore's position if the seminary student had attractions and did not act on his lust. Perhaps if he slipped up and was seriously repentant. What seems concerning is the video tape. If he remained controlled by his lusts, he should have taken his time when considering his vocation. But that's not what happened.

Terry

Here is the information on Tereny Duskin:

Terenty Dushkin is under the supervision of the Alaska Department of Corrections; he is required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Condition #9 of his Special Conditions of Probation/Sex Offender Conditions is: "No accepting employment or engaging in any volunteer community activity which involves contact with female minors under the age of sixteen.
In Alaska there is a shortage of clergy and in many rural villages, it is the reader who is the respected leader of the religious community leading the Obidnitsa liturgy, singing of psalms, acathists etc. Also it was the tradtion in very remote areas for a reader to baptise and baby and then the family would wait until a priest came to chrismate the baby. If a priest only visits once a year you can see how important a reader is. This is not a position for a convicted sex offender.

Terenty Duskin also comes from a prominent family. His stepfather was Carl Moses, long time respected member of the Alaska House of Representatives, who also served on the board of directors of The Aleut Corporation.

His ordination has upset many in the Orthodox Church. You can read the discussion here:
http://www.ocanews.org/serendipity/index.php?/archives/196-ADN-Story-on-Alaska.html

To all posters,

Concerns by some posters have been raised as to the appropriateness of the information supplied in the previous post. I have reviewed their concerns and the content that has been posted. I also have spent some time researching the content.

All information posted in the previous post comes from the State of Alaska Sexual Offender Registry website, public court proceedings, and actual news articles of those proceedings. Since all the above information posted is public domain material given as to alert the citizenry to potential risks associated with the perpetrator as proscribed by state and federal regulations, I am going to allow the content to stand unedited. Also since the perpetrator in this instance is still under State supervision, any actions that may occur regarding him are part of the public record, and since he is a convicted felon he has lost any right to privacy by law.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+
Administrator

No way anyone with such a record should be advanced even to the rank of Reader.I'm sick of OCA folks(the Alaskan Diocese is actually part of the OCA,NOT the Russian Church as the report states)on another forum saying things like,who are we to judge,he's paid his dues to society,etc.Sorry folks,the man was convicted as an adult.Yes,I too am a sinner,I admit I don't deserve to stand in front of God's Altar,BUT I was married for over 30 years and despite many sins,I never cheated on my wife once.I'm not bragging about not doing something which NO Christian ought to do,clergy or not.Now I'm a widower and in the event that I should marry again,I'd have to step down from the priesthood first,I'd be "Mr." instead of "Father" the rest of my days.In fact on the day of my wife's funeral,my oldest son ,who is a tonsured Reader,recieved Holy Communion,but my younger son,who is living with his girlfriend,did not.He didn't attempt to,knowing that I wouldn't have allowed it.

I wish that more would be like you! Memory eternal for your wife. Prayers that your son will be restored.

My best friend is OCA and she is mad about it. I think alot of folks from listening to her are disconected from the situation.It hasn't been in my parish.....

My prayers that God may enlighten all.

This is a sad day.

The state of affairs is truly heartbreaking in the OCA. I have read many of the allegations regarding this and several other serious scandals going on in that church. It is also heartbreaking that it seems that the problem is wholly of the Bishops creation.
Why is there only one Bishop who speaks up against this deplorable situation.
Why do they consecrate such poor candidates to the episcopate? Is there no one else?
Where is the holy synod?
Where is the vision?
It appears to be that many of the bishops have become isolated and divorced from the reality that John and Jane Q. Public sees. The RC's bishops paid a dear price for that type of isolation and perhaps that chicken has come to roost here.

Why has it come to this? I don't know.

What can be done? There's the real issue.

One OCA bishop is trying to bring about reform, but his authority is limited. Most of the other OCA bishops oppose him. Like I posted on another thread severla months ago, it is a standoff.

But, it cannot go on indefinitely. While the hierarchs of the OCA enage in all of this, a lot of the people are going to drift away to other jurisdicitons or other churches if reform is not meaningfully implemented.

Lord have mercy.

-- John

The current Metropolitan must go, and the Bishop of Alaska with him. The OCA then needs to figure out exactly what it's going to be.

Are there any rumors regarding help from Moscow? (Or Jordanville)

No, nor would it be welcome.

Not at all, they're Americans!

This is a sad and dreadful situation. The notion that keeping this man "at the altar" somehow makes others safe is just ludicrous. Put a cassock on him, give him official ecclesiatical approval, have him serve in a public way in Church services...all this makes everyone else (particulary teenage girls) safe?

Can I say "Duh?"

Prayers for the OCA, its clergy and faithful, and its future. Prayers for good Bishop Job and his efforts at reform.

In ICXC,

Gordo

PS: Has Rod Dreher weighed in on this?

Is this the same diocese that was led by the late Bishop Innocent of Alaska???

This seems contrary and in open defiance to the OCA's recently released policy regarding ordinands to any level of the priesthood.


http://www.oca.org/news.asp?ID=1302&SID=19

From the standpoint of the MP and the OCA, the OCA is an autocephalous church. There is really nothing the MP could or should do; if they were autonomous but not autocephalous, the story would be different. What the OCA should be doing now probably forms a long list of things, but one is reaching out to the other jurisdictions in this country. Not looking to Moscow.

Sadly, this morning in a pastoral letter Archbishop Job announced his intention to retire.


http://midwestdiocese.org/news_080111_1.html

The problems in Alaska go beyond the story in this thread, and have a great deal to do with the bishop there.

Here is the full pastoral letter. It is well worth reading:


This is indeed very, very sad. I have seen and heard Bishop Job on at least three occasions, and read a few things by him. He strikes me as being one of the great shepherds of the Orthodox faithful in North America.

Prayers...

Gordo

He is, and he is well respected outside the OCA. His announcement is sad, but I can't say too surprising given what has been going on.

I certainly pray that the OCA reforms itself, but it appears the opposite is happening. I will say that if the OCA ends up breaking up given the way it is going, it actually in the long run would probably be a good thing for Orthodoxy in this country.

This whole debacle is really really sad.

There seems no end to it

Prayers for all the Hierarchy and faithful of the OCA

In the grand scheme of things, I think what we are witnessing here, and with the recent clergy scandals in Catholicism, are indications of "stepped-up" demonic activity, i.e., stronger temptaions to drag down clergy and hierarchy, so as to pull apart the Church by souring the faithful. Clergy formation has got to deal with the issue of "spiritual warfare", and this is something which has been deficient in recent years.

Dn. Robert

Dn. Robert,

Sadly I must disagree. My (albeit limited) research on the topic indicates a significant influx of corrupt men into the clergy during the 60's and 70's. I think your suggestion assumes these men are men of good will who have fallen to temptation. I get no pleasure out of disagreeing but the facts are hard to deny. These men were corrupt from the get go and had no interest in spiritual things.

On the other hand, I think you are right in regard to those clergy who truly are of good-will...but the numbers of THOSE who have fallen into gross immorality is quite small.

I am speaking primarily in regard to the scandals in the Roman Catholic Church. I am not informed enough to speak to Orthodoxy.

Jason

In the case of some (not all) RC seminaries, I think we are dealing with a "mixed bag". Some candidates are bad going in, and are recruited by those of a like mind. But, even in books like "Goodbye, Good Men", it is pointed out that there are those entering formation who start out with proper intentions, but, being weak, and coming under the unfortunate influence of bad formators,become corrupt. There are also those who, despite all the horrible influences around them, feeling strongly called to ordination, "tough it out", find good spiritual direction (outside the particular seminary), are ordained, and become very good priests. It is my contention that this state of affairs has got to be cleaned up. Those who are not fit should be more efficiently screened out, and those who are sound (and called) should not be treated as if they were unfit. God willing, with this Pope, things will move in the right direction.

Dn. Robert

Dn Robert,

I agree completely with what you say here and I share your hopes concerning Pope Benedict. My only concern is for his age...hoping he is in strong enough health to live long enough to see that change gets to the "point of no return."

Jason

Could we get back on topic now?

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+
Administrator

Thank you for posting the letter, Andrew, by His Eminence. I was not aware of that till this evening when I read your post.


I would not be too quick to conclude H.E.'s retirement, nor the present scandals, would lead to the breakup of the OCA.

These messes are examples of the general housecleaning that the OCA's leadership needs.

But, there is such a Person as the Holy Spirit; and He does have a way of slipping in reform where it is most needed and effective.

Meanwhile, the situation in Alaska is very unaccaptable; and thanks to the news reports, parents are now forewarned.

-- John

There is no telling what the future holds, but certainly the retirement of Archbishop Job and the necessity of him apologizing and prostrating himself before Bishop Nikolai are not what one would consider encouraging signs of change and reform. Encouraging signs in general seem to be in short supply at the moment.

I am not a member of the OCA, so I can only go by what I read and hear from people who are in the OCA.

It is certainly possible that the OCA may continue on and not break up, but in what form remains to be seen. Its current form I would assume is a cause of grave concern to people inside the OCA, and to anyone in general who desires to see Orthdoxy jurisdictional unity in this country.

Here is an update on the sad situation in Alaska. The Archdeacon was left in protect over the ordination of a convicted sex offender as a reader. We should keep this Eparchy in our prayers.

What exactly is meant by "domestic partner"?

Jason

It is probably meant literally, i.e. the two men share a place of residence/domesticity.

Alexis

http://www.ocanews.org/news/AlaskaAllegations8.8.07.html

Allegations of Sexual Harassment, Assault, Domestic Violence, Neglect

& Malpractice Hit Alaskan Diocese

At the request of the Metropolitan, Mr. Paul Sidebottom, a missionary from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center serving until recently as Assistant Dean for Academics at St. Herman's Seminary in Kodiak Alaska, wrote the following letter to Metropolitan Herman on May 25th, 2007, confirming their telephone conversation a day earlier, about a series of events that took place in Kodiak during the Feast of the Ascension (May 16-17, 2007). The letter concerns the drunken actions of Archimandrite Isidore (Brittain), the Chancellor of the Diocese of Alaska and newly-appointed Rector of the Seminary, but more ominously, contains serious allegations against Bishop Nikolai of Alaska made by Fr. Isidore himself, allegations, Sidebottom writes, that were subsequently confirmed and expanded upon by Fr. Innocent Dresdow, Dean of the Kodiak cathedral.

Sidebottom's Letter

Sidebottom's letter reads:

"Master Bless,

The following is an account of the events I related to Your Eminence, introduced by a summary of our phone conversation.

Mitred-Archimandrite Isidore was scheduled to visit Kodiak on Tuesday, May 15, and serve liturgy in Karluk for the village's feast day on May 17, returning to Anchorage on Friday, May 18. In an e-mail to Fr. Chad Hatfield on Monday, Bishop Nikolai appointed Fr. Isidore Rector of the Seminary, effective June 1. Due to weather, Fr. Isidore was not able to travel to Karluk. Preparing to leave, seminarians and an instructor smelled alcohol on Fr. Isidore. At Vigil, served at Holy Resurrection Cathedral at 6:00 pm Fr. Isidore presided while intoxicated. He heard confessions, leaning heavily on the analogian for support. He stumbled and his speech was slurred at litya and the Gospel reading. Seminarians and parishioners informed me of the smell of alcohol on Fr. Isidore, at the anointing. After the anointing, Fr. Isidore left the vigil service to meet two Russian reporters.

After speaking with the co-celebrants, I asked the seminarians and parishioners who witnessed Fr. Isidore's drunkenness to contact Bishop Nikolai that evening. Fr. Innocent Dresdow as the Dean of the Cathedral called the bishop. His Grace asked that Fr. Isidore be found and asked to contact the Chancery. Fr. Isidore had gone out with the reporters, so Fr. Innocent and I drove around Kodiak's downtown in search for him. We found Fr. Isidore stumbling down the hall way at the Kodiak Inn. Fr. Isidore spoke briefly with Bishop Nikolai by mobile phone. Fr. Innocent and I were asked to prepare Fr. Isidore for the night's last flight back to Anchorage. At the episcopal apartment Fr. Isidore was told to pack. He expressed his feeling of betrayal by us. Yet while making final scheduling with the airlines, Fr. Isidore continued to drink vodka which he had hidden in the apartment. He also took some unidentified pills. We were able to get Fr. Isidore to the airport but the staff would not take him because of his drunken state. He was drooling and mumbling. An Anchorage flight was scheduled for the following afternoon.

In the car ride over and back, Fr. Isidore was in tears. He asked how he had come to his current condition. He said he had once been normal. He loved God. He loved his neighbor. All the while, he was reaching back to touch my leg in an inappropriate way and trying to hug me.

Back at the apartment, the drama increased. Fr. Isidore said if Fr. Innocent and I thought the answer was to send him back to Anchorage, we were wrong. Sending him back to "papa" was "hell" and "his death". It was at this point in the night that Fr. Isidore admitted "Vladyka beats me." I did not pursue this issue because my priority was to calm Fr. Isidore, though Fr. Innocent confirmed this revelation later, adding another clergyman had been abused. Fr. Isidore said he was "better off dead." Rather than go back to Vladyka, he should just kill himself. Because of the pills Fr. Isidore had taken and the threats he made, I called Bishop Nickolai to ask if Fr. Isidore had ever threatened suicide before. His Grace denied, saying Fr. Isidore was too much a Christian. I wanted to know if I should stay up with Fr. Isidore or take him to the emergency room or call poison control. His Grace said this was not necessary. Fr. Isidore could be left to pass-out and sleep-it-off. I was to return in the morning to check on him.

Fr. Isidore refused to be calm though he could not stand or walk. I was in his bedroom alone with him. He threatened to "bloody my face" if I did not leave. Then he tried to touch me inappropriately, wanting "someone to cry with". Several times Fr. Isidore tried to stand and grab me inappropriately. Finally, he collapsed on his bed. He passed-out, fondling himself.

Ascension morning, Fr. Isidore did attend liturgy at the order of Bishop Nikolai. He did not stay long. A deacon had to take communion wine away from him and send him to the episcopal apartment. I followed Fr. Isidore to the apartment, staying in my office. He later admitted he had tried to find the bottles which Fr. Innocent had confiscated the night before along with several cans of chewing tobacco. Not finding them he went for the vanilla extract in the kitchen to "get rid of the shakes". After liturgy, Matushka Thekla and I spoke more with Fr. Isidore about the fact of his alcoholism. He said he began drinking in Alaska as Bishop Nikolai's deacon. His Grace had insisted on being driven but berated Fr. Isidore's driving. Fr. Isidore decided to "get rid of those feelings with a big bottle of wine". His problem progressed from wine to sake to hard liquor. Fr. Isidore eventually chose vodka because it is the "cleanest". Fr. Isidore has had a drinking problem for five years since his arrival in Alaska with Bishop Nikolai.

Through the morning, Fr. Innocent, Matushka Thekla, and myself tried to encourage Fr. Isidore to enter treatment. Through the day, he agreed to enter Guest House where he was scheduled to enter about a year ago. On the afternoon of May 17, Fr. Isidore was accompanied by Fr. Innocent to Anchorage and then to Minnesota.

I welcome any further questions Your Beatitude might have.

Kissing Your Right Hand.."

The "Climate of Command" in Alaska

Sidebottom's shocking letter raises serious questions not only about the actions of the individuals named, but the general tenor of Church life in the Alaskan Diocese, specifically the "climate of command", as the military would term it, among those ostensibly guiding it. Among the most immediate questions are:

� How is it that a young man, recently graduated from St. Tikhon's, goes to Alaska as a member of the personal staff of Bishop Nikolai, is elevated from deacon to priest to archimandrite to dean of the Anchorage deanery to chancellor of the Diocese to mitred archimandrite to episcopal candidate in just five short years, and no one ever noticed he was becoming such an alcoholic that he is reduced to drinking vanilla extract to "get rid of the shakes"? He is the Chancellor of the Diocese and shares a residence with the Bishop, for heaven's sake. And no one noticed?

� How is it that this young priest was known to have been "scheduled to enter (rehab) about a year ago" but no one intervened when he failed to do so? Rather than sending him to treatment, the Bishop continued to reward him with appointments - in the past year these included becoming a mitred-archimandrite and Rector of St. Herman's - despite having refused treatment. How was this possible? Madness.

� How is it that a young priest drinks himself into a stupor, after swallowing unidentified pills and shouting that he "would be better off dead", and another priest, as well as an officer of one of our seminaries, do not immediately seek medical attention for him? Madness.

� How is it that the priest and officer, after the young priest has confessed to being abused, call the alleged abuser to ask him what to do? Madness.

� How is it that the Bishop (regardless of the veracity of the allegations made against him) when made aware of a potentially fatal combination of unknown pills and alcohol then recommends "let him sleep it off" rather than seeking immediate medical attention? Madness.

� How is it that the two men then obey the Bishop, in defiance of common sense? In short, what kind of "climate of command" exists in the Diocese of Alaska where life-threatening situations are allowed to develop; and once developed, everyone is so afraid they must await the instructions of the Bishop before proceeding; and then obey commands that could be life-threatening? Madness. Madness, Madness.

� How is it that the Dean of the Kodiak Cathedral, knowing of additional allegations of physical abuse made against the Bishop of the Diocese has never informed anyone of these allegations? More Madness.

Church Policy

It is not known what Metropolitan Herman did upon receiving the letter. What is known is that neither Fr. Isidore nor Bishop Nikolai was suspended as would seem to be prudent following the guidelines of "The Policies, Standards, and Procedures of the Orthodox Church in America on Sexual Misconduct". (Read that policy here.)

The Policy states:

"The Church will take all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, and will promptly respond to all allegations. It will report allegations in accordance with the civil laws of any jurisdiction where an act of sexual misconduct is alleged to have occurred, and will cooperate in accordance with civil and canon law in any investigation by civil authorities. The Church will reach out to the victims of sexual misconduct and their families to provide for their spiritual well-being and healing. The diocesan hierarch, in exercising his duties, has both pastoral and disciplinary responsibilities."

Of course, the policy never foresaw that the accused would be the Bishop himself, nor the abused his Chancellor.

Certainly the Church has reached out in some ways to Fr. Isidore, sending him to treatment (the cost of which is $30-$40,000 for the usual stay, a sum which is covered, at least in part, by OCA insurance). Bishop Nikolai reached out to Paul Sidebottom as well, but in quite a different way.

The Sidebottom Story Continues

In early July Bishop Nikolai conducted a telephone conference with the "Executive Committee" of St. Herman's Seminary Board of Trustees to discuss the situation. (Although the bylaws of St. Herman's still state that the President of the Seminary, as with all OCA-affiliated seminaries, is Metropolitan Herman, he was not included in the call. The Metropolitan has made it known for some time that he would not be active in the affairs of the school.) The Executive Committee, therefore, included: Bishop Nikolai, Ms. Mina Jacobs (the Bishop's Assistant), Mr. Cliff Argue, a businessman from Seattle, and Fr. Isidore, from the treatment center in Minnesota. During this conference call Bishop Nikolai recommended Paul Sidebottom be dismissed from the Seminary "due to budget cuts". Sidebottom was subsequently informed by email of the Executive Committee's decision.

This decision, but none of the circumstances surrounding it, (that is, Fr. Isidore's allegations against the Bishop contained in Sidebottom's letter to the Metropolitan), were then communicated to the rest of the Board of Trustees on July 25th. The dismissal provoked at least two letters from Board members protesting the decision. (Read those letters here)

The OCA Hierarchy Becomes Involved

Sometime in early June Archbishop Job received a multi-page report on the situation in Alaska written by a professional in the field of domestic violence and counseling familiar with the situation in Alaska. He insisted a few days later that a special Synod meeting be called, no later than the end of July. He later shared this report with three other Bishops

(Metropolitan Herman, +Seraphim and +Nikon) in a special meeting held at St. Tikhon's the week before the Synod meeting. It was this meeting (to review the situation in Alaska) that so outraged Bishop Nikolai that he left the Synod meeting early the following week. But in the end, the Bishops did nothing. Fr. Isidore was not suspended pending an investigation; Bp. Nikolai was not suspended pending an investigation; Paul Sidebottom's dismissal was not reversed; and St. Herman's allowed to continue its downward spiral.

Questions

The OCA policy states:

"The Church will strive to see that justice is done. The innocent must be protected while those responsible for sexual misconduct must be held accountable. Just as the rights of victims must be respected and secured by the Church, the work and ministries of clergy and laypersons must not be impaired by unfounded accusations. Fundamental principles of fairness must not be compromised either way. The Church's pastoral concern in this respect shall be directed to both complainants and respondents."

Was justice done here?

� Did Paul Sidebottom receive justice from the Church? How? By being fired by the alleged Abuser -and his Abused - for blowing the whistle on both? Sidebottom has since left Alaska for an undisclosed location in the lower 48.

Are the innocent being protected?

� Was Fr. Isidore protected? If so, how could the man acccused of abusing him be allowed to speak with him regularly on the telephone, even while he is in treatment? Did anyone tell the treatment center of the circumstances of the disease? If not, why not?

� Is the other unnamed abuse victim being protected? For that matter how are any of the clergy and laity of the Alaskan Diocese being protected from a Bishop accused of physical violence, who at this moment is in Kodiak leading an annual OCA pilgrimage, as if nothing had happened?

Consequences

If "protection" and "justice" are the Church's goals, how is it that everyone walks away from this as if nothing happened? That is, everyone except Paul Sidebottom, who lost his job?

� How is it that the Bishop, after hearing the credible allegations of sexual harassment made by Paul Sidebottom, does not suspend Fr. Isidore as would be prudent according to the recommendations of the OCA Policy on Sexual Abuse?

� How is that Metropolitan Herman, on hearing and reading of the credible allegations of assault, domestic violence, and neglect Fr. Isidore made against Bishop Nikolai, and confirmed together with an additional allegation by Fr. Innocent, did not suspend both Fr. Isidore and Bishop Nikolai pending a full investigation by a qualified investigator?

� And in the face of the Metropolitan failure to act, how is that the Synod of Bishops, having heard and read these credible allegations, refused themselves to take action by demanding Fr. Isidore and Bishop Nikolai both be suspended pending an investigation?

Credibility

The Church's policy states "...the work and ministries of the clergy must not be impaired by unfounded accusations." The policy continues:

"(1) The complainant has the burden of proof to establish that the Respondent engaged in acts of sexual misconduct;

(2) As a first step, there must be enough evidence from the complainant to cause the Response Team or investigators to believe that one or more of the allegations are substantiated at that point. This generally must be more than the complainant's uncorroborated testimony standing alone. If the complainant meets this test, the so-called scales of justice temporarily would tip in favor of the complainant;...."

Does Paul Sidebottom's complaint meet this preliminary test? Paul Sidebottom is not delusional: he is, was, the former Assistant Dean for Academics at St. Herman's; a graduate of both the OCA's other seminaries, and a figure well-known in Kodiak and throughout the Church for his years of missionary work. Numerous witnesses saw Fr. Isidore drunk on the day in question. Sidebottom claims Fr. Innocent Drewdow was present when these events occured, heard the allegations, and confirmed them. Certainly Sidebottom's history, the claim of other witnesses being present, and the fact that Fr. Isidore did indeed enter treatment, lends enough credence to the story to "tip the scales of justice temporarily" in favor of the complainant.

And yet, nothing was done.

A Moment of Decision

Once again the same old OCA story repeats itself: evil is alledged to occur, a whistle-blower is fired for revealing it, the evidence is suppressed and no action is taken against the alleged malefactor, who is allowed to continue in office.

It took the Church 10 years, millions of dollars in lost and diverted funds, bad publicity, broken spirits and lives, and years of struggle to finally admit the former Chancellor committed malfeasance in office worthy of his deposition. If our clergy are not just being robbed, but beaten this time; drinking themselves comatose to avoid a Bishop's wrath; while that same Bishop fires whistle-blowing faculty - destroying one of our Seminaries so many have labored so long to build - do we need 10 more years to deal with this issue? Do we have 10 years to deal with this? New computer systems, "Best Practices" and the like are no help here.

Father, Brothers, Sisters - when is enough, enough? Why is it that OCANews.org has to break this story and not OCA.org? Why is it that national newspapers will have to seize on this scandal before the Metropolitan acts? Why are we most likely going to hear the excuses and justifications of the alleged abusers before we hear the voice of the true shepherd who protects his flock? Are we so far gone that even serious allegations of sexual impropiety, domestic violence, assault, abuse and neglect will not motivate us, as long as our little world, our little parish, our little monastery, our little seminary, our little diocese, are all "safe"? Are we so bereft of Christian decency that they can count on the fact that lay people will not rise up and protest because we are scared of what our priest and fellow parishioners might think; that no priests will rise up and protest because they are too scared of what their Bishops and fellow priests might think; that no Bishops will protest because they are too scared of what the Metropolitan and their fellow Bishops might think? What, fathers, brothers and sisters, do you think God thinks?

According to Paul Sidebottom, Fr. Isidore, in his despair, lamented that "...he used to be normal. He loved God. He loved his neighbor." Are we any different if we let these allegations pass in silence?

-Mark Stokoe

This is at the very least bad form, and Bishop Nikolai should know better.

It does make one wonder if the relationship between these two clerics goes a little beyond that of room mates.

For too long, the Catholic Church denied these kinds of issues and now we have a huge crisis. I pray and hope our Orthodox brethren will learn from our mistakes and not repeat them.

Shalom,
Memo

Unfortunately that appears not to be happening. I can only speak as an outside observer, but it seems to me the hierarchy of the OCA believes itself not to be accountable to their laity, and simply wishes to ride the storm out with as little to come out in the open as possible. I think it's a huge mistake, and trust once lost, may not regained. That is not trust in the OCA, but trust in the church.

Whatever is going on with the Bishop in question's private life is a matter of speculation. What is a matter of public record is bad enough though. In speaking with people I know in the OCA, he is regarded as a terrible bishop and a disgrace to the church.

A lot of good people, clergy and lay, are getting hurt by all of this. It's really a tragedy.

I was shaking my head in numb disbelief as I read the most recent posts. Has no one learned anything from the scandals in the Roman Catholic Church from a few years ago? Evil really is self-destructive. It apparently doesn't matter to certain hierarchs that, if nothing else, it is detrimental to their own self-interest to have the appearance of such improprieties. No, instead, they stick their heads in the sand so that they can continue to . . . continue. If even half of these things are true, the need for reform within the OCA (and not just in Alsaka) is enormous and immediate. You know: it makes all the ewords about repentance and the need for ascetic self-discpline in order to triumph over evil have become so much more real with all of this.

-- John

After thinking on it some more, I think I see the work of the Holy Spirit in all of this: purification. The civil lawsuits in Alaska and Syosset may be just the tool to crack open this festering wound of Church corruption, to allow cleaning and healing to begin.

-- John

This was just released on the OCA website concerning this ordination.

Official OCA Statement [oca.org]


I wonder why they took so long to release the announcement publicly, when the suspension took place over three weeks earlier?

Or why he was tonsured in the first place? One would hope Bishop Nikolai got a reprimand for tonsuring a convicted sex offender.

Fr. Deacon Lance

Father Deacon,

Good question, unfortunately that does not look like the answer. I was just reading the website www.ocanews.org [ocanews.org] , and apparently a story is about to be posted there (the headline is there but no text as of yet) about Bishop Nikolai preferring charges against another bishop. We'll have to wait and see.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Father Anthony,

If he does press charges against Archbishop Job, the only bishop in the OCA who consistently did the right thing throughout this whole ordeal, I hope the Synod deposes Bishop Nikolai if it is allowed. Logically, if Mr. Dushkin was suspended according to the canons, then Bishop Nikolai violated the canons tonsuring him.

Fr. Deacon Lance

Father Deacon,

As an old friend of mine used to say, "From your lips to God's ears!" We will have to see how this is going to play out.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

I thought this was already settled. Archbishop Job issued a diocesan letter last month saying he apologized and prostrated himself in front of Archbishop Nikolai.

What has the good Bishop done to offend the Alaskan Bishop now?

Indeed, it is a sad situation when someone is brought forth and the people determine that he should not be brought forth. And the authorities don't seem to comprehend it.

I agree with Isidore that the Church must view the individual and judge its response in Christian charity.

Unfortunately, in our contemporary society, the Church must be aware of the worldly reality and respond appropriately.

The candidate may well have repented and have subordinated himself to the rules, but the Church must also be aware of what the world's people will see and respond accordingly.

Let's pray for our brethren in the OCA. They have many different issues that are assaulting them today. And as their baptized brethren (whether they are currently amenable to non- Orthodox or not), we understand their conflict and pray that God will be merciful to the community.

Lord have mercy!

Dr John

Etnik, with all due respect, I think that you may have misinterpreted that gesture by Bishop Job. I think Job apologized for any fault of his own, and he prostrated himself to prove the point. However, I don't think he withdrew any of concerns about the diocese of Alaska . . . or the rest of the OCA . . . In short, I took it as a public gesture of humility but not necessarily as a withdrawl of his concerns.

-- John

Well, the stories have finally been released. Here they are:

ocanews.org news release 2/5/2008 [ocanews.org]

Nothing apparently is a given except for the first part of the story.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Perhaps its time for the Alaskan Orthodox to go ROCOR! There was talk of Alaska going to ROCOR in the not so distant past.

Because this is not a viable solution. It would be tantamount to the Russian Church taking back territories of a church that it has granted autocephaly to. ROCOR is a part of the Russian Orthodox Church and any such absorption of a territory such as Alaska, would require the approval of the entire Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. Also any such re-absorption of a territory such as Alaska would be a de facto declaration that the Tomos of Autocephaly of the OCA is null and void on the Russian Church�s part.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

LORD HAVE MERCY !

Thank you, Fr. Anthony, for keeping us informed. Even though the news is so uniformly bad.

At this rate, either a new generation of leadership will have to take over the OCA, probably within the next 5 years, or there just won't be an OCA.

-- John

This just makes me intensely sad. I know and have great respect for some friends who are members of the OCA. And this must be making them really wonder about many things.

When the scandal hit the RCC, everybody came around and threw it up in the faces of anyone who was known as a practicing Catholic as if we "in on" this whole mess. The "how can you be part of that" was a real bat to beat us with.

Boy, the Enemy must be popping the bottles of bubbly in Hell over the shape of Christ's poor Bride, the Church, after the beating she's taken the past number of years. Well, she's down but she's (and we all have) the Savior that will pick us up when we are the most broken. And when I hear this kind of thing it reminds me of how borken we are.


BOB

It's not quite so simple as Alaska "going ROCOR'. The American Metropolia (OCA) is an autocephalous Church, and The Russian Church has no authority over Her. If a portion of an autocephalous Church wishes to come under the omophor of another Synod, it is a matter requiring the convening of the entire Synod to accommodate such. The ongoing debacle occurring in the OCA is painful to watch, but all we can do is to watch and pray, and stand ready to help those hurt in the aftermath of the turmoil.

Alexandr

What is Fr David's take on this? His comments are always good even if at times I disagree.

My Best friend is OCA and she is afraid to put money in the collection plate because of these problems. As a Catholic I know how she feels with having corrupt men in leadership.

Is there a Saint for this type of problem?

I hear you, as I'm a new member of the OCA. I've never prayed more in my life.

Hopefully my prayers and the prayers of thousands of others will bring us through this crisis.

The situation in Alaska has come to some sort of a head. Bishop Nikolai of Alaska has been placed on a mandatory leave of absence as was just announced officially on the OCA website. A formal investigation has been begun by the OCA Synod of Bishops.

Official OCA Announcement [oca.org]

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

St. Nectarios is a great saint.
He was accused of sexual improprieties even though he was innocent.

Likewise, for Catholics, St. Padre Pio was also falsely accused of sexual improprieties.

Both saints responded with silence in imitation of Christ who stood before his accusers in silence. Both saints encouraged the faithful who followed them to keep the faith and to pray for those who were scandalized.

Yes,Elizabeth Maria,but St,Nectarios submitted to discipline, although innocent,and God vindicated him.Furthermore,I don't think that when the Saint was a ruling bishop,that there is a record of him publicly berating his priests,altar servers,and laity,yet people of Alaska have witnessed this behaiviour in their hierarch.In these days of cell phones which can record anything,a bishop or priest can ill-afford such scenes.The bishop may have had some good ideas,but going ballistic on people publicly does lots of damage.I've been there and done that,and lived to regret it.I've often said,and I know it's wrong to look back,but had I remained a deacon,for three years,instead of the three months I spent in that rank of clergy,I might have been a bit more mature and been better prepared to approach the priesthood.Back to Alaska,the bishop in question AND the flock of that diocese need our prayers!

Dear Father Al,

Bless Father!

Indeed, Bishop Nicolai needs our prayers that he may follow the example of St. Nectarios, learn humility, and be submissive to the Holy Synod.

My prayers for Bishop Nicolai and his flock, but especially for the bishops, clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, who have recently endured one scandal after another. May the Lord preserve us, grant us an increase in charity, and keep us strong in the faith.

Respectfully in Christ,
Elizabeth

If she truly has worry about the use of her donation, she may feel free to ear-mark it is she absolutely feels she needs to. It is as simple as making it known that her donation is to be applied directly to untilities: Gas/Water/Electric or a new roof or vestment fund or whatever...

But if the scandal of a few scares off the many, there is a lot that will not get done.

Prayers for our brethren, the clergy, and the hierarchy of the OCA, that this matter be resolved withut further damage to the Church and its faithful.

Prayers also for Bishop Nicholai that, going forward, he proceed in the best interests of his flock, his Church, and himself, and cooperate with His Beatitude Herman and the Holy Synod to resolve these matters.

Many years,

Neil

Unfortunately, Bishop Nikolai is not being cooperative according this account, but rather defiant. I fear that it is only going to become much worse.

Bishop Nikolai refuses to leave [ocanews.org]

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

I hope that we can all make a special effort to pray for the folks in the OCA in this trying time. I don't have "a dog in this fight" and have done my level best to avoid dealing with the details of it - if you asked me what is at the heart of all this, I could not tell you except to say that we know who scandal and division pleases... And that isn't the one any of us are trying to keep happy.

Since today is forgiveness Sunday, the best news would be to hear that Bishop Nikolai has asked for forgiveness from his flock first and the rest of the Church.
It has been suggested on other forums that Bishop Nikolai retire to Hilander on Mt. Athos because of his Serbian roots.

Is Bishop Nikolai correct that proper procedures are not being followed?

Hospodi Pomiluj! Hospodi Pomiluj! Hospodi Pomiluj!

No Bishop Nikolai is not correct. Check out the OCA Statute online.
The Holy Synod of Bishops met to deal with the issue and reached an unanimous decision. Bishop Nikolai was then informed in writing by Metr. Herman.

The one point in this regard on which Bishop Nikolai was correct related to the composition of the investigative body. It was originally indicated that it would include hierarchs, lesser clergy, and a layperson. Bishop Nikolai demurred, stating that the actions of a bishop were only to be subjected to review by others of hierarchical rank.

His Beatitude Herman conceded that to be the proper composition of such an investigative body and stated that such would be the case.

Many years,

Neil

In marked contrast to St. Nektarios.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

I may be the only one giving a counter position, but here goes:

I remember talking to the OCA priest in Alaska who Chrismated me, a year after Vladyka Nikolai was installed as ruling hierarch. This priest was upset Vladyka was making the him use the Russian typikon; he being a convert from Anglicanism also was not in favor of using Native languages--only English. But, it is well known that the previous ruling hierarch, Bishop Innocent, left the diocese in ruin with great moral problems in the priesthood and in the people--such as alcoholism, abuse (sexual and otherwise), and sexual immorality--not to mention His Grace left the OCA before his death.

I talked on the phone a few years ago with Vladyka Nikolai, and although I never worked for him, His Grace seemed like a strong personality and of good character. Coming from Alaska I know of a fact that there are many problems in the Alaskan Church that existed way before Vladyka. And the diocese was set in its ways before Bishop Nikolai came and did not like an outsider coming in telling the people and clergy to get their act together--and this is what +Nikolai attempted as many will attest with a measure of success. Many people over at Orthodox Accountability, citing a few handpicked priests and laity, will say that Vladyka was too hard on the priests and laity--and the faithful were frightened of His Grace. I remember having a supervisor who was like +Nikolai once. His standards were high and he was very demanding. But, he wanted us to be the best at what we were doing. Sure, we complained about him, but we knew that if he was not strict the business would collapse. Some may argue for a more collaborative leadership style or for +Nikola to act like St. Herman, but the reality is God made +Nikolai for a special mission--like every hierarch in the Church. Now, not everything His Grace has done, I am sure, is perfect, but do Orthodox or Byzantine Catholics have the right to act like Protestants and vote out their leaders? Nonsense. But that is the American mentality. The Diocese of Alaska needed leadership with integrity and strength. And he was not strict all the time, but he was sharp and on top of things--that is my picture of +Nikolai. The Church in Alaska needed a bishop like +Nikolai to raise the standard of Orthodoxy--not the weak ecumenist Alaskan orthodoxy being forced on the Native people. I have Native American background and often Native leaders and priests use the "traditional" religion as a way to ignore the standards of Christianity and the practice of the Orthodox religion. Father Michael Oleksa, for example, is fond of supporting a synergistic Orthodoxy mixed with the spiritual teachings of Native traditional religion. The Orthodox missionaries did not tell the Native people their spirits were good or led them to God. Especially among the Eskimos, who practice Native occultism and divination, their spirits are demonic and oppress the people.

Another issue is the size of the Diocese of Alaska. The only other church that has a diocese that covers the whole of Alaska is the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska. And having talked with Episcopal priests their former Bishop Mark had a very hard time managing the whole diocese and worked hard to cover the hundreds of thousands of miles of land to visit parishes once annually. Can we imagine the work it takes one hierach to manage a diocese that large? Would anyone dare criticize any bishop who had to minister there--and if our criticisms are valid--would we say it to His Grace's face? What I am saying is controversial, but my question is why is everyone blaming His Grace? Strictness, exact services, Russian typikon, discipline--these are the reasons His Grace is being maligned? Interesting. So does economia mean that laxity, immorality, synergism, and abuse is to be tolerated amongst the clergy and laity in the Diocese of Alaska? Since Vladyka Herman has "replaced" Nikolai with an Administrator, how long will it be before His Beatitude is "replaced?" Do these head hunters not also want ++Herman on a stick? Is there any credibility in Headquarters to "replace" anyone? Get ready for schism in Alaska--and this only makes it Open Season for fringe Old Calendar "Russian" Churches or vagantes to claim the pick-ins--is that not the main reason why Headquarters is trying to do damage control? The loss of property and the standing of the OCA in Alaska would be devastating to the National Church--and now is the time for other Jurisdictions to do the harvesting--now that this mass hysteria about Vladyka Nikolai has swept the Diocese.

What a shame! This has got my Hungarian temper going! God save and help the Orthodox Diocese of Alaska!

In Christ,


Robert

*The Above is a Minority Position. I wrote this after great pangs of conscience--it was not easy. I hope that can be respected. The main issue for me is that Vladyka have a side in this media debacle. I have chosen to defend His Grace, because in my heart I find no fault in His Grace after all Vladyka helped do in Alaska. Thank you.

Metr. Herman has replied to Bishop Nikolai's letter. Please note that the Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA was unanimous in their decision to depose him:

In a written response, the Metropolitan Herman agreed � somewhat.

"I agree that how we respond to these complaints will send a clear
message to all," he wrote. "We must ensure that the message sent to the church at large is that all Christians, no matter what their position in the church, are subject to the authority of the
Scriptures, our traditions, and the Holy Canons. You are required to leave the diocese immediately."
http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=5934

see also www.ocanews.org [ocanews.org] and www.oca.org [oca.org]

Unsuitable bushops have been removed in the past so this is nothing new in the history of the Orthodox Church.

Slava Isusu Christu!

For the record Vladyka was NOT deposed or suspended he was told to leave the diocese temporarily. Being deposed is much different than leave. And name one instance Vladyka violated the Canons of the Holy Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church which makes His Grace deposable. I am sure application of the Canons with strictness would depose all modern hierarchs, i.e. entering the temples of heretics and non-Christians, BUT we don't read them that way do we? Hmmm.

Why the anger over Vladyka's situation? Are you a gossip hound?

Do you like the smell of blood, because that is all I get from your post?

Just some thoughts?

Robert

IC XC

His Grace has just posted the 'riot act' to members of the Synod and the diocese that have caused such confusion within the Diocese: http://dioceseofalaska.org/pdf/03102008_letter.pdf

My personal opinion is that this is the beginning of a schism in the Alaskan Church and in the OCA. Syosset will probably have Vladyka suspended and illegally deposed without trial. He will find brother bishops in the OCA to create a new Synod and there you go--the diocese will be split down the middle and the money hungry lawyers will go to work. The reality is when Vladyka appeals to the ancient Canons--SVS trained canonists laugh. They will say Vladyka lacks historical consciousness and does not understand the context that the canons were written in, in order to apply them--which basically calls into judgement His Grace's ability to interpret and rule as ikon of the Great Teacher. This is the problem between Traditional Orthodox and so-called Modernist Orthodox--there is a different hermeneutical model used to view everything within the Tradition, including Canonical Law. Vladyka seems to be cut from a different cloth than most of the OCA hierarchs--perhaps he will ask to come under Patriarch Alexei's omophor--but I don't think the political system in Syosett will allow that--since they hold the Tomos of Autocephaly. This issue is very important ecclesiological subject and is vital for Orthodox Christians in America: what is the proper interpretation of the ancient Canons contra contemporary Synodical decrees and is the form of Church governance in the OCA canonical?

I believe Vladyka was honestly trying to raise the bar in the Diocese and he is being shot down by a *few, like Father Michael Oleksa and others who pulled some strings in Syosett to get him out of there. The OCA reminds me of an old Western movie--it's around high noon which bishop is goin' down. Lord have mercy. Sometimes I think I should have stayed in the Ruthenian Church, but alas I have chosen my lot. However, in my spirituality I am still Rusyn and still consider myself Ruthenian. This is probably one matter me and Vladyka would disagree, but I think Byzantine Catholics and Orthodox should be able to share people and priests without jumping ship--like they did in the Old country. And I didn't become OCA because I was changing religions, but because in Ketchikan there were no Byzantine Churches and I needed the Mysteries. I didn't renounce anything--no Isabel Hapgood. So I see myself as being in both worlds, probably like many Eastern Christians. This is off subject, but I tend to do that:)

I fully believe that the reason I am defending Vladyka and probably why I would defend any hierach before His Grace had a trial--is that justice requires it. And I didn't like everyone slamming Vladyka when His Grace basically helped transform the Diocese from a dilapidated old shack to a vibrant community and the people are crucifying Vladyka now because they want their Last Frontier Church with no interference. And ++Herman placing an already overworked Metropolia Chancellor as Administrator of the Diocese of Alaska will only make things worse and +Nikolai knows this. I mean who in the heck overworks a man like that--sheesh--poor Chancellor.

I know the Lord will work this out--in time.

In Christ,


Robert, Chief Among Sinners

From one with absolutely no fish to fry in this situation.

We do not know all the facts of the case , nor were we at the discussions about it.

What we all do know is that the First Hierarch of the OCA , having consulted with the rest of the Bishops, asked Bishop Nikolai to leave the Diocese whilst the matters were investigated. This was a request and I feel it was probably a reasonable one.

Once Bishop Nikolai refused the request, he was told that he was to leave the Diocese - this time it was not a request but an order.

Bishop Nikolai has refused to obey .

Now he has to face the consequences of this action.

Prayers for the members of the OCA in Alaska - they are the ones who are suffering in this

ICXC
NIKA

Than would that assertion not also invalidate your opinion in this matter? When Christians are effected by the actions of their leaders--they have a right to work out the issues in their own minds and hearts-even during the Most Holy Season of Great Lent. I believe my context within the Alaskan Church and one who commemorates Vladyka in my prayers everyday before the Ikon Corner--gives me suffiecient authority to form an opinion in this matter. Vladyka is my bishop and I support His Grace--no one else seems to support Vlayka vocally right now (?)--therefore, I will continue to support His Grace. In the last 10 years the internet has become the most powerful media to make people famous or destroy lives. I am doing a positive thing, by supporting Vladyka as innocent before being PROVEN guilty and by basically telling people that Christians don't go around destroying the good name of anyone, most especially their High Priests. Basic Christian behavior of even priests and bishops isn't being demonstrated anymore. And laity are acting like the Demos or Mob and lynching people without-facts ala your statement. Every Christian has a right according to Divine Law to know their leaders represent the True and Complete Faith. We are also obligated to be subject to the proper authority until it has been determined that they have lost jurisdiction.

In Christ,

Robert, Chief Sinner

Robert - no one is asking you not to support your Bishop.

You are in the area - we are not.

I'm sure we all realise that there are two sides to this dispute .

But since we do not know all the facts of the case we have to rely on the Hierarchs to make decisions - and they have.

Slava Isusu Christu! (How come no one ever says 'Glory Forever' on this forum?)

But, Our Lady's Slave, a name which I think is interesting, you are right--so..., where is the food? Just kidding:)

When I was a member of the Ruthenian Church a priest-monk told me a story of visiting an Orthodox monastery: "One day I went to an Orthodox monastery and everything went well, until they asked me 'why are you a Uniate?' to this I replied spontaneously--'where is the food?'--to which the subject changed and things went back to normal." For me, Our Lady's Slave--I do not need all the "facts" or "Synodical decisions" to support my bishop--only Love. Since you mentioned "both sides"--why is Vladyka's side being neglected in the media or on the forums, except for a small report by an Alaskan media outlet? Seems strange to me. Does that mean Vladyka is guilty and that the Synodical Kangaroo Court is Canonical? We shall see?

God Forgives.

In Christ,


Robert, Chief Sinner

I would have thought that your language describing the meeting of the OCA Bishops is rather inflammatory.

Perhaps we should abandon this thread before it becomes too much of a political one - albeit about Church politics

A Kangaroo Court: A kangaroo court or kangaroo trial, sometimes likened to a drumhead court-martial or Drumhead trial, is a sham legal proceeding or court. Kangaroo courts are judicial proceedings that deny due process in the name of expediency. The outcome of such a trial is essentially made in advance, usually for the purpose of providing a conviction, either by going through the motions of manipulated procedure or by allowing no defense at all. From Good ole' Wiki

In +Nikolai's View Ala His Recent statement--that is what the Lesser Synod court is in this matter. His Grace is not being given due process.

This is above all a Canonical Matter--as the hierachs battle it out the Forum Moderator can move this topic if he so pleases.

The fundamental issue for the contemporary Church is what does it mean to be a modern Eastern Christian Church in the 21st Century American context--valid issues you think.

In Christ,

Robert, Sinner

Admin's Note:

1. This is a valid issue for discussion as canonical issues are not secret. There is no reason to delete the thread.

2. Robert Horvath's reference to the OCA Synod of bishops who are looking into this matter as a "Kangaroo Court" lacks charity.

3. Those who wish to defend Bishop Nikolai are free to do so. The man deserves the presumption of innocence before the Synod of Bishops, even though the charge against him seems very legitimate. [Ordaining a convicted sex offender is something a bishop should not do and is suitable grounds for a charge that might lead to removal. Forgiveness of "youthful indiscretions" is free from the Lord for those who repent sincerely yet the penalty for past sins does remain.]

4. Let us all remember to pray for our brethren in the OCA as they address this issue.

IC XC

I will apologize for "Kangaroo Court" as its particular context is secular law. And I am sure the the Kangaroos are not happy either.

Thank you for keeping the thread going as a way to look at the canonical issues at hand.

I cannot formulate an opinion on Vladyka's actions on making this man a reader. All I can say is that I would need to know more about what the canons say about this. I am sure that the canons define the character of clergy as a pre-requisite--and that those standards are pretty high. But, the hierarch can use economia if the person has demonstrated repentance--of that I am sure. In the contemporary Church these individuals cannot be made clergy, because they cause great scandal to the faithful, on that I agree, but the Lord still loves them and calls them to salvation and deification in Christ. And you are right about prayer. I still believe in a God who answers prayer.

Thank you Administrator for your prudence.

I pray all of you will forgive me. I realize I am learning more each day and am always open to differing views.

In Our Lord,


Robert

And you follow that up with a back handed insult, along with describing people clearly in anguish as a lynch mob and Fr. Michael Oleksa (a highly respected priest) as someone "pulling strings" to get what he wants.

If Bishop Nikolai is innocent of the various charges having to do with the reader, the finances and everything else; he will be cleared. The people disobeying authority at this time are not the "Americanized" laity, but the bishop himself. I think you should consider that. I think you should also consider the fact that Archbishop Job (Archbishop Job!) had to prostrate himself before Bishop Nikolai.

AMM:

To be honest I was really thinking about Kangaroos--you know the hopping and boxing kind with pouches and all that:) I am not sure it was a Freudian-slip because I know all of the hierarchs are living the Gospel the best they can--we are not perfect.

I really do think a mob-mentality has developed around Vladyka Nikolai.

Father Michael is a great sociologist, has made great communication videos, knows about inculturation and missiology, has a reputation in Alaska and all over the world. You are right, however I disagree about his, in my view, un-Orthodox understanding of inculturation and mission praxis--especially in regard to how to allow traditional Native religion to be legitimately imcorporated into Orthodox life and custom. Many people mistakenly believe that the Orthodox missionaries gave carte blanche to everything Natives did and accepted all practices. If Orthodoxy is a medicine can one apply the medicine of other forms of spirituality outside of the Church to attempt to heal the human soul? This is a question of spiritual theologians. Father Michael's on the air characterization of the relationship between Vladyka and the people as one of a battered houswife to an abuser is spurious at best. His frying pan metaphor was almost a backwoods Southern image, which reminded me of my grandmother when she hit my granpa on the head once for talking about a woman he thought was cute--boy she got him:) But, both propoganda machines are working. And essentially the one who wins get Alaska. I have no doubt at this point the Metropolia will win--but, I don't think Vladyka is going anywhere, in other words we will just have another Orthodox hierarch in Alaska with a his own ministry outside of the official structure of the OCA in whatever capacity, UNLESS he submits to Syosset and something is worked out--hopefully, something does work out.

And in regard to the former Reader, I think I am still waiting to learn more about the canonical issues in that situation. I know that people are saying there are financial indescretions on all sides--I will wait to see what happens in that regard as well. And I am sure Vladyka Job was doing what His Eminence' conscience determined at the time--that is His Eminence' business not mine.

The main issue for me is that ALL sides are heard in this issue. All sides are polemical and defensive right now--after the smoke clears or not maybe we all can go to the pub together and debate like they did in ancient Byzantium over Christological issues.

Just some thoughts.

In Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ,


Robert

This situation does not look like it will be resolved peacefully any time soon.

http://www.oca.org/News.asp?ID=1493&SID=19

Please pray for a miracle of grace.

The answer to your question is "no." The reason he is being investigated is that Bishop Nikolai tonsured a convicted child molester to reader. That decision alone calls into question his faculty of judgement. Also, there are allegations that he engaged in sexual and financial improprieties. Hence, an investigation is warranted. To further that, he was first asked, then ordered, to step aside from his post and his diocese.

Bishop Nikolai, in response, has refused to co-operate by stepping aside. Instead, he has remained in his diocese and at his post. This is in direct violation to the obedience that is expected of any cleric in such a situation. It also makes it appear that he is more concerned about maintaining his own name and position than maintaining the good of his diocese and the Church.

I suspect that how the rest of the OCA's hierarchy responds to this situation will determine if the OCA is a viable organization. Namely, is the OCA capable and willing to clean its own house?

-- John

From what I've read, I think technically speaking Bishop Nikolai may be right, but it does appear he may be using the technicalities of the canons to circumvent what is in the best interest of his diocese. I have the feeling the synod is going to gather and depose him.

Lets all remember that during the consecration service of a bishop in the OCA, the candidate makes the following promise:


Thus, Bishop Nikolai is in violation of this oath by not obeying the directive of the Holy Synod to leave Alaska.

A priest once said at a retreat that sometimes those who are most rigid are the very ones who are struggling against a particular sin. It is like the parable of the beam and the speck in the eye. If we are rigid toward those who have a certain failing, then oftentimes we see or we think we see our sin reflected in them. Only sometimes, their sin might be small but we have magnified it in them, and we despise them because we ourselves are guilty.



While we pray for Bishop Nicoli, let us also remember to pray for the former governor of New York too. He desperately needs our prayers.



Saintly Bishops lead by the example of their lives and their love of their flock.

May we be blessed with saintly Bishops who are willing to lay down their lives for their flocks like St. Ignatius and St. Polycarp.

"If we are rigid toward those who have a certain failing, then oftentimes we see or we think we see our sin reflected in them."

That is often the case. This is not limited to morality, but at times it plays a factor with politics and business.

Terry

Terry's principle is true sometimes, but not necessarily always. I speak from experience, being sinful myself.

Fr. Serge

First off, this was not a "questionable ordination," as readers are not ordained, but tonsured. Quite a distinction. This does not excuse the act, by any means, however! Although I might understand what Archimandrite Isidore was saying, it does not excuse making this person a reader-everyone IS redeemable-if it is Goid's Will-however, "everyone" should not necessarily be tonsured a reader, or ordained to the priesthood!

As to the above-I dont know what Moscow or Jordanville could do for the OCA-in many ways-you reap what you sow-this seems to me to be one of the results of extreme modernism, minimalism, and ecumenism. In other words, permissiveness in the extreme.